Virtual Writing Retreats

Our 'WellWriteWednesdays' are now a regular feature of our Virtual routine at Chapelgarth

So here it is.. the hero of our Virtual Writing Retreats... It ticks-tocks noisily in the background and has to be muted during the writing sessions, but it comes into its own - somewhat clunkily! - as the breaks approach.. I hear the wheels of its hidden bodywork grind into position and then - Yey! It chimes: all its eleven times at eleven o'clock.. Regular attendees now know it.. you can rely on it being a couple of minutes late.. but hey-ho! - as Facilitator I am prepared to put up with this little quirkiness.. I like to know that our writers are somewhat connected to our writing residence even though they are inhabiting only our Virtual Writing Room during Lockdown. I love the fact that this old clock, which has ticked through many-a-world-crisis is now playing its part in the world pandemic, entering into the houses and flats of our virtual writers through its chiming sound, and keeping us connected through its sound..

Because, while 'shut-up and-write' is the mantra of any self-respecting Writing Retreat - the sounds and chatter of our breaks are just as important at Chapelgarth Writing Retreats, whatever their form! Those who are regular attendees will remember how our Edwardian gong plays its part in 'rallying the troops' back from walks and runs when it is time to eat! Well, our gong is very quiet now, but I like to think that the mantelpiece clock has taken up this role at this time of crisis!