This creative writing event is taking place at Cobnor over the Bank Holiday weekend, from the evening of Friday August 26^th and all day Saturday and Sunday and it’s a writing retreat with outdoor activities for that little extra creative inspiration…

We are providing the accommodation and facilities for the Writers’ Retreat and as Cobnor is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty writers will not only have the opportunity to take in the stunning surroundings but they’ll also get the chance to get stuck in to some outdoor activities. A powerboat trip, a coastal walk and an informal kayaking lesson are all on the cards for those writers that want to get out from behind their desks and get some inspiration from the Great Outdoors.

The event will kick off with a Pimm’s reception, informal networking, inspirational talks from professional writers and a book signing on Friday evening, designed to give local writers, publishers and creatives the opportunity to meet likeminded people. A writing and publishing panel talk will take place, offering an enlightening discussion between award-winning local writers Gabrielle Kimm (His Last Duchess, Sphere, 2010 and The Courtesan’s Lover, Sphere, 2011) and Isabel Ashdown (Glasshopper, Myriad Editions, 2009 and Hurry Up and Wait, Myriad Editions, 2011) and their editors. There will also be a raffle in aid of charity with some great prizes, including a voucher for half a day sailing donated by Cobnor Activities Centre. While the number of guests on the Writers’ Retreat weekend is limited, so that they get the very best writing experience possible, Friday evening’s event is open to the public for just £15 a ticket and limited tickets are still available.

Aspiring writers will have plenty of opportunity to brush up on their penmanship throughout the weekend. As well as plenty of free time to get pen to paper, Gabrielle Kimm is giving a creative writing workshop and Isabel Ashdown is giving a workshop to help writers develop their characters. There will also be talks from local writers, such as Stewart Ferris (Unusual Character Names for Writers, e-book, 2010; How to Publish Your Own Book, Summersdale, 2008; How to be a Writer, Summersdale, 2005; How to Get Published, Summersdale 2005), on the agenda. Boat trips to local points of natural and historical interest, such as East Head and Bosham Church, are planned too.

An exhibition of art will take place throughout the weekend, including Lorrie Whittington’s Sea Dreams: Exhibition of Paintings and Illustrations. This is a stunning collection in hues of purple, blue and green. The artwork will be on display to inspire the creatives and it will also be on sale so that they can take their inspirations home.

Cobnor Activities Centre’s Bryn Jones is so excited about the prospect of this event that he started getting all creative yesterday. Bryn donned his beret, coined himself a “Famous Welsh Poet”, and came up with this verse that’s loosely related to the haiku:

Water breaks

The sound is heard

I see the beauty

We’ll let you judge this particular literary phenomenon! Don’t be put off though; this “Famous Welsh Poet” is not on the bill. To book tickets for the weekend or for the Friday evening, please contact Katy on: 01243 533421 or email: katy@chichestercopywriter.co.uk.

Kate helped her other half, Pete, to organise the event and they even got her mum stuck in during the week making oodles of yummy cakes to sell. On the day, Kate ran the catering caravan where lucky visitors could buy delicious hand-filled baguettes and scrumptious home-made cakes to their hearts’ desire- and trust me, they did.

Meanwhile, Ben got his big lens out and sorted the day’s photography.  He had a great time snapping kids and their parents who were enjoying the various activities.  The families were able to do as many activities as they liked from archery, climbing and low ropes, to sea kayaking, sailing and boat trips – all for the generous sum of £5!

They were lucky with the weather with the sun shining away for the most part, although it was quite muggy at times and the kids on the water looked relieved by the cool air and ocean spray as they sailed around the harbour.  Ben was one of the lucky ones, getting to go out in a power boat with Pete to take some on-water action shots of the families revelling in water sports fun.  He captured some great images and even managed to snap a couple of newly-weds on a post knot tying cruise-ahhhh.

Kate would have done anything to get out of the stuffy caravan and feel the wind in her hair- the things we do for charity! Well, at least she was close to the ice lollies and the curse of her sweet tooth helped make up that little extra money for the Centre’s pot!

The Family Fun Day takes place each year to raise a bit of cash for the Centre and while local families chill out and take pleasure in all the activities on offer.  This year proved a great money spinner with Kate’s catering caravan pulling in most of the profits and the field games, particularly the coconut shy, pulling in a few pounds too.

Ben’s photos will be used by Cobnor Activities Centre to revamp their website and for future marketing ventures.  They have not used any professional photography to promote themselves so far and we’re sure that this helping hand from Ben will make all the difference. To see more of Ben’s photos keep your eyes peeled on Cobnor Activities Centre’s website.

Kate Lassetter

www.chichesterdesign.co.uk