After months of anticipation and stress in the hope, that the retreat would go ahead, we managed to scrape through. This was primarily due to all the attendees that stayed committed and supportive. Everyone had either been tested or vaccinated before their arrival which provided the group added reassurance throughout the weekend.
For our first day, we had our favourite artist back Dave Randall, who gathered the group into the main bar to paint a self-portrait of themselves in Picasso style whilst sipping a glass of Prosecco. The activity encouraged the group to relax and bond with one another, before they joined the group therapy sessions the following day. We were also privileged to have the wonderful funny Janey back for the second time and she didn't disappoint with her quirky stories and seemed to have cultivated a blossoming friendship with the black nosed sheep, who were more than open for some sheep cuddling. Which came in useful after an intense morning of therapy. Heather Mallery hosted the sessions and made sure everyone received their money's worth by going over time once again. The dream team were back Anita & Michael Moir, but this time they both took over the kitchen and kept everyone fed with their delicious meals and made sure everyone left a little heavier. The talented duo subsequently went on to perform a fabulous job at hosting the cheese & wine event, which went down a storm. We all left feeling like wine connoisseurs and without any doubt experienced wine drinkers. Seema our wonderful new Yoga instructor kept us all in shape and got us into some tricky positions, and although I managed to provide my body a good old stretch, I could definitely feel the after effects the following day. Steph Corking also made another appearance but skipped the dance routines this time and kept to business, by providing the group with some extra laughter and the tools to advance their lives forward. But the main star of the weekend undoubtedly goes to Robert who kept us all entertained with his cheeky one liners.
All things considered it was an emotional but fabulous weekend, we all left feeling stronger for the future and with new lasting friends and I look forward to seeing you all for that boozy lunch once the pubs are fully open.
I'd like to say big heartily thanks to Ian the venue owner and everyone who attended because without your commitment it would have been impossible for it to go ahead
Our next retreat will run from October 18-19 2021. For more information please click on the link www.mendingheartsretreat.com