In May, 2025, Stephen Boniwell joined us for our Novel Writing Retreat with Ingrid Persaud read on to find out more about the experience…
“After a two hour drive across Eryri, it was with relief that I drove up the shaded avenue to see the splendid Georgian frontage of the Ty Newydd before me in the afternoon sunshine.
The modern sculpture by the main gate added a pleasantly weird note to the peaceful, sunlit woods.
Inside, I received warm welcome in the office and was given a brief tour of the facilities before being guided to the room that was to be my home for the next few days. Pleasant and airy, this would be an excellent base for uninterrupted creativity.
After unpacking, a gentle stroll exploring the vicinity and gardens was followed by meeting my co-attendees and the house staff including the important personage of Tony – king of the kitchen.
The Welcome meeting led into the first meal of the week and an opportunity to meet and introduce ourselves to our mentor for the week; Ingrid Persaud. The meal led in a relaxed manner to a round table discussion with Ingrid about our writing expectations and experiences.
And so to bed.
Up early on the Tuesday morning to a beautiful day and a stroll in the morning air before a DIY breakfast and our first workshop at 9.45. The rest of the day was structured with personal time after the workshop, including a buffet lunch at 1.00 pm and 1 to 1 afternoon sessions with Ingrid followed by dinner at 18:30.
The 1 to 1 sessions had been signed up for on the first evening and the structure of the subsequent days went on the same timing. Overall, the layout of each day was well thought out and gave plenty of time to soak in the peaceful surrounding, write as required and feel at home with the environment.
A beautifully crafted metal gate led from the back of the garden onto paths which could be easily followed to the fields and beach for those that felt the need for peaceful exercise and contemplation.
Gateway to inspiration
On the Wednesday evening after dinner we had a zoom session in the library with the guest reader for the week . I had had some personal reservations about this before I attended, but found it very enjoyable and it was good to interact with the guest reader .
On the Thursday evening, the group decided not to share their work and a few of us went down to the local community pub for some social interaction. This proved an excellent way to end our retreat and it was good to hear Welsh being spoken as a primary language without feeling like strangers.
I left after breakfast on the Friday, already planning for a return workshop and with the embryo of a new poem in my thought.
My thanks are owed to all the wonderful staff at Ty Newydd who ensure that these workshops run smoothly and are on hand to help when any issues may arise. Their efficiency and cheerful assistance produces a very homelike atmosphere.
Tŷ Newydd
Timeless
Shady trees
And soft green lawns,
Gathering
Centuries
Of memories.
Awaiting the harvest
Of creative minds.
A womb of words
Within these
White washed walls.
Sharp brambled hedgerows
Protecting
Boundaries.
Entrap
The muse
In birdsong.”