In the beautiful setting of Hyning Monastery, this retreat day draws on the deep rooted Christian reverence for the earth and connects scripture, creative writing and nature with personal reflection and prayer. Exploring our God-given nature which embodies creativity, the day offers an opportunity for creative writing (poetry, free writing etc) and the practice of a contemplative way of seeing the natural world through the poetry of the Gerard Manley Hopkins. All are welcome, no writing experience is necessary.

Waiting list only now

10.30am Coffee and Welcomes

11am – 12.15pm  Session

12.15pm Midday Prayer 

12.30-1pm Session

1pm Lunch

2-3pm Session followed

Tea and cake

The day will be led by Donna Worthington. This is her website.

The day will cost £30. These will include refreshments, lunch and tea/cake in the afternoon. Also the cost for the tutorial sessions led by Donna. Contact hyningbookings@yahoo.co.uk to book in.

Donna Worthington is an experienced retreat giver / spiritual director and worked at the ecumenical Tabor Retreat Centre in Preston, Lancashire, which involved leading retreats, spirituality days, contemplative meditation, labyrinth prayer walks and creative liturgy. Donna has MAs in Theatre Directing, Writing and TV Production (The Star-Gazer film was shown on Granada TV in 2000). She has written several plays including Illumination (Durham Cathedral and touring) written in the light of the Lindisfarne Gospel Exhibition and Blackbirds At Dawn, created to raise awareness of human trafficking. Donna has led creative workshops with all ages and on various themes, including exploring the Gospels through theatre and movement. Having studied Theology at Cambridge, Donna completed an MPhil at Manchester University, while developing a local theology in the context of working as a street theologian on a marginalised housing estate in Blackburn, Lancashire. Donna is a trained teacher and has worked in secondary, further and higher education.