The picturesque town of Stratford, Ontario, carries art and creativity at its heart.
Like its namesake in the UK, Stratford is home to an internationally acclaimed theatre festival and a thriving artistic community. It is situated alongside a peaceful river (yes, the Avon) and it has a quaint downtown core with cafés, small shops and fabulous restaurants.
The retreat venue, the Old Rectory B&B, is so popular with its clients that its rooms are often booked one year in advance. Within easy walking distance to the town centre, as well as to the Stratford Festival theatres and the trails along Lake Victoria, The Old Rectory is the ideal location from which to explore and appreciate Stratford, as well as being a nourishing place to replenish your creative energy and devote yourself to writing.
Please note: Priority will be given to alumni of the Memoir Writing Ink course and/or writers with a publication history.
“Alison creates an environment of respect, knowledge and intimacy, in which one feels safe and supported while negotiating the labyrinth of memory and the challenges of mapping it on the page. Frankly, it was a life-changing experience and I cannot recommend it highly enough.”
Your Facilitator
This retreat offers a balance between focussed work, feedback, discussion, and space for inspiration and creative nourishment.
Alumni from Alison’s workshops have gone on to see their stories published in newspapers and magazines, their essays shortlisted for international writing prizes, their books published, their autobiographical plays produced. They have secured agents and publishing contracts, positions in MFA Creative Writing programs, and they have created priceless self-made books as gifts for their families. Most importantly, though, they have had the pleasure and satisfaction of honouring their voices, valuing their writing, and crafting their stories—at last.
“It’s not that Alison simply holds a mirror to reflect what you need to see within yourself and your writing; rather, it is as if she holds a body of water of immeasurable depth that allows you to go as deep as you must in order to find out who you really are and what you want to say.”
Accommodation
The Old Rectory B&B
The Old Rectory B&B offers the choice of private rooms and coach house suites, as well as one exquisite off-site heritage house. All bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, one with a clawfoot tub, two others with a private balcony or terrace. The Coach House Suites are completely self-catering 2-floor units with king-sized beds (which can be converted into two twin beds for double occupancy) with an ensuite bathroom downstairs and a kitchen with a large table/desk and washer/dryer upstairs.
Old Rectory: Sitting Room
Bedroom 1: Queen-sized bed, large bay window, clawfoot tub
Bedroom 2: Queen-sized bed, ensuite bathroom with shower
In addition to the 4 bedrooms in the main house, The Old Rectory has 2 fully self-catering coach house suites with full kitchens on the second level. The same number of meals are included with this option, but people staying in these suites have the option of preparing their own meals on the days when a lunch or dinner is not included [details below]. The downstairs bedroom can be arranged with one king-size bed or two twin beds and can be booked as single- or double-occupancy accommodation.
OFF-SITE ACCOMMODATION
The Rectory’s off-site option offers the greatest privacy and space. This gorgeous house is a peaceful 3-minute walk around the corner from The Old Rectory. Built in 1879, the house has been faithfully renovated to maintain its historic beauty and charm, with original pine flooring, wooden panel doors and sash windows. It is spacious, bathed in natural light, and offers comfortable modern living, including a bathroom with in-floor heating and a large shower, a well-equipped, bright kitchen, and a generous front porch. There is also high-speed wi-fi and private off-street parking for two cars in front of the house. There are 2 bedrooms upstairs, each with a queen-size bed, and a shared bathroom.
“If you have ever thought that you might have a story to tell, run to an Alison Wearing writing workshop. Alison is a luminous master teacher. Her generosity of spirit creates an atmosphere of joyous, supportive learning and sharing. With patience, kindness and humour, Alison draws participants together to form a ‘safe’ community of creative writers who value each other’s work. ”
Prices
Pricing is listed in CANADIAN and US DOLLARS. (Unfortunately, Canadians must add 13% HST. Nothing we can do!)
Prices include 6 nights accommodation, all meals with the exception of 1 dinner and 2 lunches, workshops, use of all facilities.
Does NOT include transportation to/from Stratford or Stratford Festival theatre tickets.
CA$3300 / US$2750 Bedrooms 1 & 2 (queen bed with ensuite; #1: clawfoot tub/handheld shower; #2: shower)
CA$3450 / US$2900 Bedrooms 3 & 4 (queen bed with ensuite bathroom with shower and private balcony or terrace)
CA$3500 / US$2950 Off-Site Accommodation (entire private house with 2 queen bedrooms and shared bathroom upstairs, full kitchen, dining room, sitting areas, porch and garden; Single-Occupancy offers a PRIVATE bedroom)
CA$3600 / US$3050 Coach House Suites, Single-Occupancy (king bed, ensuite shower, upper-level full kitchen/sitting area)
“Alison’s workshop was the key that unlocked my voice, the fire that lit my confidence and the sage that inspired my daily writing practice. Still going strong.”
The Stratford Festival Theatres
“Alison’s workshops are pure JOY.”
Travel Details
Stratford, Ontario, is 150 kilometres (90 miles) west of Toronto. Stratford does not have an airport, but there are several international airports nearby: London, Ontario (45 kms), Waterloo (45 kms), and Toronto (135 kms). Rental cars can be picked up at London and Toronto airports or you may arrange an airport shuttle from Toronto airport to The Old Rectory B&B in Stratford.
“The days with Alison were pivotal for my writing. My compass has been reset.”