A retreat is a chance to get away from your day to day life and spend some time focusing on something different. You can get some space to look at things with fresh eyes, to discover some new ideas or to get back in touch with what matters most to you. It can be a chance to explore your faith and the spiritual side of life. Come for some conversation, some creative activities and some space to think.
Previous days have included making fabric labyrinths and making wooden holding crosses. Other retreats start with retelling stories from the Bible, and creative ways of exploring our own stories.
I aim to make the days as approachable and friendly as I can. People are often a little nervous when they arrive, but go away having relaxed and enjoyed the day. Often they surprise themselves by having tried something they were daunted by. I’ve run days for churches and charities, as well as open days that anyone can come to. (See below). If you’d like me to run a day for your group, please contact me at claire@ragbagmending.co.uk to chat about it.
I’m not sure if these are for me?
I work from a Christian perspective, but you can be of any faith or none. You don’t need to be creative or have any particular skills. You just need a willingness to have a go at something new. You won’t have to share what you’ve done with anyone unless you choose to. If you need accommodations for a disability or if it would help you to ask about something specific, email me beforehand at claire@ragbagmending.co.uk and I’ll do what I can to make it work for you.
Upcoming Events in 2026
This year, I’m running a series of Creative Days at Brancepeth Castle, just outside Durham, (Yes, it’s a real castle!) These are hosted by the Community at the Well, who are based there. They’re open to anyone who would like to come.
The days will run from 11am to 4pm and will include tea/coffee and refreshments and a simple home made lunch. They cost £40 per person with a 20% discount for people attending more than one day in 2026. You can find out more here You can also find out about other retreats they run, including 3 and 4 day individually guided silent retreats. I went on one recently, and I’d heartily recommend the place and the experience.
February, Sat 21 Finding God in Threads and Patches
In a world that’s increasingly fast paced and digital, what can we learn from slowing right down and working with our hands?
In a world where more and more things are disposable, what can we learn from the old fashioned art of mending? How might God be at work in mending things that are broken?
Come and explore these themes, while learning some simple clothes mending skills, sharing stories and taking time to pray. (No sewing or mending experience needed)
March, Sat 21 Creative Prayer for Beginners
Collage, poetry, drawing, fabric and thread: all of these can help us deepen our connection to God and help us to pray. Come and try something new in a supportive setting. No experience or art skills needed. The 16th May will have a different range of ideas to try out, so come to either, or to both of them together.
April, Sat 25 Bible Stories Re-Worked: Sunday School for Grown Ups!
In the morning: hear a well known Bible story told in a fresh way with the chance to reflect on it together. In the afternoon: a range of creative ways to respond to the story. To finish the day: a simple act of worship and time for those who want to, to share what we’ve done.
May, Sat 16 Creative Prayer for Beginners
The same title as the 21st March, but we’ll be trying out some different ideas, so you could come to either one of them, or both together.
July, Sat 18 Finding God in Threads and Patches
See February 21st
Ragbag Mending 