Next Retreat: Jun 9-14th 2025
Presenting the Talent Is Timeless UK Summer Songwriting Retreat with Darden Smith and Boo Hewerdine
If you identify as female and are potentially interested in attending a women-only songwriting weekend lead by tutor Rachel Walker Mason in Chesterfield Oct 25-27th, register your interest by filling in the form below.
Songwriting Retreat hosted by Darden Smith (USA) and Boo Hewerdine (UK)
Join us for another unforgettable songwriting retreat with the incredible Boo Hewerdine on October 20-22nd! After the tremendous success and heartwarming experiences of our previous retreat, we are thrilled to announce that we are doing it all over again. Embrace your creativity, connect with like-minded souls, and immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings of Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa. With Boo’s expertise and guidance, this retreat promises to be another incredible journey of inspiration, songcraft, and shared musical moments. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something truly special as we come together to celebrate the power of music and songwriting.
Venue: Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa
Experience the charm of Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, a beautiful 19th century manor house surrounded by 6 acres of award-winning gardens and 29 acres of parkland. Ideally located in Chesterfield, Derbyshire with easy access to the M1, this Grade 2 listed hotel provides the perfect setting for creativity and relaxation.
Accommodation & Amenities
During your stay, indulge in well-appointed rooms and suites, ensuring a comfortable and rejuvenating experience. Enjoy delicious meals at The Coach House Restaurant, where culinary delights await. For ultimate relaxation, treat yourself to the luxurious Garden Secret Spa. With excellent function and event rooms, Ringwood Hall Hotel is the perfect place for Talent Is Timeless members to connect with one another and find new inspiration for their songs.
Guidance from Boo Hewerdine (UK) & Darden Smith (USA)
Boo Hewerdine and Darden Smith bring their friendship and expertise to Talent Is Timeless members on this unique summer songwriting retreat.
With two glittering musical careers on both sides of the ocean they will guide you through emotive, lively, poetic and poignant songwriting styles with various challenges on each day of this retreat.
They will each share valuable techniques and creative insights to help you take your songwriting to new heights.
A Gathering Like No Other
This retreat is a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded songwriters who share your passion for music. Immerse yourself in a supportive community, foster new collaborations, and forge lifelong connections.
6 Day Retreat Programme
- Acoustic concert by Saskia Griffiths-Moore, Darden Smith (USA) and Boo Hewerdine (UK)
- 10 x Songwriting workshops with Darden Smith and Boo Hewerdine
- 2 x Evening songwriting circle’s
- Mobile Producer Recording Songs Written
- Special Guest Concert
- Buffet breakfast, set lunch menu and 3 course meals every evening
- Refreshments throughout the day
- Fully catered 4* luxury residential retreat
SCHEDULE
Monday 9th June
3-6pm – ArrivalÂ
6-7pm – Group welcome meeting
7-8pm – 3 Course Supper
8:30-9:30pm – Welcome concert by Saskia Griffiths-Moore, Boo Hewerdine & Darden Smith
Full Study Days (10-13th)
7:30-10am – Breakfast
10-1pm – Morning Workshop
1-2pm – Lunch
2:30-5:30 – Afternoon Workshop
7-8pm –Â 3 Course Supper
8:30-10pm – Songwriters Circles
Saturday 14th June
7:30-10am – Breakfast
10-11am – Checkout & Departure
Prices
(Only £250 deposit required now to secure your place)
6 day retreat – 9-14th June 2025
£1545 per person in a twin room
£1695 per person in a private room
Non Residential PassÂ
Includes: Attendance of intimate concert on Friday eve, all workshops, lunch and supper, evening activities, refreshments and full lunch on 15th.
£1245 per person
Couples Offer
One songwriter & one holiday maker!
£1395 per person for:
- Twin Room
- One person attends all workshops
- Both parties attend all meals and social activities
First come first served
Price includes the retreat events, catering, and the songwriting workshops. Please inform us of any dietary requirements on booking.
Address: Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, Ringwood Rd, Brimington, Chesterfield S43 1DQ (https://ringwoodhallhotel.com)
Questions? Message: [email protected]
1. Book with A Deposit
   50% sold  Â
Spaces are limited to 14, so secure your place with a deposit now to ensure you don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity.
Get ready to unleash your creativity and join us for a weekend of music, camaraderie, and personal growth at the Talent Is Timeless Songwriting Retreat with Boo Hewerdine & Darden Smith. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Note – deposit is fully refundable up to 3 months before start date. Full payment is required by 9th March 2025. Booking via the link confirms your place on the retreat.
Secure Your Spot (deposit)
2. Complete Your Booking
If you booked with a deposit, you may now complete your booking here
Private Room – Final Payment
Shared Room – Final Payment
Non Residential Pass – Final Payment
Couples Offer – Final Payment (1 songwriter, 1 guest)
Hurry we don't have long
Example songwriting exercise: Written by Boo Hewerdine & Saskia Griffiths-Moore at the first ever UK songwriting long weekends retreat using a photograph by Vivian Maier (pictured right) to spark their imagination into an AABA song format with an XAXA rhyme scheme. In this case the picture was of of two young friends looking each other confidently and proudly in the eyes while standing outside in front of a tree.
Guest Requirements Form
Please join this members group: https://www.talentistimeless.com/groups/uk-retreats/forum/
Participant Comments
"I had a great time at this year's songwriters retreat - one great aspect is being connected to other people with the same endeavour. Songwriting for me is quite an insular isolated process - it's only when I come to record or perform the finished article that it’s shared with other people. So it was that experience of being part of a songwriting community that will stay with me."
"The songwriting weekend was a last minute opportunity for me, but I am so glad I took it! I felt comfortable and valued despite being a relative newby to playing an instrument and writing music. On the whole, the weekend was amazing, inspiring, friendly and supportive. I would definitely recommend it to any aspiring songwriters "
"It was really lovely hearing everyone and sharing each others stories. For me, as a reluctant singer it was really encouraging. Boo was just exceptional, very informative, kind, and understanding. I learnt so much from him and his approach throughout the weekend was invaluable. "
"This was a lovely weekend meeting like-minded and nurturing musical people who also write songs. Set in an enchantingly beautiful area where it was easy to relax into my creative place and share with a generous and supportive musical family. Boo and Saskia were inspirational and brought out the best in us and were always there to make sure we were okay. I felt loved, recognised and respected as a fellow musician. When’s the next one?"
Songs from the last time we gathered...
If you attended the last gathering we would love to hear your creations! Got a rough YouTube video for us? A soundcloud link? Pop it on a comment under here so we can continue to enjoy it and build up a history of all the beautiful songs that were written in these workshops.
