Weston Estate was be-a-utiful and the staff was INCREDIBLE.

Outstanding experience. Amazing participants, organizers, and staff. A once-in-a-lifetime venue full of priceless art, historic architecture, and famous gardens. I enjoyed every minute of every day there, and only wish I'd had more time to participate in all the planned activities AND truly explore the house and grounds, let alone enjoy a little me-time. I particularly loved getting to spend time with the mentors and actors, all of whom were fascinating and generous people with refreshingly real and varied experience in television and film.

The workshop was great on so many levels; very well organized/planned by John Strong & Robin Bradford. The accommodations/staff/service were wonderful. The workshop panels headed by super great mentors/the actors and the attendees made this trip very special! Would definitely recommend and go again.

I don’t know exactly how “review” this experience. How do you review something that has changed your life? The “Ignite the Spark Retreat - England, October 2026” was more than I could have ever dreamed of. Yes, there are always small things that could be adjusted but when you’re looking at the larger picture of the experience as a whole, I hesitate to use the word, but for me, it was perfect. This is not a journey that people take easily. This is a journey of self exploration, goalsetting, and receiving of true and honest feedback for what could be considered your life‘s work and your true calling. Some parts of this experience were difficult to swallow. Some of the experienced mentors provided new ways of looking at the stories that we were trying to tell each mentor brought their own perspective, and sometimes you had to take their compliments and criticism and digest them for a while. Throughout the week, I felt welcomed and included. The next day, I felt isolated and alone. And then the next day, I felt elated and validated. Each day held both magical moments and depths. I had not reached yet in my 52 years. The path on which the mentors guide the participants are all necessary steps towards a greater outcome. The steps may seem small at first and almost like a game of insignificance. Small things like teaching you how many ways to use the word walk or different ways of saying the word talk. In the moment it seems like just a way to pass the time until you go to bed. When you wake up the next morning, you realize you have already achieved a greater dialogue and you are a better writer. To the organizers, Robin, John and Lisa. I thank you. I am forever changed because you created this opportunity and you were gracious enough to invite me to be a part. To the mentors, I am grateful for you and I appreciate you. You took me through the development of an idea that I am excited to move forward and bring to fruition in the coming months. In between the mixed reviews, please know that each one of you was an integral part of the transformation that takes place. Somebody always has to be the bad cop. You all played your roles with kindness, and understanding, even when delivering hard realities. Again, thank you. To the other participants, what a joy it was to meet all of you with your diverse ideas and ways of building characters and storylines. I have a new appreciation for all of the different ways that our minds think and our dreams are brought into reality. To the actors who came and read our scripts. It was incredible to see the words put down on page come to life. You are all very talented at your craft, and the time that you took out of your busy schedules and your family moments is greatly appreciated. Finally, to myself. I am so grateful that you had the courage to take a leap of faith and embark on a journey where you did not know the outcome. You are brave. You are courageously, taking another path at the midpoint, hopefully, of your life. Now it’s up to you to ensure that you stay on the path and you have something beautiful to share next year. To anyone reading this review and contemplating applying to be part of one of these retreats, please know that if you decide, yes, it will be a time in your life that you will never forget. This retreat was held at Weston Park. To Martin, Jane with a Y, and both daytime Dave and nighttime Dave, thank you for your graciousness, your understanding and the honour of joining you at Weston Park. Your whole team should be proud of how you hosted and managed throughout the entire retreat. I left a piece of my heart, please keep it safe until I return. All the best to you and yours, Cathleen

John & Robin go out of their way to pick locations that will be artistically inspiring-Westin Park was breathtaking and full of history. It was lovely to have mentors with very different focuses so that we could get a multitude of perspectives through practical workshops as well as personal mentorship. It's a highlight of my year to spend time with so many wonderful writers and have the chance to learn,connect, and encourage each other.