A Retreat Of A Different Kind

Saturday afternoon I could be found turning the leaves of books at the Retreat in Kings Langley located at the bottom of Abbots Road. Quality bargains were to be had as usual and for a tenner I came away with a pile of books including one by the renowned author and playwright Caryl Phillips.

I will freely admit that for a long time, I used to pass The Retreat and yet knew nothing about its origins.

However, step inside the grounds and you will find yourself in a haven of tranquility abounding with wildlife. A bit like opening the gate and stumbling across The Secret Garden.

It all started with a generous donation by John Dickinson in 1844 of three and a half acres of land to the Booksellers Provident Institution ( now known as the BTBS ). Fast forward to present day and thanks partly to a £400k donation by the Foyle Foundation in 2002 The Retreat is able to continue to offer affordable accommodation to rent for those over 50 ( retired or approaching retirement) who have worked for or had an association with the book trade.

The proceeds of the book sales that The Retreat holds go towards the BTBS charity.

Yes, escapism takes many forms and if you are anything like me then reading a book can transport you to another time, another place, another persona and even to a different view or vantage point.

For instance, although I am unable to afford to return to the outstanding beauty of Relleu in Spain for a short break, I can instead immerse myself in the next best thing – a wonderful novel entitled ‘Sacred Sierra –A Year On A Spanish Mountain’ by Jason Webster.

Totally engrossed I find myself pausing, rewinding and reading over and over the memorable collection of words that Jason Webster conjures up. If I just close my eyes I can be there, I can truly be there, amidst the almond blossom and the sun as it sets.

And that is where I am going to leave you - with that thought.