It gave me the time out of time and a place out of the world where, without all the distractions of daily life, I was unable to avoid issues that have, for a while now, required sitting with. Not that answers have been forthcoming – contemplation is rarely as convenient as that, but I have discovered a ‘way for being’ with these issues that allows me to see them a little more clearly for what they are. Too many words here – but simply and with all my heart, ‘Thank you’. For the so-peaceful space, for the ‘held’ environment. It has helped me to re-connect to the sacred within.

... the beauty and tranquil surroundings, with the privacy I needed; this retreat has helped me to sort out some problems in my life. I thank you, it has been a privilege to stay here; lastly thank you for the well stocked fridge. Please may I come back.

The setting is wonderful – lots of peaceful areas to walk and explore. The pig pen was very comfortable and had everything you could need for a short stay. The buildings I went into had a very positive feel about them, small cosy library, welcoming reception area and beautiful peaceful medieval chapel. I loved all the animals particularly the larger and very affectionate black cat with the white patch on her chest. The staff were very kind, helpful and unobtrusive. I was able to find peace and quiet at a trying time in my life. Thank you.

The self-catered meals and pig pen setup meant I could devote myself to rest and listening to God. I had a lovely time, thank you for putting so much thought and care into the retreat even down to matching Tamworth pig mugs! I really appreciated the bath being made available. I can’t think of anything that would have made my stay more helpful/enjoyable.

It is such a lovely place to be refreshed, in every way. The wonderful (in the full sense of the word) views and countryside to walk in have been a great blessing to me, as have the peacefulness and gardens of the Centre itself. However, beneath that exterior I know that it must take a huge amount of work to keep things so clean, neat and smooth running, and I am very thankful for each member of the community who, so unobtrusively, work so hard to provide this great service to clergy, their wives and lay folk alike. It is much appreciated – thank you all. I would have found my stay at Sheldon more enjoyable if there could have been a muslin curtain on the door window of the pig pen, as there was on the main window. As it was, I had to pull the main curtain on it on occasion which made the room a little dark. Just a tiny suggestion, to save anyone going by having the shock of seeing my sometimes all-action worship style! Overall, I was very impressed by how so many small things had been thought of to aid your guests’ comfort. Thank you again. P.S. I would love to see the cockerels have a bit more run in their hutch!

The Pig Pen had everything I could possibly need… I was able to relax, pray, write, sleep, walk and more in any order I needed! Thank you SO MUCH. I felt the support of the community around me and the whole site was conducive to both taking apart and putting back together. I can’t think of anything which would have made my stay more helpful etc.

… solitude, ethos of hospitality, beauty of surroundings, massage. I would have found it more useful/helpful/enjoyable if… only having more time. Otherwise it could not have been better.

It was easy and straightforward to book (especially considering that I booked at the last minute) – it was quiet and welcoming

... the ambience of prayer, understanding and empathy; the facilities are of a high standard and thoughtfully equipped; the location and the quiet have a healing quality; we were warmly welcomed and our needs recognised; the building and grounds are beautifully maintained.

It gave me the space to rest and recuperate but more than that spending time sifting through with God a hard six months and he answered my prayers showing me the whys and the way forward.  Your accommodation and setting are wonderful, and although a reluctant guest I thank God for your ministry here and look forward to returning.  The next time I will come not because I have to but because I want to, and for this place to be a part of my walk of faith is part of why God brought me here, a sanctuary in the midst of great busyness.  A place for the wounded and hurt of the battle, to find rest, peace and restoration.  A hermitage, praise God.

Quiet and restful time with a mix of reading, reflection and outings!
….I’m sure there isn’t much that can be done But I do find the arm chairs in the Pig Pens particularly uncomfortable either for reading or watching TV.  I found myself sneaking to the library to find a bit of comfort from the green armchair there!

... the peace and quiet, excellent accommodation so thoughtfully prepared with great attention to detail – evidence of love.  Friendly and non intrusive staff, beautiful surroundings.  It was just what I needed and I look forward to coming again.

I had space for me.  The beautiful surroundings, countryside and well kept grounds helped me to relax in the presence of God.  I loved my little pig-pen.  It was so comfortable and homely and I so much enjoyed sitting on the patio just soaking in the beauty of all around me.  I felt so spoiled!  I liked the freedom of preparing my meals when I was ready for them.  Thank you to everyone for your gentle caring.  I felt the presence of both Martha and Mary throughout my week. I’ll be back!

Beautifully appointed Pig Pen with lovely view and grounds.  Perfect peace except that we found the school children rather noisy with constant to and fro in the mornings and evenings.  Occasionally we felt like a gold fish in a bowl as we were stared at.  Wonderful relaxing massage.

… This week has offered an important space and sanctuary which has enabled me to progress my writing to and through an important stage. As ever the hospitality, kindness, attention to detail and distance in terms of offering personal space has been perfect.  The Pig Pens are brilliant, just right.  The food in my stocked larder was most enjoyable and just the right amount.  The refurbished chapel has been a very helpful/beautiful/peaceful resource.  Also good the walk up to the new fields and the bench at the top give that sense of getting away.  If I was really nitpicking I would say that the upholstered, easy chairs were not very comfortable.  THANKS to you all – I look forward to coming again, as ever THANKS FOR YOUR LOVING CARE.

… It gave me a chance to get away and to talk with someone confidentially.  I should have realized I needed longer.

~ The peace the atmosphere.
~ The food from the stocked larder.
~The comfort.  The heated towel rail in Gloucester Pig Pen is extremely hot.  I burned my elbow on it.  Can it either be turned down but not off or, alternatively there needs to be a warning notice when manoeuvring in the bathroom! [Webeditor: We have had our heating engineer out and this problem has been resolved]

… it gave me the peace, space and tranquility that I needed in a wonderfully caring but unobtrusive community ... such a beautiful place even in the rain.

… Sheldon and the community provided a space at a time of crisis. A space to be quiet, listen to God, collect my thoughts, retrace my steps. The community unobtrusively provided for all my practical needs and were always on hand to provide emotional and spiritual support. I would give my highest recommendation to anyone seeking rest, healing particularly at times of stress or crisis. Thank you so much. May God sustain you as He has me through you.

… of your excellent, thoughtful unobtrusive hospitality. Thank you to you all!

~ when I arrived I was excited at renewing shared peace at Sheldon . Of course I was bowled over by welcoming of all the staff in a quiet reassuring way and the sheer excellence of the new Pig Pens!
~ my wonderfully overstocked fridge and cupboard - such luxury for me to be so enfolded!
~ the delight of being able to walk the paths, fields, copse, garden and courtyard all so lovingly tended.
~ the privilege of sharing morning and evening office in the new chapel and the now warm, simple, awesome old chapel that's available for our needs. It has helped me to again start to bring more discipline into my daily life – away from the day to day pressures. I've allowed to pursue me and distract from my special and desperate need of our Dear Father's grace, love, peace and joy. I thank you all especially Jan for a great massage! May God continue to bless you all in your ministries so needed and much appreciated and may his presence be in every being and space of Sheldon – giving new life as in spring eternally!

… it has been a much needed break – just wish it was much longer. I will be back because the attention to detail makes Sheldon a special place. I love being able to wander around the grounds – especially at night! And the sheep and deer are great companions in reflections. I love the place at the top of the hill. Its good to join people at the bar – even on a retreat I still need some people contact. The best thing of all is space for God. Thank you for allowing that. The food was great and I'd definitely go for ‘larder stock' again
I would have found my stay more useful/helpful/enjoyable if … as a newcomer to the ‘larder stock' I was quite nervous what I would get and a bit too shy and unsure where/who to ask for more or different things. Maybe before arrival some idea of what would be provided and then on arrival a little note to explain its OK to ask for more or to swap things. I know in the book it says ‘ask' but who/where/when might have helped me feel less nervous. I wondered if a hot water bottle was available – as much for comfort as for heat. I missed having Compline together.

… the Pig Pen was just right – comfortable, spacious, well equipped, great view, nice creative touches warm! The context of the site and community - inspiring, stabilising, safe, highly organised. The chapels – beautiful, peaceful – sense of God's presence. Great bonus for me to be able to bring my cello and make free use of the Long Barn. I saw that Sheldon could be ideal for residential music.
I would have found my stay more useful/helpful/enjoyable if … there had been more opportunity to meet and chat with folk. I found the solitude a bit intense. …I'd had the opportunity for one-to-one prayer/counselling.

… I experienced the truth of Paul's words to the Philippians 4:19 ‘and my God will meet all your needs in Christ Jesus.' All my practical needs were met; I felt peace which helped me get the rest I so much needed and also the feeling of being very much loved and supported. The beauty of the countryside around so much helped and whoever designed the Pig Pens certainly was a very gifted and probably a powerful person. The chapel too was a place I found as a sanctuary where Jesus was very close and his voice and presence giving me the time and recharging I needed. The framework to each day – the prayers, intercessions and readings - gave my space shape, possibly a discipline I need but just to be the recipient of such wonderful home cooking; comfort and view from the big window made such a contribution to my stay, enabling me to rest and relax in those ‘everlasting arms' always there holding and supporting, gave me something I had not experienced before but realise it's something I need to repeat. My heart is full of gratitude for being led to you, for all the staff and community gave to me – and to Jesus. My prayers will continue for you all and the wonderful work you do. These words of a Christmas Carol come to mind: ‘How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given…' Thank you for the gift of your love.

… the overwhelming richness of the natural landscape locally, within which Sheldon nestles, which is wild yet also tame. The same applies to the land at Sheldon which is sensitively manicured to retain its beauty and enhance its wildlife.
… the freedom to immerse oneself in the beauty of all that Sheldon offers but with appreciation of the boundaries imposed by (a) the limitation of the site – that which is home - to protect any who may feel lost within and may be overwhelmed by outer spaciousness and (b) the sensitive rules provided to enable all to feel safe and therefore fully nurtured.
… the fact that the community members open their hearts so widely to embrace all comers and yet demonstrate clearly that they act from a place deep within and close to their own hearts.
… that when one surrenders and accepts that one has personal needs as Jesus did, one can also visit the home of Mary and Martha and receive the same gift of welcome and attention. This enables one to feel a close connection to, and deeper insight into, the ‘human-ness' of Jesus and can be very healing. One can leave feeling refreshed and replenished and with a greater love and acceptance of and for oneself. It has, for me, re-kindled the sacred flame I keep alight in the altar of my heart, so that I leave ready to resume the normal rhythm of my life with renewed intention to ‘Let your light so shine before all men etc …' on another level one can also attune to the models of Mary & Martha through the service provided here, seen and unseen and renew ones own intention to serve Jesus and humanity in whatever ways we can
I would have found my stay more useful/helpful/enjoyable if
… I could have stayed for longer!
… I'd brought my binoculars

… I found a peace not just physically, but spiritually, not even my mobile phone worked and so, for once, I could completely switch off from the demands of ministry. Everything was made as easy as possible with regard to food and comfort

… for fellowship, space and the luxury of time. Something has definitely taken root - the journey home took less time than usual ... but, I was aware that for the first time in months it felt unhurried and that I was noticing the scenery as well as the road. I shall hold unto the rhythm for as long as I can - may it last longer than the souvenir bottles of Martha's mild - which lasted for as long as it took my friends to discover that I was home!! And a huge thank you for the Christian names only policy .... wonderful to be label free for once.