The writers included five members of the Warrah Writers Paula Stevenson from Bunnan, Genevieve Kneipp from Murrurundi, Judy Hynes from Willow Tree, Therese Ralston from Quirindi and Helen Hope from Werris Creek.

Poet Michael Thorley, artist Sally Hill, writer Gloria Milton of Tamworth and Peter Watson of Armidale also attended the writing retreat.

The group used artefacts at the heritage-listed Nundle Museum, quirky pre-loved goods from the volunteer-run second hand shop The Old Church Boutique, historical records scrawled on the wall of 110-year-old general merchant Odgers and McClelland Exchange Stores, and the she-oak lined banks of the Peel River as inspiration for their writing.

One of the tutors was Megan Trousdale a freelance writer, former deputy editor of Australian Country Style magazine and journalist for The Land and Northern Daily Leader newspapers.

Trousdale said the retreat gave writers time to write, away from the distractions of day to day life.

“It is a chance to leave excuses such as chores and family responsibilities at home, knuckle down and write, and enjoy the company of writers,” she said.

“At the December retreat one of the participants was so inspired he returned to his cabin and wrote for five hours. Another enjoyed himself so much he suggested we set homework and said what he least enjoyed about the retreat was it didn’t last longer.”

Another tutor was Nicola Worley, an English teacher.

Worley said as well as exercising the writing muscle the retreat nurtured the soul and stimulated the senses to encourage creativity.

“We use organic produce from our home vegetable gardens to ensure our writers’ appetites are well sated and include gentle walks to encourage the flow of feel-good endorphins and provide opportunities for writing observations,” she said.

Three writing retreats will be held at Nundle in March on Saturday and Sunday 6 and 7, Tuesday 16, and Saturday Sunday 20 and 21.

Writers interested in joining the March Nundle Writing Retreats should contact Tamworth Community College on 6766 4775, Megan Trousdale on 0427 693 310 or Nicola Worley on 0428 724 708.