Looking for a writing retreat?

Sheepwash is not, contrary to popular opinion, an agricultural shampoo product, but a lovely little village in Devon. Home to a charming little book exchange in an old red telephone box, and a proper village shop that sells Lockets and shoelaces, it is also the location of the fabulous Retreats For You.

Deborah Dooley, journalist and creator of meringues extraordinaire, has been opening her home to artists, writer and those just looking to get away from it all for three years, and has created a fabulous space to get your artistic head together. Dinner, bed, breakfast and a delicious home-made lunch are all provided, as are wellies, woollies and the chance to borrow a dog and her husband and go blackberrying under the blustery autumn clouds.

I stayed with her for a few days last week and had the most wonderful time. By turns inspiring, energising and relaxing, it gave me the chance to look over the manuscript I have been working on for years and make a plan to move forward with it, and this, coupled with a constantly overflowing jar of flapjack left by the kettle made it the perfect writer's break. Walkers and artists are also welcomed, although how much walking one would want to do after 3 days of cooked breakfasts, home-made bread, fresh eggs from the garden and lots of lots of wine is up to you...

Her daughter Flo very kindly gave me her Ultimate Best Squidgy Flapjack Recipe Ever, which I will share with you now, and if you are looking for a pampering weekend away in the Devon countryside, please get in touch with the lovely Debs and Bob!

Flo's Fabulous Flapjack Recipe
250g butter
220g dark sugar
450g oats
110g golden syrup

Put the butter, sugar and syrup into a pan and melt on a low heat until everything has melted/dissolved.

Add this to the oats and mix well, adding any other bits and pieces you fancy, such as choc chips, raspberries, sunflower seeds.

Pour into a lined baking tray and cook for 15/20 mins at 180 degrees. Leave to cool.