From Miss Primrose
Peacock
Sir, - It is obviously sad
that some retreat houses have to close, either owing to maintenance
costs or a lack of bookings (Features, 17 May; Letters, 31 May).
But quiet days and retreats may in the modern world have become a
minority interest. For me, once was enough: the boredom was
intense.
Has anyone considered
alternatives? In this day and age, despite, or possibly partially
owing to, IT, there are many severely isolated people (not all
elderly) who have too many quiet days. They might welcome an
opportunity to spend a day in the company of others with shared
interests who just want an opportunity for discussion without
needing to join a "club".
Provided that a subject was
pre-selected, and one person was loosely overseeing matters, there
would be no need to engage expensive leaders. The only possible
downside might be the perennial social bore, who can be tiresome,
or the individual with purely personal interests. But they can be
deflected or managed.
PRIMROSE PEACOCK
4 Crescent Rise
Truro
Cornwall
TR1 3ER
UK