Their experience, in their own words.
The retreat is extraordinary
Nancy Gregory
“We all found it quite emotional… because obviously, the more you go into a memory, the more you feel you’re back at that time.”
How easily everyone got on coming from different generations — really warm
Jessica James
"Everything we learned… I was still amazed by the technology we have now."
Just an appreciation for how I grew up
Natalie Leonna
“I had so much more feeling when I went back to my childhood memories.”
Investment & 2026 Retreat Dates
Your Investment
£747 per person
£1,497 for two
Accommodation and all meals included throughout your stay
They become more precious.
Begin Your Life Story
Begin Your Life Story
Your story matters. There is no better time to start.
Your story matters. There is no better time to start.
Begin Your Life Story
Begin Your Life Story
Stories matter, and there’s no better time to start.
Stories matter, and there’s no better time to start.
What you can expect...
With space to reflect and explore, you’ll reconnect with your past and rediscover what makes your life uniquely yours.
What this retreat is not...
The Weekend Programme
Friday
Arrive. Settle. Begin.
Saturday
Reflect. Create. Explore.
Sunday
Capture. Edit. Celebrate.
Use the equipment to digitise images or videos you’ve brought. Record a memory using a simple teleprompter or speak naturally with photos as prompts.
Leave inspired, equipped, and ready to keep your life story growing — one memory at a time.
Meet Your Presenters
Meet Your Presenters
learn more...
learn more...
Stephen ensures that memories, documents and personal information are stored safely and securely. His expertise in digital security and future-proof technology supports every Life Story created. learn more...
Litton Mill
Alongside the Monsal Trail Millers Dale, Derbyshire
Phoenix Building
Nr Buxton
Derbyshire SK17 8SW
Your Accommodation
Comfortable, character-filled rooms within the historic mill and cottages.
Room allocation is confirmed after booking.
Litton Mill Cottages (two available)
Accommodation is for two people sharing a room.
Two rooms are available where the retreat is held in an apartment in the Mill building, 2 x 1 bedroom cottages are located 5 mins walk from the Mill.
The Blincoe double room is typically reserved for accompanying, guests.
Please note your preferred room and any dietary requirements on the booking form.
Free parking is available for all guests.
Your Accommodation
Comfortable, character-filled rooms within the historic mill and cottages.
Accommodation is for two people sharing a room.
Two rooms are available where the retreat is held in an apartment in the Mill building, 2 x 1 bedroom cottages are located 5 mins walk from the Mill.
The Blincoe double room is typically reserved for accompanying guests.
Please note your preferred room and any dietary requirements on the booking form.
Free parking is available for all guests.
Two Life Story Participants
Selecting a Date
Gift bookings can leave the date open.
Payment Plans
20 March – 23 March
8 May – 10 May
12 June – 14 June
17 July – 19 July
18 September – 20 September
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all! This retreat is about capturing a life story in your words. Honesty matters and your authentic voice more than grammar.
Whether it’s you, your mum, dad, someone special—or you—attending the retreat, no prep is required. Just come as you are, with comfortable clothing, a laptop or notepad and a smartphone, and any meaningful photos or keepsakes that might spark memories. Even a box of old slides, film and VHS tapes, if youhave them to hand.
No. Sharing is optional. Your story is yours to capture, at your own pace, in your own way. You do not have to chat about your memories with the other participants if you don't want to.
Don't worry. We provide prompts, guidance, and hands-on sessions to help memories flow naturally.
Yes — we’ll show simple ways to digitise photos, video tapes, plus easy editing tools so a life story lives on.
Yes — your Life Story will be available to view online and can be printed as a book.
It’s reflective and creative, but not a substitute for therapy. If emotions arise, we understand and suggest professional support is sought which can complement the life story journey.
With just eight participants, everyone gets one-to-one guidance, group encouragement, and practical tools to start their story and keep it growing.
Great! Bring them along and we will include them in your life story. You’ll get fresh ideas to add to what you already have and confidence to record yourself narrating your memories.
Let us know when you book if you have any special requirements. We’ll take care of your meals and accommodate most dietary requirements (including celiac). However, we are sorry that it is not possible for us to cater for people with servere nut allegies.
Accommodation for two nights is included in the retreat cost. We have various rooms available on the reservation form. Let us know what you prefer for you or your gift recipient, and we’ll sort you out in discussion with you. The retreat is in a mobility-friendly layout space, although we are unable to accommodate wheelchairs for movement within the appartment.
Yes — it makes a wonderful gift. You can gift the retreat to your Mum, your Mad, both of them together, someone special and you can join them yourself and have precious time together to connect and reflect.
Suitable for all confidence levels - They don’t need to be “tech-savvy.” If they can use simple things like Messanger or a basic Word document, they’ll be absolutely fine.We teach easy tools during the retreat, and they can keep using them at home to continue capturing their story.
Mobility-friendly layout - There are four shallow steps up to the apartment. Once inside, everything is on one level with no internal steps, which helps if there are mobility concerns. A gentle, guided experience - The retreat is designed to be supportive, relaxed, and confidence-building — perfect for parents who want to preserve their story, even if they’ve never done anything like this before.
Have a question or prefer to book by phone?
Call us on 0330 111 8853 - it will be good to help you.
Prefer WhatsApp?
Send us a message on 0747 1118 333 and we’ll reply as soon as we can.
Prefer email?
Drop us a note at team@mylifejars.com and we’ll get right back to you.
If you're still wondering...
If you don't set the weekend aside, you just keep putting it off
Ali Walsh
It's quite remarkable how one refection leads to another
Mike Gregory
Stop wondering and do it
Carol Norris