UHI Celebration - 2

Following on from a magnificent ceremony in the Eden Court Theatre, there was a procession through the the streets of Inverness, so that the entire city could celebrate Scotland's newest university.



The two ladies at the back were two of the official UHI stewards and the gentleman in front is a parishioner of St Columba's, Culloden. He was amused to see me standing next to the official BBC camera crew! Well, what do you expect on this blog - third rate photos?

UHI Celebration - 1

Here we see the Eden Court Theatre located on the banks of the River Ness in Inverness. This was the setting for the magnificent celebration to officially inaugurate Scotland's newest university - the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) on Thursday 25 August 2011. All is now in place for the start of the Academic Year 2011-12.



These were the words of welcome by The Rt Hon The Lord Mackay of Clashfern KT PC FRSE - our Patron.

Along with many others, I have been a long-time supporter of the establishment of a university in this region.

Our new university is an exceptional institution with boundless potential in contributing to the re-invigoration of the Highlands and Islands, to the economy of Scotland, and as a leader in the development of new approaches to adult education.

The university's teaching and research reflect the natural environment, the diverse cultures, and the industries of the Highlands and Islands, while its innovative delivery, through a network of community-based campuses, and use of technology to overcome geographic barriers, has received worldwide recognition.

I hope you enjoy this momentous occasion and join me in wishing the University of the Highlands and Islands every success for the future.

Wise words indeed!

Kenmore Kirk - 12

As we celebrate the Beheading of John the Baptist, let us gaze on this great saint more closely.



O happy band of pilgrims,
If onward you will tread,
With Jesus as your Fellow,
To Jesus as your Head.

O happy if you labour,
As Jesus did for men;
O happy if you hunger
As Jesus hungered then.

The cross that Jesus carried
He carried as your due;
The crown that Jesus weareth
He weareth it for you.

The faith by which you see Him,
The hope in which you yearn,
The love that through all troubles
To Him alone will turn.

The trials that beset you,
The sorrows you endure,
The manifold temptations
That death alone can cure.

What are they but His jewels
Of right celestial worth?
What are they but the ladder
Set up to heaven on earth?

O happy band of pilgrims,
Look upward to the skies,
Where such a light affliction
Shall win you such a prize.



Tomorrow, we shall be starting our celebration of Scotland's newest university - the University of the Highlands and Islands.

22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Like Peter in today's gospel, we so often struggle when things don't go the way we want them to. We must play on even when the going gets tough. After all, we are on the winning side!



Father, hear the prayer we offer:
not for ease that prayer shall be,
but for strength, that we may ever
live our lives courageously.

Not for ever in green pastures
do we ask our way to be ;
but the steep and rugged pathway
may we tread rejoicingly.

Not forever by still waters
would we idly rest and stay;
but would smite the living fountains
from the rocks along our way.

Be our strength in hours of weakness,
in our wanderings be our Guide;
through endeavor, failure, danger,
Saviour, be thou at our side.



Happy Sunday!

Kenmore Kirk - 11

Here we see St Columba at Iona Abbey.



The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never,
I nothing lack if I am His
And He is mine forever.

Where streams of living water flow
My ransomed soul He leadeth,
And where the verdant pastures grow,
With food celestial feedeth.

Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
But yet in love He sought me,
And on His shoulder gently laid,
And home, rejoicing, brought me.

In death’s dark vale I fear no ill
With Thee, dear Lord, beside me;
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy cross before to guide me.

Thou spread’st a table in my sight;
Thy unction grace bestoweth;
And O what transport of delight
From Thy pure chalice floweth!

And so through all the length of days
Thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise
Within Thy house forever.

Kenmore Kirk - 10

O all ye Works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord!



O all ye Works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Heavens, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Waters that be above the Firmament, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O all ye Powers of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Sun and Moon, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Stars of Heaven, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Showers and Dew, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Winds of God, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Fire and Heat, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Winter and Summer, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Dews and Frosts, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Frost and Cold, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Ice and Snow, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Nights and Days, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Light and Darkness, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Lightnings and Clouds, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O let the Earth bless the Lord : yea, let it praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Mountains and Hills, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O all ye Green Things upon the Earth, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Wells, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Seas and Floods, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Whales, and all that move in the Waters, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O all ye Fowls of the Air, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O all ye Beasts and Cattle, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Children of Men, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O let Israel bless the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Spirits and Souls of the Righteous, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye holy and humble Men of heart, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O Ananias, Azarias and Misael, bless ye the Lord : praise him, and magnify him for ever.

Kenmore Kirk - 9

Here we enjoy a closer view of King David - so famous for his writing of the Psalms.



Songs of praise the angels sang,
heaven with alleluias rang,
when creation was begun,
when God spoke and it was done.

Songs of praise awoke the morn
when the Prince of Peace was born;
songs of praise arose when he
captive led captivity.

Heaven and earth must pass away;
songs of praise shall crown that day;
God will make new heavens and earth;
songs of praise shall hail their birth.

And will man alone be dumb
till that glorious kingdom come?
No; the Church delights to raise
psalms and hymns and songs of praise.

Saints below, with heart and voice,
still in songs of praise rejoice,
learning here, by faith and love,
songs of praise to sing above.

Hymns of glory, songs of praise,
Father, unto thee we raise,
Jesus, glory unto thee,
with the Spirit, ever be.



Best wishes to the Transalpine Redemptorists, who are celebrating Little Christmas today!

Kenmore Kirk - 8

Here we see Christ the High Priest.



Alleluia! sing to Jesus!
His the sceptre, His the throne.
Alleluia! His the triumph,
His the victory alone.
Hark! the songs of peaceful Zion
thunder like a mighty flood.
Jesus out of every nation
has redeemed us by His blood.

Alleluia! not as orphans
are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! He is near us,
faith believes, nor questions how;
Though the cloud from sight received Him
when the forty days were o'er
Shall our hearts forget His promise,
"I am with you evermore"?

Alleluia! bread of angels,
Thou on earth our food, our stay;
Alleluia! here the sinful
flee to Thee from day to day:
Intercessor, Friend of sinners,
Earth's Redeemer, plead for me,
Where the songs of all the sinless
sweep across the crystal sea.

Alleluia! King eternal,
Thee the Lord of lords we own;
Alleluia! born of Mary,
Earth Thy footstool, heav'n Thy throne:
Thou within the veil hast entered,
robed in flesh our great High Priest;
Thou on earth both priest and victim
in the Eucharistic feast.



Happy Feast!

Kenmore Kirk - 7

Here we see Our Lady with The Holy Child.



Jesus, good above all other,
gentle Child of gentle Mother,
in a stable born our Brother,
give us grace to persevere.

Jesus, cradled in a manger,
for us facing every danger,
living as a homeless stranger,
make we thee our King most dear.

Jesus, for thy people dying,
risen Master, death defying,
Lord in heaven, thy grace supplying,
keep us to thy presence near.

Jesus, who our sorrows bearest,
all our thoughts and hopes thou sharest,
thou to man the truth declarest;
help us all thy truth to hear.

Lord, in all our doings guide us;
pride and hate shall never divide us;
we'll go on with thee beside us,
and with joy we'll persevere!

Kenmore Kirk - 6

Another glorious stained glass window in the Kirk.



On the left we see King David, and on the right John the Baptist.

21st Sunday of Ordinary Time

Here we see Jesus giving Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven.



Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!

Refrain

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

Refrain

Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

Refrain

What the saints established that I hold for true.
What the saints believèd, that I believe too.
Long as earth endureth, men the faith will hold,
Kingdoms, nations, empires, in destruction rolled.

Refrain

Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.

Refrain

Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honour unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.

Refrain



Happy Sunday!

Kenmore Kirk - 5

Once you enter Kenmore Kirk you get a big surprise! The outside is simple and dignified, but inside the Kirk is a riot of colour because of all the lovely stained glass.



This lovely window depicts St John the Evangelist on the left, and Christ the Good Shepherd on the right.

Kenmore Kirk - 4

For those more interested in the hills than the lochs, Kenmore is superbly located, offering convenient access to Glen Lyon, to the hills of Breadalbane and, north, to Schiehallion and beyond. Readily visible from the lochside at Kenmore is Ben Lawers, towering over the north side of Loch Tay, and falling only marginally short of the magic 4000ft mark.



Just out of the village along the south Loch Tay road, is the Scottish Crannog Centre. The key exhibit is an authentic reconstruction of a Bronze Age defensive house - a crannog - perched above the loch on stilts. Crannogs, from the Gaelic word crann, meaning tree, were built on an artificial rock island with timber posts and struts supporting a hut above high-water level. They were to be found on many lochs, including Loch Awe and Loch Earn as well as Loch Tay, from prehistoric times up to the 1700s.

Kenmore Kirk - 3

Taymouth Castle passed through a variety of uses during the 1900s. In more recent times work has been undertaken as part of a £74m project to convert it into the UK's first 7 Star hotel, but while this has at least ensure the castle is watertight, work has been sporadic and the future of this magnificent building seems unclear.



Kenmore makes much of its waterside location. Piers and moorings line the side of the loch to the south of the centre of the village. Meanwhile the village has extended to the north, to the far side of the River Tay, where attractive new development has appeared in recent years.

Kenmore Kirk - 2

The parish church built to serve Kenmore in 1760 reused parts of an earlier church built in 1669. It stands at the west end of The Square on a site that drops steeply on two sides to Loch Tay.



Another feature that was important to the success of the newly redeveloped village was the construction in 1774 of the seven arch Kenmore Bridge, built across the River Tay immediately to the north west of the village, where the river flows out of Loch Tay. It is said that £1000 towards the cost of its building was donated by George III.

The main road through the village uses the western two thirds of The Square before turning south to run along the east end of Loch Tay. The quieter eastern end of The Square is home to the village information centre and is dominated by the elaborate stone gateway leading to the estate of Taymouth Castle. Much of the estate is now a golf course. Taymouth Castle itself is vast and imposing. It was built between 1802 and 1842 on the site of the earlier Balloch Castle and is said to contain some of the most opulent interiors from the era anywhere in the UK.

Kenmore Kirk - 1

OK - perhaps The Queen does not worship here, but it is a real gem!



Kenmore is an extremely attractive planned village situated some 6 miles west of Aberfeldy on the A827. Its site is on what amounts to a promontory projecting into the eastern end of Loch Tay, and it has the loch to its south and west, and the River Tay to its north.

Kenmore as you see it today was built as a planned estate village by the Earl of Breadalbane in the years following 1755. It stood on the site of an earlier village which in medieval times may have been known as Inchadnie. Another account suggests that Inchadnie was actually a distinct village which until 1550 stood beside a ford over the River Tay a little to the east. It was then removed to make way for the construction of the principle seat of the Campbells of Breadalbane, Balloch Castle, the predecessor of Taymouth Castle.

At the heart of Kenmore is "The Square", an extremely broad east west street lined with strikingly attractive (mainly) white harled buildings. The most imposing of these is the Kenmore Hotel, on the north side of the Square. This claims to be Scotland's oldest inn and carries a date of 1572. On one of the walls is a poem written, actually onto the plaster of the wall itself, by Robert Burns during a visit in 1787. The Kenmore Hotel oozes character with distinctive rooms and a striking front entrance supported by black painted tree trunks. At the end of the row of cottages on the opposite side is the village shop and post office.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today we celebrate a lovely midsummer festival in honour of Our Lady.



Ye who own the faith of Jesus,
sing the wonders that were done
when the love of God the Father
o'er sin the victory won,
when he made the Virgin Mary
mother of his only Son.
Hail Mary, hail Mary, hail Mary, full of grace.

Blessed were the chosen people
out of whom the Lord did come;
blessed was the land of promise
fashioned for his earthly home;
but more blessed far the mother,
she who bare him in her womb.
Hail Mary, hail Mary, hail Mary, full of grace.

Wherefore let all faithful people
tell the honour of her name;
let the Church, in her foreshadowed,
part in her thanksgiving claim;
what Christ's mother sang in gladness
let Christ's people sing the same.
Hail Mary, hail Mary, hail Mary, full of grace.

Let us weave our supplications,
she with us and we with her,
for the advancement of the faithful,
for each faithful worshiper,
for the doubting, for the sinful,
for each heedless wanderer.
Hail Mary, hail Mary, hail Mary, full of grace.

May the Mother's intercessions
on our homes a blessing win,
that the children all be prospered,
strong and fair and pure within,
following our Lord's own footsteps,
firm in faith and free from sin.
Hail Mary, hail Mary, hail Mary, full of grace.

For the sick and the aged,
for our dear ones far away,
for the hearts that mourn in secret,
all who need our prayers today,
for the faithful gone before us,
may the holy Virgin pray.
Hail Mary, hail Mary, hail Mary, full of grace.

Praise, O Mary, praise the Father,
praise thy Saviour and thy Son,
praise the everlasting Spirit,
who hath made thee ark and throne
o'er all creatures high exalted,
lowly praise the Three in One.
Hail Mary, hail Mary, hail Mary, full of grace.



Happy Feast!

20th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Hardly the scene referred to in today's gospel - and lead us not into temptation! I am sure the royal corgies are better trained than this.



God of mercy, God of grace,
Show the brightness of Thy face;
Shine upon us, Saviour, shine,
Fill Thy Church with light divine,
And Thy saving health extend,
Unto earth’s remotest end.

Let the people praise Thee, Lord!
Be by all that live adored;
Let the nations shout and sing
Glory to their Saviour King,
At Thy feet their tribute pay,
And Thy holy will obey.

Let the people praise Thee, Lord!
Earth shall then her fruits afford,
God to man His blessings give,
Man to God devoted live;
All below and all above
One in joy and light and love.



Happy Sunday!

Crathie Kirk - 5

Here we see the outside the east end (sanctuary) of the Kirk.



Many people are amazed to learn that it is possible to attend Divine Service without a ticket or invitation on those occasions when The Queen is present.

However, members of the congregation are expected to behave in an appropriate manner. Apparently not that long ago a lady climbed on to her pew and almost attacked the poor lady in front in an attempt to get a view of Her Majesty. She had to be put in her place by one of the elders!

Be still for the presence of the Lord,
The Holy One is here;
Come bow before Him now
With reverence and fear.
In Him no sin is found,
We stand on holy ground;
Be still, for the presence of the Lord,
The Holy One is here.

Be still, for the glory of the Lord
Is shining all around;
He burns with holy fire,
With splendour He is crowned.
How awesome is the sight,
Our radiant King of light!
Be still, for the glory of the Lord
Is shining all around.

Be still, for the power of the Lord
Is moving in this place;
He comes to cleanse and heal,
To minister His grace.
No work too hard for Him,
In faith receive from Him;
Be still, for the power of the Lord
Is moving in this place.

Glorious Twelfth

The Glorious Twelfth is usually used to refer to 12 August, the start of the shooting season for Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus) and to a lesser extent the Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) in the United Kingdom.



This is one of the busiest days in the shooting season, with large amounts of game being shot. The date itself is traditional, the current legislation enshrining it is the Game Act 1831 (and in Northern Ireland, the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985). Not all game (as defined by the Game Act 1831) have the same start to their open seasons - most begin on September 1, with October 1 for Woodcock and Pheasant.

Since UK law says that the start of the season cannot begin on a Sunday, it is sometimes postponed to 13 August, as in 2001 and 2007. Because grouse are not and never have been reared to any extent for shooting, their numbers fluctuate naturally from year to year. In recent years, the Glorious Twelfth has also been hit by hunt saboteurs, the 2001 foot and mouth crisis (which further postponed the date in affected areas) and the effect of sheep tick, heather beetle, the gut parasite Trichostrongylus tenuis and severe flooding and bad weather. In some seasons where certain moors are hit by low numbers of grouse, shooting may not occur at all or be over by September.

One can be sure that members of the Royal Family will be out today shooting in the Balmoral Estate.

Crathie Kirk - 4

Here we see the special door through which The Queen and members of the Royal Family enter the church. This door is never used except when The Queen is present. Once inside, the Royal Party sit in pews invisible to most of the congregation. This arrangement has the enormous advantage that as far as the service goes the presence of Her Majesty The Queen may be totally ignored - Divine Service may proceed as if she were not present. This must be a great relief to Her Majesty who is given a welcome break from her public duties.



All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.
Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell;
Come ye before Him and rejoice.

The Lord, ye know, is God indeed;
Without our aid He did us make;
We are His folk, He doth us feed,
And for His sheep He doth us take.

O enter then His gates with praise;
Approach with joy His courts unto;
Praise, laud, and bless His Name always,
For it is seemly so to do.

For why? the Lord our God is good;
His mercy is for ever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.

To Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
The God Whom Heaven and earth adore,
From men and from the angel host
Be praise and glory evermore.

Crathie Kirk - 3

Not surprisingly, The Queen does not enter the church by the main door. The Queen believes strongly that people should come to church to meet God, not to see her! The Queen and members of The Royal Family enter the church through a side door and are invisible to most of their fellow-worshippers during Divine Service.

On one occasion during her stay at Balmoral Castle there is a Holy Communion Service, but as it is the custom in the Church of Scotland for the elements to be brought to the communicants at their seats, there is no possibility of The Queen being seen receiving the Blessed Sacrament.



Crathie has been a place of Christian worship since the 9th century when a church was founded on the banks of the River Dee by Saint Manire (Bishop of Aberdeenshire and Banff and a follower of Saint Columba, the pioneer of Christianity in Scotland). It is traditionally held that Manire baptised Pictish converts in a pool of the Dee east of the modern village of Crathie. A single standing stone at Rinabaich is all that remains of Manire's church (where Manire himself is reputedly buried).

Subsequent places of worship were situated further west, near the location of present day Crathie village. The ruins of a 13th century church, dedicated to Saint Manire, stand on the riverbank south of the current structure.

A later church was built at the current site in 1804. Queen Victoria worshipped there from 1848, and every British monarch since has worshipped at Crathie Kirk. Victoria laid the foundation stone for a new, much larger, church in 1893. Queen Victoria's decision to worship at the Crathie Kirk initially caused a scandal, particularly when it was discovered that she had received Communion there, because she was head of the Church of England. Victoria asserted that as Queen of Scotland, she was also entitled to worship in a Scottish church, and further, Crathie is the closest church to Balmoral Castle.

The British Royal Family attended the Sunday Service at this Church right after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales on the morning of 31 August 1997. It caused great public disbelief that the late Princess was not mentioned at the Service. However, it is not the custom in the Church of Scotland to pray for the dead.

Crathie Kirk - 2

Here we see the main entrance of Crathie Kirk - it is a most attractive building.



Crathie Kirk is a small Church of Scotland parish church in the Scottish village of Crathie, best known for being the regular place of worship of the British Royal Family when they are holidaying at nearby Balmoral Castle.

Crathie Kirk is now united with neighbouring Braemar to form a single parish with two places of worship. Eventually this parish will be further enlarged to include Glenmuick (Ballater). The minister (since 2005) is the Reverend Kenneth Mackenzie. Mackenzie was previously minister of the Church of Scotland congregation in Budapest, Hungary (1999–2005).

Crathie Kirk - 1

One of the surest signs of summer is to read in the Court Circular that Divine Service was held at Crathie Kirk.



This proclamation indicates to the Nation that Her Majesty The Queen and Her Court are in residence at nearby Balmoral Castle - the summer retreat of Her Majesty.

19th Sunday of Ordinary Time

In the gospel today, we read of Jesus walking on the water. Because of our lack of faith, we too often sink when confronted with the trials of life. Our Sunday Eucharist gives us strength to stay afloat.



Sweet Sacrament divine,
hid in thine earthly home;
lo! round thy lowly shrine,
with suppliant hearts we come;
Jesus, to thee our voice we raise
In songs of love and heartfelt praise
sweet Sacrament divine.

Sweet Sacrament of peace,
dear home of every heart,
where restless yearnings cease,
and sorrows all depart.
there in thine ear, all trustfully,
we tell our tale of misery,
sweet Sacrament of peace.

Sweet Sacrament of rest,
ark from the ocean's roar,
within thy shelter blest
soon may we reach the shore;
save us, for still the tempest raves,
save, lest we sink beneath the waves:
sweet Sacrament of rest.

Sweet Sacrament divine,
earth's light and jubilee,
in thy far depths doth shine
the Godhead's majesty;
sweet light, so shine on us, we pray
that earthly joys may fade away:
sweet Sacrament divine.



Happy Sunday!

Transfiguration of The Lord

Today is one of my favourite Feast Days.



Christ upon the mountain peak
stands alone in glory blazing;
let us, if we dare to speak,
with the saints and angels praise him.
Alleluia!

Trembling at his feet we saw
Moses and Elijah speaking.
All the prophets and the Law
shout through them their joyful greeting.
Alleluia!

Swift the cloud of glory came.
God proclaiming in its thunder
Jesus as his Son by name!
Nations cry aloud in wonder!
Alleluia!

This is God's beloved Son!
Law and prophets before him;
first and last and only One,
let creation now adore him!
Alleluia!

Happy Feast!

Hymn Society - 8

Another possible venue owned by CCT is Belsey Bridge Conference Centre.



Belsey Bridge, in Ditchingham on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, specialises in residential and day conferences for up to 110 delegates. With over 20 acres of grounds the venue is designed to support quiet reflection and there are many delightful walks in the surrounding countryside.

The Centre is well known for the excellent quality of the food and provision of special diets. All fresh food is sourced locally and many groups return year after year because of the food alone.

We provide:
Residential accommodation for 110 people
82 bedrooms – standard and en-suite rooms available
3 main meeting rooms with a range of smaller meeting rooms across the Centre
Free wireless internet provided across the majority of the Centre
A location 12 miles south of Norwich – with good road links and ample car parking space
Flexibility and knowledge of our customers’ needs and expectations
Quality service from helpful, well trained, professional staff
Relaxed, peaceful and quiet environment within a rural setting
Outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, play area, football field and table tennis table
All of these elements are provided at Belsey Bridge at prices rarely beaten. Our care for you, and your delegates, is our priority as we aim to meet all your requirements.

History
The older part of the Centre was built in 1863 as a girls’ boarding school by the Community of All Hallows. The school closed in 1990 and was converted into a Conference Centre. In 1999 it underwent a substantial refurbishment with a further 40 en-suite rooms being added. Most recently, in 2009, CCT acquired the Centre and re-launched it as ‘Belsey Bridge Conference Centre’.

Hymn Society - 7

We were most impressed with High Leigh Conference Centre and shall probably have a future conference before long at the Hayes Conference Centre.



The Hayes, in Swanwick, Derbyshire, has successfully been the market leader as a Christian Conference Centre since 1911, providing residential and day conference facilities for up to 400 delegates. Set in beautiful Derbyshire countryside with easy road, rail and air links, the Centre is well equipped to serve your conference with quality facilities, and friendly, efficient staff.

The Centre offers a flexible range of facilities to ensure your needs are met. International, national, regional and local conferences are all held at The Hayes. Several organisations have used the Centre each year for over 50 years.

We provide:
Residential accommodation for 400 people - in mainly en-suite accommodation
270 Bedrooms – with single, twin, double and family rooms available
Over 30 meeting rooms with contemporary conference facilities
Free wireless internet available
Location - situated in the heart of England with strong transport links
Flexibility and knowledge of our customers' needs and expectations
Quality service from helpful, well trained, professional staff
Relaxed, peaceful and quiet environment
Sports Hall for five-a-side football, badminton and basketball
Outdoor five-a-side football pitch, croquet set, giant draughts and connect four
Indoor games room offering table tennis and pool
Play area with swings, slide and climbing frame
Award winning gardens and grounds
Labyrinth for prayer and meditation
All of these elements are provided at The Hayes at prices rarely beaten. Our care for you, and your delegates, is our priority as we aim to meet all your requirements.

History
The Hayes was built in the 1860s as the home of Mr. Fitzherbert Wright, maternal great, great grandfather of the Duchess of York. In 1910 his son, Henry, sold the Estate to the company who adapted and extended it for use as a Conference Centre.

Hymn Society - 6

High Leigh, in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, opened as a Conference Centre in 1921 specialising in residential and day conferences for up to 220 delegates. With 40 acres of lawns, parkland and woodland the tranquil surroundings aid both concentration and relaxation for delegates.



With 90 years of experience, we work hard to accommodate all requests to ensure that conference needs are met. High Leigh welcomes back organisations year after year, some for over 50 years. Each year, over 350 Christian, business, education or charity conferences are held at the Centre. Our hallmark is quality facilities and services at affordable prices.

We provide:
Residential accommodation for 220 people - in mainly en-suite accommodation
175 bedrooms – with single, twin, double and family rooms available
Over 20 meeting rooms with contemporary conference facilities
A self-contained day conference facility for up to 30 delegates
Free wireless internet provided across the entire Centre
Located near to London
Easy access by plane, train and car, with ample car parking space
Flexibility and knowledge of our customers’ needs and expectations
Quality service from helpful, well-trained, professional staff
Modern indoor games room with table tennis, air hockey and table football
Lounge area with two computer terminals and a large flat screen digital television
Outdoor tennis courts, football pitch, putting green and fitness trail set within the grounds
Relaxed, peaceful and quiet environment with attractive gardens and grounds
All of these elements are provided at High Leigh at prices rarely beaten. Our care for you, and your delegates, is our priority as we aim to meet all your requirements.

History
The main part of the house was built in 1853. In 1871, Mr. Robert Barclay, a successful banker in the City of London and a committed Christian, bought the house. Robert Barclay died in 1921 and the house was sold to First Conference Estate of which he had been a director. First Conference Estate was founded in 1909 with the express purpose of providing affordable facilities for various missionary and other Christian societies. The Hayes, in Derbyshire, was opened in 1910 with High Leigh following 11 years later.

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High Leigh comprises of 175 bedrooms with a variety of single, twin, double and family rooms available. All en-suite rooms have bathroom suite, towels and soap, plus tea and coffee making facilities. All have exceptionally high standards of décor and furnishings.



Excellent Food

High Leigh offers a fully catered package covering all meals and refreshment breaks. With plenty of choice and variety, we are well known for providing balanced and nutritious food. Our homemade bread and cakes are our speciality.

Flexibility

We can tailor or enhance your menu accordingly to individual requirements – whether that is for a one-off special dinner or for all meals throughout your conference. We are happy to provide specific meals for delegates with special diets such as vegetarian or gluten free.

Licensed Bar

A staffed Bar is available, if required, offering a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments at reasonable prices. We can arrange wine to be available on your tables for meals or a wine reception for special occasions.

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The Hymn Society Conference was held at High Leigh Conference Centre.



Located just north of London with excellent travel links, High Leigh offers a relaxed and peaceful environment within 40 acres of lawns, parkland and woodland.