What’s it all about?
As a highlight of the year, our weekend away is a fantastic opportunity to make and strengthen friendships, to relax together and to come to know God better. Young or old, newcomer or old-timer, regular or occasional in attendance, this weekend is for you! Many have found the weekend away to be a great help in really feeling part of the church family. To help in our planning, please book by Sunday 22nd February 2026.
What will we be studying?
We are delighted to welcome Simon Austen as our speaker for the weekend. For many years Simon Austen has worked in church ministry, serving for eleven years as a Vicar of a church in Carlisle, followed by another eleven years as Rector of St. Leonard’s Church in Exeter. He now lives in South Buckinghamshire and serves part-time as Director of Training in the Parish of Great Chesham and part-time as Director for Ministry Partnerships for Wycliffe Bible Translators. He is married to Fiona and they have three grown-up children and one grandchild.
The title for the weekend is “When all hope has gone” and the talks will be looking at Ezekiel. Simon Austen writes, “For many of us, the book of Ezekiel is strange and remote. It can be hard to see how it connects with the gospel we know in the New Testament. But as we unpack its message, we are drawn afresh to the cross of Christ and the hope of salvation, seeing more clearly the God of judgement and grace and what an extraordinary promise he gives us in Jesus.”
What about children?
There will be a separate programme of activities for children during the main sessions, allowing everyone to make the most of the weekend. If you would be willing to help with one of the sessions, please indicate on the application form.
Where?
De Vere Wokefield Estate is in a peaceful countryside setting near to Reading with easy access to major roads. It’s a great place to relax with an indoor pool, gym, tennis courts and football pitches. There is also a beautiful walk in its grounds.
How much?
The prices are as follows:
- Single room – £225 per person
- Double room (single beds) – £185 per person
- Double room (shared bed) – £185 per person
- Students in full time education – £75 per person
- Children (aged 4-18) – £75 per child
- Children (under 4s) – free
- Day rate (including lunch only on Saturday or Sunday) – £60 per adult, £30 per child (per day)
There is an initial deposit of £60 per adult. Full payment will be required by Sunday 22nd February 2026.
We do not want cost to be a barrier to anyone coming to the weekend. If you do not feel able to pay the full price for any reason at all, please either indicate on the form below or speak in confidence to one of the staff team. If you feel able to make a donation over the cost cited to enable others to come, please also indicate this below. Any donations made in this way will be eligible for gift aid.
CAN I COME FOR PART OF THE WEEKEND?
Unlike previous years, there is unfortunately no discount available for staying just one night, as the hotel has given us a package deal for the weekend. Those who are unable to come for both nights are still welcome to come for just one night, but it will cost the same as the whole weekend.
It is also possible to attend just for lunch only on Saturday or Sunday (or both), along with the sessions on Saturday morning and afternoon, or Sunday morning. The cost of this is £60 per adult, £30 per child, per day. There is no accommodation, evening meal or breakfast included in this option.
How do I pay?
After filling in the form below, please pay a deposit of £60 per adult. Full payment will be required by Sunday 22nd February 2026. You can pay by cash, cheque (payable to St. John’s Downshire Hill) or by bank transfer to the following account:
Account name: St John’s Downshire Hill
Account number: 33945391
Sort Code: 20-36-16
Reference: Weekend Away 2026
Your presence is much more precious than your money, so please indicate on the form if you would like some financial help. As above, if you feel that you are in a position to pay a little extra to help others out, please indicate likewise on the form.
What now?
If you would like any more information before booking, please contact Loredana Costea [email protected] in the church office. When you are ready to book, please do so using the form below: