The input made by the Staff Team varies from simply leading activity sessions to a total involvement with the program. Maintaining a quality service and a flexible approach is always the key.

THE QUALITY SERVICE….

HOMELY RESIDENTIAL CENTRE: There are nine shared bedrooms, eight of which have an upper and a lower floor. The only two bedded room is also suitable for guests with disabilities. Two rooms have six beds [3up, 3down]

Six rooms have four beds [2up, 2down]

One room has two beds [both ground floor]

A total of 38 beds. We also have two Z-beds to allow some flexibility.

All bedding is provided, and disabled guests can be accommodated just as easily as others. Catering is of a high standard under the supervision of a qualified chef. There is a comprehensive range of menus and special diets are always catered for.

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITY CENTRE: The fully trained resident staff are able to offer sessions in archery, team games, trampolining, the adventure course, cycling, orienteering, brass rubbing, pottery and badge-making. Outdoor chess, table tennis, a pool table, carpet bowls, croquet and various other items of sports equipment can also be made available to visiting groups. The large field can be used for tennis, badminton, volleyball and football.

PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE SERVICE: The restored and refurbished 12th Century 'Abbey Barn' is ideal as a day conference venue. The west wall is entirely glazed, giving excellent light, and the centre glass panel opens up to allow easy access to the picnic area. It is can seat up to 100  and a full range of conference equipment, including television, video, flip charts, overhead projector, data projector and sound equipment is available for visiting groups.

When no groups are in residence, it is possible to accommodate conferences in the main building, which has a Lecture Room seating 50 and two further similar-sized rooms.

The River Barn is now also available for schools and youth groups, housing the new Arts & Crafts Room.  This classroom-sized room can be hired for a day's conference for a group up to approx. 25.

A full catering service is available.

THE FLEXIBLE APPROACH...

IDEAL FOR SCHOOLS: St. Mark’s is a great resource for both Primary and Secondary Schools. Groups may run their own program, or the Staff Team can assist with the provision of a wide range of curriculum based courses, courses on pastoral issues and courses designed to assist with statutory requirements for worship. Often groups come for induction  days or residential study visits.

EXPERIENCED YOUTH CENTRE: Over the years, many church youth groups have come back time after time. The experienced staff can ensure that every visiting group has a valuable and memorable visit, which is tailored to suit each individual party.

A TRAINING BASE: St. Mark’s is also very popular as a base for a training day or week. Church staff teams and youth work leaders, often find St. Mark’s an ideal setting for training, planning, reviewing and recovering! The experienced staff can also advise you to ensure your program is of maximum benefits to the visiting group.

PEACEFUL RETREAT CENTRE: The College lies in the ancient North Essex district of Uttlesford, on the edge of the hamlet of Audley End. The buildings and grounds radiate an atmosphere of peace, set in the quiet of a secluded corner of Essex. 

A BASE FOR DAY VISITS: The market town of Saffron Walden is twenty minutes’ walk from the College. The Castle Museum is very popular with visiting groups, as is the hedge maze at Bridge End Gardens and the turf maze on The Common. Audley End House, Gardens, and Miniature Steam Railway are also open to visitors in the summer months. A little to the south, Stansted has the excellent Mountfitchet Castle, a reconstructed Norman Village. There is a Zoo nearby at Linton, the famous Museum at Duxford Airfield, and of course the historic town of Cambridge, all within easy reach. The College minibus can be used by resident groups to help reach these places.

© 2008 The College of Saint Mark Trust

Registered Charity No. 1031174

E-Mail info@stmarkscollege.co.uk for more info

Artwork courtesy of Ah! Design