SATURDAY 23rd - MONDAY 25th AUGUST
Here's all you need to know for the Weekend Away. You can book in at the bottom of this page.
THE CCS WEEKEND AWAY 2025
WHERE IS IT?
We’re heading to Bedales School, in the Hampshire countryside, around 45 minutes from Southampton.
We’ll have access to their extensive grounds, sports facilities (including swimming pool!) and more.
WHEN IS IT?
Mark your diaries for the August bank holiday weekend - Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th August 2025. We’ll be arriving just before lunch on Saturday morning, and formally finishing after lunch on Monday.
WHAT'S THE PROGRAMME?
FELLOWSHIP
We’re keen to spend quality time together - so there’ll be plenty of time to just chill out, get to know others in the church, and relax. There’ll be a mixture of informal time but also plenty of organised activities and games. If you’re new to church (or find larger groups tricky) be assured we’re making particular efforts to make the weekend as stress-free as possible.
FOOD
Our caterers are providing a fantastic menu for us. We’re looking forward to a whole selection of dishes, as well as plenty of times to catch up over coffee and cake. Wondering about particular dietary requirements? Just let us know, we'll make sure everyone is provided for.
FAITHFUL TEACHING
As in previous years we're looking forward to a guest speaker to teach us God’s Word over the weekend. This year we're really excited to welcome author and speaker Andrew Sach (minister at Grace Church Greenwich, lecturer on the Cornhill Training Course) to speak for us. For the kids, Liam and the team are working on a full and fantastic children's programme.
FUN
We’re aiming to keep the upfront programme relatively light - so there’s lots of time for unwinding and relaxing. One of our main aims is for you to have a thoroughly enjoyable weekend. There are lots of ideas in the pipeline - watch this space!
WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?
Most of us will stay in rooms in the main school boarding houses, but there is also the option of camping for those who would prefer.
Typically, accommodation will be with your booking group (ie singles, twins, triples, quads) - however we will aim to enable shared rooms with friends for those coming on their own, if you would prefer.
Rooms are spacious and either have a shared bathroom, or an en suite bathroom. Please do let us know if you have concerns about accommodation logistics. The rooms will accommodate travel cots where that is needed.
I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS. WHO DO I TALK TO?
The Weekend Away Team - drawn from across the church family - are organising the weekend. We are Abi Kilby, Beck Jeffery, El Argyle, James Faux, Liam Brocken and Phil Grove. Come grab us on Sunday, or email us here.
FAQs
Who can come?
Whether you are new or part of the furniture, this weekend is for you - as long as you are (or are intending to be) a regular attender of Christ Church Southampton. It’s a great opportunity to get to know people you may not have met yet, and to deepen existing friendships.
Will the weekend be suitable for families?
There are a range of things planned to make the weekend enjoyable for families. There will be a supervised kids programme for ages 0 to 18 running at the same time as the adult teaching sessions. Day time activities will have options suitable for families, and babysitting options will be available for evening activities. Oh - and did we mention there's a swimming pool?!
Will the weekend be suitable for those with mobility restrictions?
Yes, all the main meeting areas are fully accessible, and we will coordinate with you for any specific accommodation needs.
How can I get there?
For those who drive, there is plenty of free parking near the accommodation at Bedales School. If you need some help with transport please note this on your registration form and we will be in touch with car share options.
Can my dietary requirements be accommodated?
We will be working closely with the catering team to plan the meals throughout the weekend. If you have any specific dietary requirements please specify these on your registration form. If we have any further questions about your requirements we will be in touch.
What do I need to bring?
Detailed information will be sent to attendees in the week prior to the Weekend Away. All accommodation, meals and use of the school’s facilities are included in the registration fee. Bed linen will be provided, but you will need to bring your own towels. If you are camping you will also need to bring your own tent and camping equipment.
There will be a range of activities provided throughout the weekend, and any associated equipment or materials will be provided. You may like to bring clothes suitable for playing sports, walking or swimming.
What is the cut off date for registering?
Please book by 31 March 2025 if possible. If you need extra time, booking will remain open right up until 13 July 2025, but it will aid our administration if you can comply with the earlier date. Final payment is due by 31 July 2025.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Prices per person for the whole weekend (including all accommodation, meals, use of facilities):
| Age | Boarding houses | Camping* |
|---|---|---|
| 18+ | £135 | £75 |
| 15-17 & students |
£115 | £55 |
| 11-14 | £95 | £45 |
| 4-10 3 and under |
£65 £25 |
£35 £10 |
We understand that for some these prices might just not be feasible at the present time. Please do let us know in confidence if that’s the case. We’re determined to make it possible for everyone to come and we operate a subsidy scheme so nobody has to be kept away because of finances.
There is the option to pay upfront by card in full or pay later with an initial deposit of £25 per adult - we will need final payment by the end of July. If you’d prefer to pay in instalments, please do get in touch.
Could you help someone else to attend? As you will see above, some people may require a subsidy in order to come. So if you are able to bless someone else by putting in something extra, there’s an optional box below you can tick. But there’s no pressure.
*Camping numbers are limited by the school. We will do our best to accommodate everyone who wishes to camp but will be in touch if it isn't possible.