As part of their preparation for Confirmation, 19 girls attended a residential weekend (23rd-25th November) at the Beacon Centre, Lee Abbey. Lee Abbey is a wonderful location on the North Devon coast with a huge range of facilities and its own private beach.
Despite it being the end of November, it was dry enough to be outside and for the adventurous activities to go ahead. The favourite for most was 'Crate Stack' and one pair of girls managed an amazing tower, 16 stories high, in the space of just five minutes. Other fun things included archery, low ropes and mental challenge games. In the evenings, our thoughts turned towards more spiritual matters.
On Saturday we had a very moving service in the 'Beach Chapel' (a lovely candlelit space set into the cliff face) at which Gigi and Dora were baptized. Afterwards, we gathered around the bonfire up at the main house for further reflections. Sunday was marked with a short act of worship followed by time on the beach. The final event was the chance for everybody to have a go on the Zip Wire which was an exciting way to enjoy some great views of the spectacular scenery - even Father Jonathan and Mrs Paddock were persuaded to join in.
The group returned to school on Sunday evening for a pizza supper, having had a thoroughly good time and a chance to think deeply, to pray and to worship and to be completely ready for Confirmation.
The Revd Jonathan Beach