Why Reconciliation

Relationships are broken in many situations - between individuals within family life, in churches and in society at local, national and international levels. Reconciliation is positive and often costly. It involves finding a creative way forward where there are differences; healing where there is hurt; opposing injustice and working for peace. We therefore seek reconciliation within ourselves, between people and between God and us. At the heart of this is the costly sacrifice of Jesus, bringing about our reconciliation to God.

If you would like to know more about becoming a member of the Community for Reconciliation please contact Rev John Johansen-berg at Barnes Close. Contact details are at the foot of this page.

BARNES CLOSE

Set in the Waseley Hills, Worcestershire only twelve miles south of Birmingham, Barnes Close is the residential centre of the Community. There are views across the county to the Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds. There is a small residential team who service both Barnes Close and the Community. Here the Community runs much of its programme of seminars and conferences as well as welcoming groups from churches, schools, youth groups or the 'secular' environment for training events, committee meetings, conferences or holidays. In addition members of the Community and friends come for holiday weeks, craft events, children's camps and retreats.

When you need some personal space we can accommodate individuals needing time away from their job, family, relationship and trauma. Staying alongside the resident team, with most meals provided, you can unwind, reflect, read and pray in the peaceful atmosphere and thereby feel refreshed and renewed to cope again with life at home or work. If requested counselling or Spiritual Direction can be provided.

Accommodation

There is accommodation for up to 40 visitors, mainly in twin bedded rooms. There are some multi-bedded rooms and some single rooms. All bedrooms have hot and cold water and central heating. Showers are available near the bedrooms as are tea and coffee making facilities. In recent years a programme of upgrading has seen the installation of en-suite facilities in seven bedrooms.

There is a common room, dining room, chapel, lounge, library, television room with coffee bar, games room, conservatory and a committee room.

The extensive grounds have direct access to the Waseley Country Park offering opportunities for walking.

Accommodation is normally provided on a full board basis but half board can be provided on request. Good home cooked food is served by the Community.

For Your Church

If your church is considering a day, weekend or several days away Barnes Close could be just the setting you are looking for. Your purpose may be to deepen your commitment together during a programme of fun and fellowship and perhaps some Bible study. It may be to prepare and pray for a Festival of Faith, possibly with a Community member to help. Whatever your reason the house with its country park surroundings and the Community's resources could provide the welcoming atmosphere and ambience for a creative time together.

For Your Seminar or Committee Meeting

Whether you want to hold a day conference or a 48 hour (or longer) residential, undisturbed by the pressure of your normal work situation, Barnes Close could suit your needs. As well as the large Common Room which can be arranged to your requirements and accommodates up to 40 there is also a smaller conference room which can accommodate 15 and several additional rooms for small group work. All these rooms are light and airy and have power points for computers and other equipment.

For Your School or Youth Group

For a relaxed weekend or for a few days midweek for a project or field study work Barnes Close could be the answer to your needs. As well as the facilities mentioned above snooker and table tennis are available indoors as well as extensive grounds and a tennis court for outdoor activities. There is field study potential in the adjacent country park, streams and ponds and there are several motorway observation points nearby. The caring approach of the Community makes Barnes Close very suitable for young people with special needs as well as those from the inner-city and other groups.

LOCAL PLACES OF INTEREST

Bromsgrove (golf, swimming, horse riding), Worcester (Cathedral, Shops, Market), Stratford and Shakespeare Country, Warwick (Castle), Malvern, Stourport, Stourbridge (crystal and glass), Birmingham, Cadbury World, Severn Valley Railway, Lickey, Clent and Waseley Country Parks.

HOW TO FIND BARNES CLOSE

Train: from Birmingham New Street to Longbridge then by taxi or phone for a lift. Or to Bromsgrove then bus 007 (weekday daytimes only).
Bus: First Midland Red 144 or Travel West Midlands 63 to Rubery then taxi.
Ludlows 007 (Weekday daytimes) from Halesown to Bromsgove and Redditch passes the end of the drive. Alight on Money Lane at Malthouse Lane. (1/2 mile walk up drive).
Road: To junction 4 of the M5 motorway. Take the A491 towards Stourbridge for 1/2 mile. Turn right onto the B4551 (Money Lane) towards Halesowen. After 1/2 mile turn right into Malthouse Lane then bear left through tunnel under motorway. At end of tunnel turn left and Barnes Close is at the top of the drive.

POSTAL ADDRESS:
Barnes Close, Chadwich, Malthouse Lane Bromsgrove, Worcs, B61 0RA