Westminster Meeting Weekend Away
High Leigh Conference Centre, 16–18th October 2026
Exploring our spiritual nourishment and transformation
Westminster Meeting is having a weekend away, at the High Leigh Conference Centre in Hertfordshire.
Residential weekends are a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know each other, away from our usual routines, whilst deepening our individual and collective spiritual life. Everyone is welcome, especially children – we will have a children’s worker on hand for much of the weekend, as well as a number of all-age sessions. We also especially welcome those who are new to our community.
As Friends we commit ourselves to a way of worship which allows God to teach and transform us. We have found corporately that the Spirit, if rightly followed, will lead us into truth, unity and love: all our testimonies grow from this leading. QFP 1.01
Our diversity invites us both to speak what we know to be true in our lives and to learn from others. Friends are encouraged to listen to each other in humility and understanding, trusting in the Spirit that goes beyond our human effort and comprehension. So it is for the comfort and discomfort of Friends that these advices and queries are offered, with the hope that we may all be more faithful and find deeper joy in God’s service. QFP 1.02, introduction to A&Q.
The theme of the weekend this year is transformation and spiritual nourishment. What do we mean by transformation? Is it possible to experience transformation in meeting for worship? Does creativity have a role in transformation? When has your Quaker life brought comfort and when has it brought discomfort and challenge? How do discomfort and challenge – internal, interpersonal, community – help our transformation? How do we use worship to teach and transform us? Do we need discomfort and challenge in order to progress?
During the weekend there will be opportunities to reflect on these themes — alongside worship, shared values, shared humour, and joyful activities. Our weekends away are fun and a chance to experience living in community, getting to know each other better both in the everyday and in things that are eternal.
On the Saturday afternoon there are no organised events, leaving space for us to relax, chat with other Friends, or explore. There is space to gather and chat, do knitting or crochet, have a cup of tea, or simply to sit quietly – inside or outside. We hope that the weather will be dry enough to allow Friends to be outside, go for a stroll and enjoy the beautiful and extensive grounds.
Booking: To book, click here
High Leigh Conference Centre
Lord Street
Hoddesdon
Hertfordshire
EN11 8SG
Tel: 0300 111 4444
Getting there
The local Railway station is Broxbourne. There is a regular service from London Liverpool Street, which also connects with the Underground Victoria Line at Tottenham Hale. Information, timetables and service updates can be found at Greater Anglia. You can book tickets through their website or trainline. Unfortunately the return journey involves taking a replacement bus to Waltham Cr0ss and then a train from there to Tottenham Hale.
Taxi transfer: The station is two miles from the High Leigh, but there are plenty of taxis at reasonable rates (typically £12-£15).
Bus transfer: There is a local bus that operates from Broxbourne Station to the High Leigh housing estate, close to the conference centre (HL1). Details and timetable can be found here. Get off the bus at the High Leigh Lilywhites Lane stop and walk through the estate (footpaths only) to High Leigh Conference Centre on Lord Street. It is best to use Google Maps to direct you when you arrive at the bus stop.
Arrival and departure: Please don’t arrive before 4pm Friday. The weekend ends with lunch on Sunday, which is served at 1pm.
Further information about the programme of events, and so forth, will be sent out nearer the time.
Payment: Bacs to: Westminster Meeting, sort code: 40-52-40, account no. 00004164 Reference: High Leigh (this is important, please include!)
Cost: £240 for adults, and for children under 16 it’s £80 for the first child, £60 for a second child, and £40 for a third child.
We realise that for a family with children the costs can feel quite high, but since we very much want you to be there, please talk to us about what you can afford.
Since the cost is subsidised by Westminster Friends, the Meeting is happy to accept half the cost, £120–240 for adults, £40-80 for a child, or any amount in between, if the full price is too much. Please talk to Gerry gerrymillar@me.com, Clare or Victoria if half price is more than you can afford.
We want everyone who would like to attend to be able to, so please don’t feel shy about paying less.