Torch Centre

Welcome

The Torch Centre offers flexible and relaxing facilities for use by churches, Christian charities and individuals:

Away days
Conferences
Retreats
Alpha weekends
Leadership training
Worship events
Celebrations
Bed & breakfast

There are many and varied possibilities for using the Torch Centre:

Residential
Day or evening bookings
Catered or self-catering

The Centre can accommodate:

Residential - 22 bed spaces
Non-residential - 60 delegates

The Centre is operated by Torch Trust, which exists to enable people with sight loss to discover Jesus and lead fulfilling Christian lives. When not in use for this purpose it is available for hire. For more information please visit torchcentre.org or call 01273 832282.

Centre Team

Centre Team Gail Millar (pictured far left) is the Centre Manager and Torch Holidays Leader. She lives on site with her husband, Stuart and family. She is passionate about providing a family atmosphere for all who use the Centre. Gail says, "This is a lovely peaceful country house with a beautiful aspect and I am honoured to enable everyone to enjoy their stay."

Kevin Jemmett is the Centre Assistant Manager. He lives locally with his wife. Kevin says, "The Centre provides a perfect backdrop for a church or group event, retreat or holiday and I am humbled by the smiling happy faces of those who come here."

The supporting team provide a warm welcome to all those who come and stay.

Values

The Centre team embodies the values of the Torch Trust:

Christian - Torch is engaged in doing God's work, and doing it God's way
People-focussed - that in all that we do we accord the dignity to people we serve as those made in the image of God, and - regardless of ability - seek to cultivate relationships of an interdependency of mutual giving and receiving
Open - that Torch is open-hearted, and welcoming to all and transparent in the conduct of its activities
Creative - Torch constantly strives to find better ways of doing its work, drawing on the God-given creativity of all involved

In addition:

We aim to support disabled groups and those supporting disabled people.

The Centre packages and accommodation are competitively priced and transparent.

Centre Facilities

All groups have access to a wide range of facilities whether during a residential event, day conference, evening celebration or family booking:

Exclusive or non-exclusive use of all or part of the Centre
Lounge / conference room - capacity 40 seated
Beautiful, flexible chapel meeting space - capacity 60 seated
Sun lounge / dining room / small lounge meeting spaces - for break out sessions and / or tea and coffee areas
Sound system and Hearing loop system
Free wifi access
Digital projector, screen and CD / DVD player
Piano keyboard
Flipchart, conference folders and pens

For quiet retreats we especially highlight:

Peaceful and quiet garden area with two decking areas, overlooking the South Downs National Park
Chapel for reflection and prayer

Accommodation

Comfortable single, twin and family rooms spread over two floors
Many rooms have views of South Downs National Park
Variety of en-suite and shared bathroom facilities
Tea and coffee making facilities available on each floor
Ground floor rooms are wheelchair accessible and DDA compliant

Relax and Refresh

The Torch Holiday & Retreat Centre team offers a warm welcome. The staff have a heart for hospitality and to help you experience the presence of God. Their desire is for you to relax and be refreshed during your stay, whatever your programme."

The Centre is situated in peaceful surroundings at the end of a long drive. The experienced team of staff and volunteers will take care of your needs during your stay. Features include:

Direct access to the South Downs National Park from the Centre garden
Local walks of various lengths across open fields
Spacious, south facing decked sun terrace with outdoor furniture
Meals served in the south facing dining room, or in fine weather out on the terrace
Home-cooked food, hearty and plentiful - often sourced from local producers

Be refreshed by the presence of God in this beautiful setting - for many it is a lasting memory of their stay.

The Centre has been a place of welcome and prayer for many years - the team is committed to daily prayer and reflection as they serve you.

Guest Comments

Here are a few comments which are typical from guests who have used the Centre:

Guest Comments "A great time of fellowship."

"I get spiritually stronger every time I stay, the buzz lasts for ages."

"Our visit was first rate. I've already recommended it to three other churches."

"Thank you Torch for another lovely day!"

"I never realised it was so lovely and peaceful here. It's such a wonderful setting for a cream tea."

"I like the fact that you can give an all-inclusive price."

"We enjoyed everything during our stay at the Torch Holiday & Retreat Centre. I enjoyed your friendship."

"This is the venue of choice for us"

Centre Prices

The prices for use of the Centre vary according to the type and length of stay and catering requirements. Prices are valid for stays before 31 December 2012:

Day Delegates

Prices per person:

Day delegate rate, including lunch and tea / coffee on arrival: £15

Evening meal: £10

Breakfast (full English or Continental): £5

Cream tea: £5

Room Hire

Bookings where the Centre does not provide meals:

Non-exclusive use of Centre: £10 per hour

Exclusive use of Centre: £20 per hour

Tea / coffee: £2.50

Residential

Prices per person per night - includes use of Centre facilities, as agreed when booked:

Full Board: £60 (please ask about our half board option); Bed & breakfast: £35

Single occupancy supplement (for twin and family rooms): £10

Children and young people (age 2 - 15): half price; Children and babies (under 2): no charge

Please do not hesitate to contact the Centre to discuss your individual meeting, catering and accommodation requirements.

Contact Details

Address

Torch Holiday & Retreat Centre

4 Hassocks Road

Hurstpierpoint

HASSOCKS

West Sussex BN6 9QN

Telephone: 01273 832282

Mobile: 07900 215600

Email: TorchHRC@torchtrust.org

Web: torchcentre.org

How to Find Us

Train

Hassocks railway station, which is on the main line between London (St Pancras International, London Bridge and Victoria) and Brighton, is only 3 miles from the Centre.

Road

Hurstpierpoint is a small village situated about 9 miles north of Brighton. It can be accessed from London and the north via the M23/A23 and from the south, east and west via the M27/A27.

Air

Gatwick airport is just 20 miles north of the Centre and can be reached via the M23/A23 or via the direct rail link from Hassocks.