Woodbrooke considers way forward
Trustees are 'taking time to consider Woodbrooke as a place and explore its purpose and how it fulfils our ministry.'
Woobrooke has said that it will no longer be offering bed and breakfast as it is not financially viable. A statement from the centre says: ‘While the Woodbrooke Centre has remained open for most of the last two years, the business model that the centre was operating before the pandemic is no longer viable. For example, many people have asked when we are reopening for Bed and Breakfast, and the answer is we simply can’t afford to do so. B&B was only ever intended to fill in the gaps when we had spare bedrooms from residential courses and conferences, and it doesn’t work economically if you have too few residential events, as the gaps are just too big to fill.’
The statement goes on to say that while the centre is not currently able to offer individual stays beyond self-catering; there are some weekends available to book for residential events. The centre can also offer tailored teaching.
Woodbrooke has had ‘many difficulties to overcome in the pandemic’, says the statement. The shift to a much larger online programme of learning and worship has meant that it has become ‘more accessible and more inclusive’ for many people. ‘We are keen to continue our focus on online learning, but we are looking forward to delivering some of our learning in person around Britain, working closely with the Local Development Workers, and possibly holding a few courses and retreats at The Woodbrooke Centre too.’
The statement ends by saying that trustees are ‘taking time to consider Woodbrooke as a place and explore its purpose and how it fulfils our ministry. They will be working closely with staff, partners and neighbours, such as the Bournville Village Trust, as well as Friends, to discern a way forward. This isn’t an easy task and we ask for your support and upholding’.
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