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Introduction PDF Print E-mail
Philip and Rosemary
Philip and Rosemary



At BRIDGE HOUSE we aim to give you a warm and hospitable Christian welcome, for whatever reason you come. We believe that God has made us all stewards of His creation, and given us all the responsibility to care for and share all good things. This is a part of the good news of peace with God through Jesus Christ, His son.



Bridge House
 

We hope that at Bridge House we will offer you a place of warm Christian hospitality. We follow the prayer offices of the Northumbria Community, of which we are companions. Morning Prayer (about 9:00am), Midday Prayer (12 noon) Evening Prayer and Compline (times vary). You are welcome to join us for these Offices, but recommend that you contact us first to confirm times. At midday on Wednesdays (midweek) every week we follow a simple communion service to which you may simply turn-up. We try to make ourselves available for people most of the day. If you would like prayer, a sympathetic ear, spiritual direction or just the chance to get away to the quiet of our grounds just contact us and we should be able to help.

Farm Shop

Pink BH
New look Bridge House 2010

At BRIDGE HOUSE we try to pursue animal welfare and production processes which are environmentally friendly and promote a more sustainable future for society. Our products are made predominantly from home grown or local produce and free-range animal products. We use GMO free and organic ingredients and feed wherever possible. No artificial addatives or preservatives are used in most cases. We are Affiliated Producers/Processors of the Wholesome Food Association (WFA) and operate an 'open farm' policy. Do see their website for more details.

We have a regular supply of Free Range Eggs from our chickens on the smallholding. We produce a variety of home baked dishes such as Lasagne (meat or vegetable), moussaka, quiches, meat pies, vegetable pies, seasonal fruit pies, cakes, muffins, biscuits, jams and chutneys etc. We have a limited amount of seasonal fruit; apples, plums, pears and soft fruit. We have free range rare-breed British Saddleback pork and our own beef available in the freezer. We usually have produce in stock or in the freezer, but can make items to order. We make felt from our sheep's wool and can fashion this into a variety of items. Please talk to us about your needs and ideas.

Brigid's Kitchen Tea Rooms

The Tea Room
The Tea Room

Bridge House is situated on the Thames Path; immediately next to Shillingford Bridge. Brigid's Kitchen Tea Rooms are open Saturday, Sunday and most Bank Holiday afternoons all year round for Afternoon Teas. Special opening for group visits can be arranged. If you walk the Thames Path, or are just visiting the area, why not plan to stop at Brigid's Kitchen for some home made refreshment.

Bed & Breakfast and Retreat facilities

We have two double en-suite bedrooms which are available for B&B guests or for residential retreat guests. In addition we have bedrooms which can be available for residential retreat guests who are willing to life more in community with us and share in the working of the house (not quite as posh as the other rooms!!). Please contact us if you are interested in any of the accommodation we offer.

Camping and Caravans

We have set apart about an acre of our meadow for caravans and campers and we are in the Camping and Caravanning Club Big Sites Book. We are able to offer usual facilities within 50 yards of the camping area or by the House. We only have a five van licence so it is advisable to contact us before arriving to check we have space.

Listening Ear to Spiritual Direction

We always try to make time to stop and talk, to met visitors and passers-by. But we also seek to make ourselves more specifically available if necessary. Whether it's just a sympathetic listening ear, or if you are looking for a spiritual director we hope we can help, either ourselves or through our contacts. Philip is a trained Spiritual Director and works in conjunction with the Oxon, Berks and Bucks, Spiritual Directors Network (SPIDIR) and both Philip and Rosemary have been trained in basic listening and counselling skills.

Miscellaneous Other Activities at Bridge House

Rosemary tells the story of a visit by the Grayson family to the outer Hebrides. One day a visit to the Post Office was called for to collect the Family Allowance. The approach to the building, a small White House I believe, was inauspicious apart from the fact that there was no-one there. The Post Office counter was there, and open, but unattended. The small village store, which this building doubled as was similarly unattended. Several minutes later the "Post Master" appeared, having seen them arrive and walked in from his croft where he had been working. You see this man was not only the Post Master but also the shop keeper, the general supplier of miscellaneous goods and he and his wife no doubt made tweed and knitted sweaters when they weren't tending the animals, or the children or a myriad other jobs that they combined to make up their lifestyle.

We are a bit like this at Bridge House and listed below are a number of other things we "do" which may interest you. Do visit our "Other Activities " page for a little more detail, but contact us direct if you think we may be able to help your particular need.

  • "Sow's Ear" Barn Dance Band.
  • Catering for small functions.
  • Story Telling.
  • Work experience.
  • Smallholding visits and WFA inspections.

In addition, we hold a variety of occasional events, courses and activities from time to time on a whole range of topics.  See our "Events and Activities " page for more details.

 

 
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