Westwood Christian Centre – A gem on the hillside

I wonder just how many people wander past Westwood Christian Centre (WCC) and say to themselves `What does go on in there?’. From the outside, Westwood looks very much like many other country churches and of course at one time it was the daughter church of St John’s in Golcar. However, in 1993 when the congregation had declined and decided to move elsewhere, David and Glenys Greenwood bought the building with a vision of developing a place of `beauty, refreshing and peace.’ Over the following ten years or so David, an architect, and his wife Glenys designed and reordered the building to incorporate five self-contained flats, a function hall, quiet space and staff quarters. It is a beautiful blend of past and present, with each space having a character of its own. The Little House, an eco-house, was added as a staff annexe. Altogether we can accommodate up to 50 guests.

My wife Carole and I first visited Westwood in 2001 when we lived in Saddleworth. At that time just one of the flats was completed, so it was amazing to see how the centre had developed when we came to stay with a group of friends last year. It was then
we found out that David and Glenys were looking for new wardens. We were living near Oxford and had no plans to move back up north. Glenys did drop a few hints, `Have you ever felt the call back to the hills?’ she asked as we stood gazing at the spect-acular view over Slaithwaite and the Colne Valley. `Do you know anyone who might be interested in the job?’

Eventually we came for an inter-view in September 2010 and were invited to take up the role as part of the Westwood team. We were inspired by David and Glenys’s faith and commitment to develop this delightful space for people to come and stay, whether people of faith or not. It’s a place where people can get away from the usual hectic pace of life. Carole and I had a number of connections with them as a couple, including art andcreativity (Carole, Glenys and David are all artists) and the desire to have a space for people to just `be’ and, if they so wish, maybe to explore life and faith in an informal, restful setting. We are also committed to being a blessing to, and to praying for, our local community and our guests.

Every couple of months we hold Quiet Days for reflection – please call to book a place if you wish to come along.

Since arriving at Westwood, Carole and I have been trying to get to know our local community, going along to the Bolster Moor Community Association (BMCA), visiting local churches, the pre-school, not to mention numerous meals at the Golcar Lily! We shall shortly be going into Clough Head school to take assembly.  A number of local people have been very supportive of Westwood, offering help in numerous ways and for which we are very grateful.

If you want to find out more about WCC, check out our website at www.westwood-centre.org.uk, or if you would like to arrange a visit call 01484 845042.

Who uses Westwood?

Our guests come for a diverse number of reasons and from places near and far. Some come for a holiday; recently a family from Germany had their first UK holiday here. Others come for retreats. People who are visiting friends and relatives or coming to an event in the area find it an accessible, friendly place. We have had National Trust working parties, the youth service and mental health services for training days, church groups, youth groups, and my sister recently held her 60th birthday celebration weekend here. As long as the use is compatible with what we understand to be the Christian ethos and foundation of the centre, we hope to encourage the local community to make more use of WCC.