Our comfortable private meeting room was 200 yards away from the sleeping and eating rooms, so we were not worried about disturbing others, although it would not have been ideal for people with mobility difficulties.

Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner was tasty, home made and served in the galleried great hall. Vegetarians are well catered for, and other special dietary requirements are accepted but do not seem to be well understood.

Remember to take teabags, milk and coffee next time because the drinks machines are exorbitantly priced. There are fridges, kettles and glasses in the communal kitchens.

The people

The Friars is run by the twelve friars and various staff and volunteers. We were told that friars are sent to various sites as if they were in the army, depending on the skills and talents needed, whereas monks perhaps stay in one monastery.

The friars usually dress in their brown habits (without the traditional white cloaks) over normal clothes, although they come to meals in civvies. They give free guided tours several times a day. The volunteers and other workers seem generally to be much younger than the friars. Most people seem to be quite friendly and welcoming.

OWCH group