Leading Christian conference centre recalls wartime history

Von Werra meets Hitler

Five German prisoners of war famously spent weeks tunnelling out of the place - but for 100 years countless thousands have also dug deep and enjoyed a time of renewal there.

The Hayes in Swanwick, Derbyshire, the UK's first and leading Christian conference centre, will celebrate its centenary next week (Friday 27 May) - though few know the place was requisitioned as a major PoW camp in World War II.

The legendary Franz von Werra and four other Germans prisoners tunnelled their way to freedom in December 1940. All five were re-captured but von Werra escaped again - from Canada - and made it back to Germany, the only PoW to do so throughout WWII. Von Werra’s escape from The Hayes is featured extensively in the classic 1950s war movie 'The One That Got Away'. Intriguingly, most of the tunnel is still intact.

On Friday, 27 May, Terry Waite, former special envoy of the Archbishop of Canterbury, will attend a special service of thanksgiving at 11am, along with a gospel choir from the Apostolic Church in Stafford.

Among hundreds of other PoWs at The Hayes were Bert Trautmann, Manchester City's goalkeeper who famously broke his neck in three places in the 1956 FA Cup Final at Wembley - and internationally-renowned theologian Jurgen Moltmann who is said to have returned after the war to address a clergy conference!

“Our PoWs may have been unwilling ‘guests’ but visit any community in the UK and you’ll find people who have enjoyed a time of refreshment here,” said Brian Cupples, general manager of The Hayes. “We have constantly developed to meet the changing needs of our visitors – a key to our success.”

And times have certainly changed. Built by top Derbyshire entrepreneur Fitzherbert Wright as a private house in the 1860s, the Hayes' conservatory looks a bit like St Pancras station. There's good reason - Wright built both!

Reflecting the demands of 21st century consumers, the centre now offers residential and day conference facilities for up to 400 delegates, in mainly en-suite accommodation. With more than 30 meeting rooms, many equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment and wireless internet, the centre has certainly kept up with the demands of today’s guests. It is also available for day and residential conferences for local businesses, charities and public sector organisations of all kinds.

According to recent research, one million people in the UK each year get away on a residential religious orientated holiday, conference or course. With almost 40,000 people a year passing through its doors, The Hayes is able to cater for groups large and small.

Dozens and dozens of thankful visitors, including several bishops, have written to the centre in recent weeks, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, who said: “The Hayes has been a valuable resource for quiet reflection and recharging of batteries. I hope it will continue to play its important role in Christian life.”

For more information see: www.cct.org.uk/the-hayes/introduction