The Thomas Clarkson Centre is located in Hospital Road, next to St Peter's Church. It is owned jointly by St Peter's and St Mary's Churches. Rooms in the Centre are available to hire, Monday to Saturday. 

Thomas Clarkson lived in Bury St Edmunds and he was a leading figure in the campaign to abolish the trade in enslaved people. He was a committed Christian whose research and writings supported the work of William Wilberforce and the wider abolition movement. His work was putting Christian faith into action, transforming the lives of many people. It's a fitting way of giving a new identity to our precious community buildings and it will give us a brilliant opportunity to tell the story of how Chirst changes lives. 

To book a room at the Thomas Clarkson Centre, contact the Events Manager at jackie.crofts@stmaryschurchbse.org or on 07561 334695.
 

Facilities    

The Centre comprises 2 halls plus 3 smaller rooms for hire, as follows:

The School Hall and the Sawbridge Hall each seat up to 100 theatre style, or up to 70 seated at tables. 

The Fursland Room holds a maximum of 30.

The Spaul Room and Crofts Lounge each hold a maximum of 20. These rooms are carpeted and therefore not suitable for craft activities. 

Internet Access / WiFi. The password for this is available on application to the Events Manager. 

Projection. Projectors are available for use in all rooms except the Crofts Lounge. 

Disabled Access. There is flat access to all rooms. 

Toilets include a disabled toilet with baby changing facilities. 

Tea / coffee making facilities. There is a sink unit, water boiler and small fridge located in the corridor. Cups can be found in the cupboard above the water boiler. 

Kitchen facilities. There is a well-equipped kitchen leading off the School Hall. This can be hired together with the School Hall for an additional charge. The kitchen is equipped with an oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge / freezer and urn. 

Cleaning. The Centre is cleaned daily, Monday to Friday. However, please leave rooms as you would wish to find them. 
 

Hire charges

School Hall: £17.50 per hour                                                                

Sawbridge Hall: £17.50 per hour                                                         

Fursland Room: £14.50 per hour                                                          

Spaul Room: £11.50 per hour                                                               

Crofts Lounge: £11.50 per hour

Please note that there will be a small increase in the above room hire fees from 1 April 2025.

Kitchen: £30 per session

Daytime hire of whole Centre: £435

Evening hire of whole Centre: £325

Verger fee from 1 January 2025 (where required): £54.00




Spaul Room

Crofts Lounge

Policies

User policy

Conditions of hire

Fire procedure, accident reporting and emergency plan

Health and safety policy

Management Committee

Chair: David Crofts

Bookings and Secretary: Jackie Crofts (Events Manager)

Treasurer: Phil Seddon

Maintenance: Grahame Cryer

Kitchen and Cleaning Supervisor: David Crofts

Ex Officio: Tiffer Robinson, Andy Williams