CRESS is a welcoming indoor space which is used to complement our outdoor programmes. A former bowls pavilion with heritage features, it has its own green space right outside. It is situated next to the community garden on Maidenhall Allotments, while ActivSheds is located next door.

CRESS is used for ActivLives workshops, training and events, as well as providing a field office and a venue for staff and volunteer meetings or training. Here, we gather to cook together or celebrate important times of the year, such as Harvest and Christmas.

Why not hire the pavilion as a lovely venue for your next meeting or activity?

The CRESS Pavilion is available for hire by business, education and community organisations for meetings, workshops or training. It has internet access, projector and screen, kitchen, mains power, toilets and heating, and is fully accessible.

Get in touch if you’d like to hold a training session or run a course at CRESS.

To hire the Pavilion, contact ActivGardens Development Manager susannah@activlives.org.uk mobile 07530 407302 or ActivLives Office 01473 345350

Activities for schools and colleges

CRESS serves as a “field classroom” for schools and colleges. A day can combine hands-on gardening with creative/ arts/ environmental education/ science activities in the CRESS Pavilion. 

Field to Fork

Growing, cooking and healthy eating – we run day and half-day events for schools and colleges, community and other groups, by arrangement. A typical programme would involve garden activities alongside learning how to cook with fresh vegetables and fruit.

Holiday Day Camps

We can design a day for your group. For example – greenfingers activity day for young families, team-building day for young people, beekeeping safari.

Courses, Trainings & Workshops

We run a wide variety of activities at the CRESS Pavilion, for example, cooking, honey-harvesting, pickling and jam-making; clubs and crafts. It is also a venue for staff and volunteer training. CRESS has hosted print workshops by a local artist, a community recycling course and Eden Project Big Lunch Extras event. Get in touch if you’d like to hold an activity or run a course at CRESS.

Men’s Breakfast Hub

Meeting at the Cress Pavilion every Wednesday 10am-12:30pm this hub is aimed at men 45 years and over. Activities in the past have included metal detecting, classic cars and a visit from the fire brigade. The cost includes a cup of tea and a bacon or egg roll.