CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
In both churches you can find a list of social events for children in the parish, as well as a calendar of Sunday School and other activities.

There are crèches at both churches for the use of children under four years old. There are also sets of Busy Bags containing toys and books which children may play with in the pews.
The Sunday School at St Mark's is divided into Juniors (aged 3-9) and Seniors (9+) which meet during the school term. The Seniors occasionally have other social events. At St Andrew's the Sunday School for all ages meets each Sunday except the first in the month. Sunday school details

GOOD FRIDAY WORKSHOP
This is a big event for children aged 4-11 and their carers, which takes place most years. It lasts about an hour and a half, including craft and other activities and a service relating to an Easter theme. All children welcome, not just the regular congregation.

ST ANDREW'S AND ST MARK'S C of E JUNIOR SCHOOL
Our church school is in Maple Road. It was recently rated as "Outstanding" by Ofsted in a glowing report.
St Andrew's and St Mark's School website

UNIFORMED ORGANISATIONS
Girls can join the Brownies (aged 7-10), who meet each Thursday. Boys can join the Beavers (aged 6-8, meeting on Tuesdays or Saturdays), the Cubs (aged 8-10, meeting on Mondays or Thursdays) or the Scouts (aged 11+, who meet on Fridays). They are a Sea Scout Group who meet at Ravens Ait in the summer for rowing, canoeing, sailing and motor boating. There are regular Parade services at St Mark's Church. For details please contact the Parish Office. Details of their websites can be found on the Links page.

YOUTH GROUP
The youth group originated with 'One Step' which grew out of a confirmation group in 2002. In September 2005 they joined forces with 'ReCap', the next group of young people who wanted to carry on exploring their faith following confirmation. They meet every other Friday and spend some time praying, exploring the Bible, and talking about the important stuff of life. For the last two years they have also taken a group to Greenbelt Christian Arts Festival. The group is open, honest and welcoming.

One group member says: "We started out as seven of us gathering to learn more about the God whom we wanted to know, being confirmed on the 30th November 2004. Since then we have been meeting regularly to learn from each other. It is the faith which we hold in common which allows us to share our beliefs and new ideas with each other as we extend to live in God's presence."

To join the youth group you just need to be aged 13 - 18 and to come along with an open mind. If you would like to know more, or if you are an adult interested in helping to lead the group, please contact the Parish Office.

MOTHERS' UNION
The Mothers' Union meets regularly on the afternoon of the third Wednesday of each month. Non-members are always welcome at any of our meetings or Services, and the MU magazine "Home and Family" is available on request. Do please let us know if you require a lift to meetings, or if you can offer a lift to others.

The Mothers' Union also supports the Parish Prayer Group and Praise and Play. The Mothers' Union website is www.themothersunion.org