Community Activities
A sense of community is what the Octagon is all about and as such we have a variety of groups and activities to suit everyone.
Click image to enlarge
The Octagon hosts Bring and Share Lunches after the service whenever there is a fifth Sunday in the month. This is a brilliant time to get to know other Octagon members whilst enjoying good food. There is no pressure to provide something of a restaurant standard; all contributions are welcome.
Men's Group
The Men's Group meets on the second Wednesday of each month, and have recently enjoyed trips to the cinema. Various activities are planned for future months, and all men who attend the Octagon are welcome to join in.
Craft Group
A Craft Group meets occasionally to make items for the Summer and Winter Fairs. For further details please contact the Chairman.
Octagon Concert Series
The Octagon is proud of its musical heritage. As well as a vibrant musical aspect to our worship, we host the very successful Octagon Concert Series, which is somewhat unique inasmuch that no performers receives a fee or expenses so that all money raised can be donated to charity or good cause both local and national. Further details of concerts can be found at www.octagonmusic.org.uk.
Fund Raising Activities
Every year, we run very successful Summer and Autumn Fairs. Stalls include Crafts, Cakes, Tombola; Books, Children's Games, Bran Tub, Face Painting and Refreshments. The Fairs are a great community event. Money raised is donated to the Octagon or an Octagon related cause.
Gift Boxes
At Christmas we collect items for charities such as the St Martins Housing Trust.
Social Responsibility Group
This group meets about four times a year for Social Responsibility issues. These include Pastoral Care in the congregation, Supporting Woman Against Prison, Mental Health, Peace and Justice Group, Norwich Criminal Justice Forum to name but a few.
Doughty's Hospital
We hold Social Evenings for the residents of Doughty's Hospital, a nearby sheltered housing complex for Senior Citizens.
St George Colegate
We have a good relationship with our nearby Anglican church St George Colegate. We meet occasionally for fellowship and services.
Hapton Unitarian Chapel Heritage Site
The Hapton Unitarian Chapel Heritage Site, Hapton, Norfolk has been restored by the Octagon community. A service is held there annually followed by a picnic. The site is open for all to visit.
Click image to enlarge
We have been visited by the minister and members of our partnership Unitarian church in Marosvasarhely, Romania and news, presents and visits have been exchanged.
The Nightingale Centre, Great Hucklow
In a small Derbyshire village not far from Chesterfield, you will find the national Unitarian holiday and conference centre at Great Hucklow. This part of Derbyshire is an area rich in history with lots of tourist attractions, and easily accessible by train, car or bus.
The centre is open throughout the year as a holiday or conference venue, and welcomes all faith groups. For further details there is dedicated web site which gives full details: www.thenightingalecentre.org.uk.