SPEC Centre
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SPEC Centre is a Catholic Residential Youth Centre in London Colney, Hertfordshire, England. It is run by the Archdiocese of Westminster and was established in 1995, by Fr Vladimir Felzman, under the instruction of Cardinal Basil Hume
The SPEC Centre consists of four strands of work. Firstly, there is the main SPEC Centre, which provides residential retreat work for 13-19 year olds. Secondly there is Loft@SPEC, which provides similar residential retreat work for younger children aged 7-13. Thirdly, there is SPECoutreach which provides teams of youthworkers who go into schools in the Archdiocese of Westminster providing workshops, drama presentations and interactive teaching, including the use of drama, music and dance. Fourthly, there is SPECeast, which is an extension of the SPEC project based in Wapping in East London.
The SPEC Centre originally began with a staff of 5 members, but by 2007 had a staff number of approximately 30 full-time members, who also live as a community together on-site. The majority of staff work on a voluntary basis, usually on a year long placement following the academic year. Often this is part of a Gap year. The SPEC Centre is run by David and Sandra Satchell, who have run the centre since it was originally set up.
The SPEC Centre organises and hosts a Festival every July on-site, called 'Bright Lights'. The festival includes music by popular Christian Bands, and talks from well-known Christian speakers, as well as many other workshops and activities. The Festival, held over a weekend usually attracts between 500 and 600 guests.
The name for the SPEC Centre comes from the latin phrase "speculum vitae" which means 'mirror to/of life'. This was intended to show the reflective nature of the centre, and its aim to encourage young people to look at themselves, their own lives, and relationships with others.
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