The woolpack hub grand opening!
After years of hard work, especially on the part of God, many, many prayers, a few miracles and one or two sleepless nights, the Woolpack Hub was officially opened on Saturday the 24th of May, 2014. A former pub, the Woolpack had laid empty and in need of whole scale restoration, opposite our church in Bedford town centre, for a number of years. God gave us a vision and the means to be able to purchase the property and completely transform the old drinking hole into a wonderful community facility. Instead of the old bar you will now find a coffee shop, meeting/conference room facilities and a soon to be games area. Outside, the old car park and waste land has given way to a state of the art MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) available to be used by anyone from the local community, young or old... or even that age in between, when you're not sure if you are young or old!
The opening day was fantastic and it commenced with the official opening with both the Mayor and MP for Bedford. This was swiftly followed by penalty shoot out between the Mayor and MP against Patch the Dog on the new MUGA. Throughout the day there were numerous activities provided by both our church and the local community, including, worship groups, Indian dancers, choirs, football tournaments, amusements, a visit from the local Fire Service, face painting, a BBQ, street dancers and much more...
Below are just a few photo's from the day which would not have been possible with out the hard work and determination of a lot of people, but most of all, it would not have been possible without God. To Him we give all glory and praise for his provision.
The opening day was fantastic and it commenced with the official opening with both the Mayor and MP for Bedford. This was swiftly followed by penalty shoot out between the Mayor and MP against Patch the Dog on the new MUGA. Throughout the day there were numerous activities provided by both our church and the local community, including, worship groups, Indian dancers, choirs, football tournaments, amusements, a visit from the local Fire Service, face painting, a BBQ, street dancers and much more...
Below are just a few photo's from the day which would not have been possible with out the hard work and determination of a lot of people, but most of all, it would not have been possible without God. To Him we give all glory and praise for his provision.
125 Years in Bedford!
New Years Eve
We opened our year of celebrations with a New Years Eve celebration supper and barn dance, followed by a watch night service.
Celebrations led by General Linda bond - 2 & 3 march
The Salvation Army is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its arrival in Bedford. As part of the celebrations the international leader of The Salvation Army, General Linda Bond, visited Bedford on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 March, 2013.
On 4 March 1888 a crowd of some 500 people gathered for the first public meeting held by The Salvation Army in Bedford, which was took place in a skating rink. Within a year a building capable of seating over 1,000 people had been built in River Street. This building, named Bedford Congress Hall, remained the base for The Salvation Army in Bedford until 1977 when it was demolished and replaces by the current building in Commercial Road.
The Salvation Army has always been first and foremost a Christian church. However, it is widely known for its emphasis on social action. Throughout its 125 years in Bedford there has been a focus on putting the Christian faith into practise by serving people.
The corps currently runs activities for the elderly including a luncheon club, fellowship afternoons, coffee mornings and meetings. For young people there are a variety of weekly clubs and activity groups, as well as school holiday events. There is also provision of more specialist services such as a debt advice service and youth inclusion programmes. Our building is a meeting point for people; both for attendees of activities and for people who like to get involved in helping others.
Currently the church has a membership of about 200 people, and there are many other individuals who give support in various ways. The Salvation Army is most grateful to the local people who support its work financially and by volunteering. It is also grateful to The Bedford Charity for its generous support of the Debt Advice Service and the Youth and Children’s Project, and to those who make provision in their wills to leave a bequest to The Salvation Army in Bedford.
New projects are currently being developed including the provision of a community resource on the site of the former Wool Pack public house in Commercial Road.
On 4 March 1888 a crowd of some 500 people gathered for the first public meeting held by The Salvation Army in Bedford, which was took place in a skating rink. Within a year a building capable of seating over 1,000 people had been built in River Street. This building, named Bedford Congress Hall, remained the base for The Salvation Army in Bedford until 1977 when it was demolished and replaces by the current building in Commercial Road.
The Salvation Army has always been first and foremost a Christian church. However, it is widely known for its emphasis on social action. Throughout its 125 years in Bedford there has been a focus on putting the Christian faith into practise by serving people.
The corps currently runs activities for the elderly including a luncheon club, fellowship afternoons, coffee mornings and meetings. For young people there are a variety of weekly clubs and activity groups, as well as school holiday events. There is also provision of more specialist services such as a debt advice service and youth inclusion programmes. Our building is a meeting point for people; both for attendees of activities and for people who like to get involved in helping others.
Currently the church has a membership of about 200 people, and there are many other individuals who give support in various ways. The Salvation Army is most grateful to the local people who support its work financially and by volunteering. It is also grateful to The Bedford Charity for its generous support of the Debt Advice Service and the Youth and Children’s Project, and to those who make provision in their wills to leave a bequest to The Salvation Army in Bedford.
New projects are currently being developed including the provision of a community resource on the site of the former Wool Pack public house in Commercial Road.
Recordings
Please feel free to listen to our 125 celebration weekend meetings, with General, Linda Bond by clicking here or by clicking the multimedia tab above.
Easter celebrations - 29 - 31 March
Meetings led by Majors Ray & Joyce Ebden
Band & Songster Weekend - 13 & 14 April
Anthony Harris (vocal), Elliot Launn (piano) and Andy Scott (euphonium) were the special guests for music weekend as part of the Corps 125 Year celebrations. The guests were ably supported throughout the weekend by the home Band and Songsters; Sunday meetings were led by Andrew Blyth (Music Ministries).
Amongst the many musical highlights was the rarely heard pianoforte solo “Rhapsody for Piano and Band ‘Christ is the Answer’” where Elliot showed his dexterity and style, captivating his audience. Anthony too provided great variety in his choices and a highlight was his rendition of Ken Downies “He Giveth More Grace” in morning worship. Andy (who grew up in the corps), showed great artistry in his presentation of RSA’s “The Conqueror” and the beautiful melody “The Lark in the Clear Air”.
Andrew’s theme for the morning meeting was “Experience Grace!” and all who gathered were challenged by the direct message. The weekend culminated in the Songsters, reserves and friends singing the old favourite “I Have Joined the Army of the Lord” led by Andrew. A truly enjoyable and God honouring weekend!
Amongst the many musical highlights was the rarely heard pianoforte solo “Rhapsody for Piano and Band ‘Christ is the Answer’” where Elliot showed his dexterity and style, captivating his audience. Anthony too provided great variety in his choices and a highlight was his rendition of Ken Downies “He Giveth More Grace” in morning worship. Andy (who grew up in the corps), showed great artistry in his presentation of RSA’s “The Conqueror” and the beautiful melody “The Lark in the Clear Air”.
Andrew’s theme for the morning meeting was “Experience Grace!” and all who gathered were challenged by the direct message. The weekend culminated in the Songsters, reserves and friends singing the old favourite “I Have Joined the Army of the Lord” led by Andrew. A truly enjoyable and God honouring weekend!
Town Centre exhibition - 12 - 18 May
For a week during half term, we set up a town centre exhibition.
flower festival - 8 & 9 June
As part of the 125 Celebrations a Flower Festival was organised for the week-end, June 7th and 8th. This was a great SUCCESS!!!
With 22 fantastic displays from various Churches, organisations in and around Bedford and from our own Church representing different aspects of our service in Bedford, the hall was filled with a blaze of colour, not to mention the smells! A number of pianists volunteered to provide background music to add to the whole ambience of the event over the 2 days. The platform was converted to an ‘open-air’ café where morning coffee, ploughman’s lunches and afternoon cream teas were served by a host of willing volunteers. We were able to experience in sight, smell, sound and taste the wonders of God’s provision and creation.
Over the two days, more than 400 people came into the hall, the vast majority were visitors and many entered a Salvation Army hall for the first time. There were many positive comments from the visitors expressing their delight at the whole event. Although the festival was not meant to raise funds, it was decided that any profit from the entrance fee, sale of programmes and refreshments would be donated to the work of The Salvation Army in the area of Anti-human Trafficking. The sum of £1,037.72 was raised!! God honours the work done in His name.
We would like to thank the organisers, Joan and Rowena for their work in arranging the festival. Our thanks also to all those who worked so hard to prepare and present their displays, the army of volunteers who helped and provided much needed support, and to Elaine whose exhibition of art in the entrance all contributed to making the event such a success.
With 22 fantastic displays from various Churches, organisations in and around Bedford and from our own Church representing different aspects of our service in Bedford, the hall was filled with a blaze of colour, not to mention the smells! A number of pianists volunteered to provide background music to add to the whole ambience of the event over the 2 days. The platform was converted to an ‘open-air’ café where morning coffee, ploughman’s lunches and afternoon cream teas were served by a host of willing volunteers. We were able to experience in sight, smell, sound and taste the wonders of God’s provision and creation.
Over the two days, more than 400 people came into the hall, the vast majority were visitors and many entered a Salvation Army hall for the first time. There were many positive comments from the visitors expressing their delight at the whole event. Although the festival was not meant to raise funds, it was decided that any profit from the entrance fee, sale of programmes and refreshments would be donated to the work of The Salvation Army in the area of Anti-human Trafficking. The sum of £1,037.72 was raised!! God honours the work done in His name.
We would like to thank the organisers, Joan and Rowena for their work in arranging the festival. Our thanks also to all those who worked so hard to prepare and present their displays, the army of volunteers who helped and provided much needed support, and to Elaine whose exhibition of art in the entrance all contributed to making the event such a success.
flower festival brochure
Please feel free to download the brochure from the flower festival weekend.
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