The Salvation Army Community Centre was opened in May 1990.

It has become a drop-in centre for a wide range of people - of all ages and from all backgrounds - and covers a variety of situations. From those who want a quiet and comfortable place to read (or catch up on correspondence) with a cup of coffee - to busy people who want a good English breakfast to start their day - to people who need a listening ear for the vast range of difficulties they find themselves in. It is a centre for the elderly and the vulnerable (i.e. those with learning difficulties) who want company - especially to share a meal with. We have excellent access and facilities for the disabled and for children, so no customer feels they are a burden. We cover a vast area of needs, with counselling available if more is needed than "tea & sympathy". We provide food parcels for families in financial difficulties, help for people needing detox. units, advice on requests concerning our family tracing service and generally do our best to guide people to areas where their situation can be best helped.

Don't be fooled into thinking this is a sombre place - there is a lot of fun - and friendship is the key word. People who come into the centre find themselves returning regularly.

Sally Ann's Cafe is open to the general public, serving a wide selection of home-cooked meals - from Full English Breakfast to Bangers and Mash, Fish and Chips to Curry and Rice, as well as salads, toasted sandwiches etc. Individually cooked to order, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 1:45pm (and open for snacks until 3:00pm). Again, there is no age limit and we have special rates for children (only £1.50 per meal) and for senior citizens.

We also let out our sports hall to individual groups for badminton during the day and to private groups, such as Tai Chi, during the evenings. We also let out the lounge to groups needing a venue for meetings.

For information on any of the above, contact Christine Pearce (Centre Manager) on (01223) 367633 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, or just "drop in" between 9am and 3pm on those days.