Harpenden charity starting work on new community hub

Building work is about to start on a new all-singing, all-dancing community hub for Harpenden.

The Salvation Army has been fund raising for a new centre since their annual Christmas lunch, when it was realised that the current facilities were not enough to cater for all the attendees.

The new build will include two multi-purpose community halls, offices, toilet facilities, an entrance lobby, a new café, a worship hall, and a counselling room, alongside improved accessibility throughout.

Building work on the Leyton Green site is due to start soon, ready for the new launch in 2019.

During the work period, the charity’s normal weekday programme will be hosted in various locations around Harpenden and from May 20 Sunday services will be held at Southdown Methodist Church Hall above the Co-op.

Minister and leader of Harpenden Salvation Army Captain Kenneth Guest said: “We’d like to thank everyone in advance for their patience during the building work and are very grateful to those who have offered us space to help us continue our weekday and Sunday programme.

“We can’t wait until we can welcome everyone into our new home and begin the next chapter in our 133-year history of serving this community.”

Kenneth himself recently sky-dived to raise £3,000 for the scheme - more specifically, for the new kitchen.

The 53-year-old should have been completely out of his comfort zone, but had no worries, nerves, or fear: “Looking back, I think I should have been more worried - I was freefalling at 120mph for 45 seconds! But it was incredible. There actually was no sense of falling, just floating on air.

“A new improved kitchen will enable us to open a community café and develop an engaging programme for all ages – from activities for families to social clubs for young and older people, and access to specialist support and advice for people in need.”

He said the charity’s work is needed everyday for “individuals who are isolated and families who are marginalised”.

The Salvation Army is still short of the total revenue needed for the project. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/salvationarmy/skydive2018 For more information about the temporary programme, call 01582 469399.