The Salvation Army - Eastleigh

The Salvation Army - Eastleigh Corps

CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER

Over 40 people sat down to a four-course Christmas Dinner at the Eastleigh Corps on Christmas Day.

Before the meal a short Carol Service was held and many Corps members attended even though they were not staying to attend the Dinner.

Several local volunteers helped prepare and serve the meal and then cleared up afterwards and several others transported those without means of attending as there was no public transport available on Christmas Day. After the meal a few games were played and then food hampers were distributed to be taken home.

Singing in the Rain

Eastleigh Corps members took part in carol singing in the rain around the bandstand before Eastleigh Deputy Mayor Councillor Derek Pretty switched on the Town Christmas lights. A steel band had played a Christmas calypso and the aroma of festive food wafted through the streets as a French Market did a roaring trade.

The rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of those attending and the whole town was buzzing with festive atmosphere as Santa's Parade rolled through the streets. The evening ended with a spectacular firework display.

Harvest Lunch - 7th October 2007

The Harvest Festival 11:00 Morning Service was attended by over 40 people and saw a large quantity of produce donated ready for distribution to needy people later in the year. Envoy Margaret Moore conducted the service and this was followed by a three course lunch.

The children of the Corps participated in a Harvest Presentation that showed the variety of foods grown around the world attaching the baskets of produce to the countries of origin on a large globe of the world.

Installation of Envoy Margaret Moore

Envoy Margaret Moore was welcomed as the new Commanding Officer of Eastleigh Corps of the Salvation Army on the afternoon of 25th August 2007 by a capacity congregation consisting of Corps members, family and friends. The meeting was led by Lt Colonels John and Enid West (Retired) and the official installation ceremony was conducted under the Salvation Army Flag held by Peter McCullagh.

Father Michael Dennehey from Eastleigh's Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church welcomed Margaret on behalf of the Churches Together in Eastleigh, emphasising Margaret's commitment to Ecumenism and her willingness to work for and in the local community.

Adherent Rob Farmer welcomed Margaret on behalf of the Corps and spoke of the qualities he knew she would bring to her position—caring and communication skills, diplomacy, organisation and the ability to turn ideas into actions. The Corps affirmed its support with a resounding round of applause.

Following the formal installation Margaret was given the opportunity to respond and spoke of the importance of steady growth—learning to walk before we can run—and of then running the race set before us.

The meeting concluded with a spirited rendition of "I'll Go In The Strength Of The Lord" and the afternoon continued into the evening in celebratory mood with a buffet tea and the cutting of the "Welcome Cake".

Additional views of this event can be seen on the Corps Picture Gallery (Installation Album)