The meeting was held at Thurne Methodist Church and was hosted by Revd Chris Shreeve, who gave a short talk about Elijah. The hymns were accompanied by Revd Shreeve on the organ. The meeting was well attended and the atmosphere was warm and friendly.

 

Revd Peter Paine welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming. Once the business matters were dealt with, Lieutenant Rob Symons took the floor.

 

He said that even though he and his wife, Georgina, had been Lieutenants in Yarmouth for two years, they were still on a learning curve.

 

This year the Citadel celebrated its 125^th year Anniversary with a birthday party which was held on Pentecost Sunday. Rob spoke of how the Yarmouth Citadel started on the 5^th August 1886 and pointed out that at that time many of their officers were put into jail for preaching the word. It is hard to imagine that ever happening in Yarmouth!

 

The audience were given a tour on screen to demonstrate the community work and social care programmes that are on offer. The Salvation Army host the programmes and are supported by the following agencies eg: - NORCAS, Voluntary Norfolk, GYROS, Gt Yarmouth Council, DIAL, MIND, Norfolk Police and the Gt Yarmouth Community Trust (Ageless Opportunities). The Citadel isn’t just a church it is a haven and safe place for many people especially those who live on the streets. With the help of the partnerships it is possible to help people with a huge variety of problems. There are facilities to wash and dry clothing as well as showers, clean clothing and a hot meal.

 

In February, ‘Employment Plus,’ was launched to help the unemployed get back into work. The centre are able to offer training for online job search and help in preparing a CV. There is also training on how to use the internet and email also how to shop on line and access public services. In addition to computer training there is instruction on how to use a digital camera, use a mobile phone and even basic education.

 

When Rob speaks about the Herbie’s programme it soon becomes obvious that it is very close to his heart. ‘Herby’ was the name of a man who was a well known local street drinker. Sadly he died on the streets of South Yarmouth at Halloween in 2008. His name represents the commitment of the Salvation Army and partners to try and prevent this from happening in the future. Herbie’s was officially launched in January 2010.

 

At Christmas Herbie’s provides a brilliant 2 course lunch with a card and present for each person. Rob said that they had a wonderful time and they had many voluntary helpers to make the day special.

 

 

 

The Toys and Tins Appeal for Christmas 2010 resulted in the following:-

 

Families                                    243

Adult presents                          253

Children’s presents                317

Adult’s food parcels                 284

Children’s food parcels          273

 

Rob poined out that by reaching out to people and meeting their needs is a means to build a bridge between Herbie’s and the Church. Leaflets entitled ‘Living by the Book’ have been printed for people to read. The leaflet answers many questions about the church and is designed to be an introduction to faith in a gentle way.

 

Other amenities have been made available such as the Children’s Club, IMPACT, which has been re-launched; Messy Church; a Crèche; a garden for people to enjoy; Golf followed by a light lunch for just £6.50 - any one can take part.

 

Lieutenant Symons brought the meeting to a close by saying that their aim is to build up relationships with people in the community and to lead more people to God. Already some people from Herbie’s have come to church and he was pleased to report that there will be a wedding for a couple who met through the Herbie’s drop in. 

 

It is clear to see that Rob and his wife Lieutenant Georgina work very hard and are totally committed to their work. May God bless them both and their two gorgeous children