MEMBERS of a Lower Earley-based church raised their best china to a new coffee hub, built to mark its 140th anniversary.
Originally based on Reading’s Kings Road, and known as the Reading East Salvation Army, the church relocated to purpose-built premises in 1994, close to the Chalfont Way centre that houses Asda and a number of other shops.
The new coffee hub will be open weekdays from 10am to 4pm, and is part of the Army’s support to the community, including toddler groups and Messy Church.
The coffee hub offers fairtrade coffee, cakes and other hot and cold drinks at set prices. The coffee grounds are recycled into the church’s garden.
Customers can also ‘buy-forward’ hot drinks for those who may not be able to afford a hot drink, with the Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh, also supporting some funding for those needing assistance to pay for hot drinks.
During the opening weekend, held over September 24 and 25, the church held a thanksgiving service to mark its 140 years, including displays of historic pictures, memorabilia and news clippings, including historic Salvation Army uniforms.
And there was a barbecue in its garden – another cause for celebration as it was the recipient of a Royal Horticultural Society’s It’s your neighbourhood award.
The new hub was opened by the Central South Divisional leaders, Majors Mike and Lisa Lloyd-Jones.
Leader of Reading Lower Earley Salvation Army, Lieutenant Jacqueline Coates said: “There are many needs in the community spanning all generations, our prayer is for the coffee hub to be a place for all to meet, make new friends and build relationships.
“We want to create a space that is warm and welcoming, a place where people can come and be themselves and be with others. All too often, people live in isolation and we want to offer a place that brings people together.”
For more details about weekly programme and times log on to: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/reading-lower-earley or email: Lower.earley@salvationarmy.org.uk
