The Salvation Army Chatham

Last Saturday our Parent and Toddler Group ‘Mummy and Me’ celebrated its tenth anniversary with a reunion party.

The importance of good record keeping was highlighted as invitations were sent to the parents of nearly 250 children who had been part of the group during that time. Our friends the Post Office returned a number of them because people were no longer known at the address we had recorded, not surprising in this moblie world after a gap of up to ten years. Some of those who had moved on were found through friendships made at the group and continued long after the child concerned had grown too old to attend. Some of these friendships have become very strong indeed and have stood the test of time.

Between 10am and 3pm our Hall was filled with noisy chat and play from children who now much preferred football to soft toys! And their parents had a good time reminiscing as well.

There were also some moving moments to savour. One of the first to arrive, a girl of nearly 11 years of age, now has the pleasure of seeing all her family worshipping at our church. Grandma is already an adherent of The Salvation Army and Mum soon will be. The girl herself is now part of our Singing Company (children’s choir) and all three are regular attenders at our meetings. This developed from a Health Visitor suggesting another lady came to our group. She passed on the good news to Mum who brought her daughter, then just 5 months old. Family struggles prevent us using photographs but we happily acknowledge the importance of good networking.

Another Mum arrived carrying bags of food and Tesco vouchers to add to our store of supplies for the needy. Two years ago she needed and received help at a particularly difficult and wretched time in her life. Life for her has changed completely and she is now studying at University. She just wanted to say thank you by helping us to give to others what she herself had received.

Here are some of the comments written by the children and their mums on a large pad provided for the purpose.

Amanda (with Louis, 8, and Ella,9) says:

It’s lovely to all meet up again. I remember first coming along when Louis was only 6 weeks old and feeling so welcomed! Thank-you for all the happy memories.

Suzanne (with Joshua, nearly 3) says:

Thank-you for making us feel welcome and for giving us parents a well earned break and some company.

Sam (with Alfie) says:

Congratulations on your 10 years. You have been a great help to many mums especially myself. I hope you have many more successful sessions and hope to be back for your 20th. Many thanks for all the fun times. Best wishes and love.

These are just three of many comments received. Leader Verna Smith and her team seek no reward for what they do. It is good enough to know that taking an interest and ‘loving’ the families they come into contact with provides a dimension not always experienced in this sad world. “In as much as you do it to the least if these………….?”

Leader Verna Smith

The Team: L to R, Olive, Sylvia, Patti and Alma

We look forward to many more years of service in reaching out into our town with the gospel of Jesus.