CHRISTMAS DAY 2010 saw nearly 200 pass through our doors, and we had a great day. We started by welcoming our guests and volunteer team from 9am, enjoying refreshments, and then sharing together in a Carol Service. This was led by Lieutenant Nicola, and she took us through carols and reflection, including a time to celebrate with the children. Tony the Magician then came and did a short show for us. After this we made our way to our tables and enjoyed our Christmas Dinner. After this we concluded with a sing a long, Captain Sue sang, we had the results of our christmas activity quizzes, got presents, food bags, and also a visit from Father Christmas. AND..... so much more. A massive volunteer team added so much to this day, and especially our kitchen team who worked so hard as well. We cannot thank everyone enough for all they did to make this day possible. We were also graced by a visit by the High Sherrif of West Sussex, Mrs Elizabeth Bennett, who came to wish us all a very happy Christmas.

A very hard working team of people worked on CHRISTMAS EVE to peel vegetables, to sort out our centre, to make up food and toy parcels, to go to local shops and pick up donations and bring them back, to deliver parcels and so much more. There was a big operation happening, BUT, we had a great day and thankful to everyone for all they contributed to the day. THANK YOU.

Our final carolling engagement this year took us to Langshot Manor in Horley, to play as a bridge and groom took their place at their reception. It was the dream of the bride to have a salvation army band playing for her as she walked into her reception. It was a joy to be able to be part of this.

After Nine Years of Leadership of our Home League Meeting/Programme, Anne Denyer has retired. During the last meeting of the year, Anne thanked everyone for their support and explained how for her, it was right to step down, because after nine years she had started to find all the preparation for the meeting very difficult. A collection had been taken and we were able to present some gifts that we trust Anne will enjoy.

A team of church friends gathered to make up some more parcels today for the great demand of requests we have had for such. Now low on some items, we prepare our selves to complete this task on Christmas Eve. We pray deeply and dearly for all those who will be receiving these gifts.

Our musicians, supported by friends, played at Tesco (Gatwick) this Tuesday and last Tuesday, and shoppers enjoyed the music (well we hope so). Collectors spent the day at the store, collecting money, strangely enough. Thanks to all those who engaged in collecting and playing.

Kate Gregory, our youth ministries officer, led two afternoon outreach events in Horsham on Sunday afternoon at Kingsmead and Oakhill. A good number of our musicians and singers came to support the events for which we are very grateful.

We had two great parties at the end of last week. Our very popular CHATT-A-BOX groups met on Thursday and Friday for some very exciting parties. Games and Craft started the session, followed by some lively singing, and then a visit from Father Christmas. Everyone got a present each. We then enjoyed a meal together to end our party. Thank you to everyone for making this party so special.....again!

Despite the dreadful weather conditions and our fear that our production would not happen this year, we were wrong! Our hall was packed with over 100 people, many families, and of course loads of children. Everyone did so well. People travelled from the other side of Crawley and Haywards Heath, Billingshurst etc, to come and ensure they were part of this years special carol service. Featured this year was so many people. Our toddler groups from Crawley and Horsham sang; our drama group danced; our youth group sang; our children sang; our band played; our singing group sang; all generations took part in the drama, and we had a special extra of a trombone trio. Additionally Father Christmas came to visit us as well. We are so grateful to everyone for really going that extra mile(s) to come and make our christmas carol service so so special.