Celebrations to mark 135th anniversary of Chatteris Salvation Army

It was a time of celebration in one Fenland town as its Salvation Army members marked the 135th anniversary of its formation.

Chatteris Citadel opened its doors on Saturday to visitors with displays on the Salvation Army's history in the town on show.

There was a chance for people to have a look inside the hall and to find out more about the work the Salvation Army does not only in Chatteris but in the local vicinity helping families in need, including most recently those arrving from Ukraine.

Anese Tomkinson, who currently leads services in the absence of an officer for the town, said they were delighted with the number of visitors who took the time to come into the hall on Saturday.

She explained the town's Salvation Army dates back to the beginning of the movement which was set up by William Booth and was originally called the Christian Mission in 1865.

It became the Salvation Army in 1878 and the Chatteris movement was set up in 1877 with the hall being built in 1879.

On Sunday there was a large turn-out for the luncheon service, which was followed by lunch and a celebration in the afternoon.

The service was led by Major Stephen Gowler, who originates from Chatteris, but left the town in 1972 to train as a officer, which in the Salvation Army is an ordained minister.

Anese and her husband Ivor, together with Gerald and Heather Day and their daughter Sarah Birch currently ensure the smooth operation of the Salvation Army in Chatteris and the charitable work it does, in the absence of an officer.