'Big Day Out’ a roaring success at Hadleigh Farm Estate

The Salvation Army’s Hadleigh Farm Estate celebrated its annual 'Big Day Out' on Saturday, with more than 800 people attending the festivities.

Over the course of the day, there was fun for the whole family with activities ranging from tractor rides to scone-making workshops and meeting the animals in the Rare Breeds Centre.

There was also a chance to pause and reflect on the work and heritage of The Salvation Army in Hadleigh with a special service celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Hadleigh Training Centre. Over the 25 years, The Salvation Army has been working at the centre with people who face obstacles to entering employment to help them maximise their potential.

“It was such a joy to celebrate this achievement with both the trainees and members of the public and see everyone enjoying all that is on offer here in Hadleigh,” said The Salvation Army’s Mission Director for Hadleigh Farm Estate, Major Jacquie Hanover.

Groups from various Salvation Army churches from across London and Essex showed their support on the day, providing stalls for the marketplace with members from Regent Hall Trombones and Hadleigh Temple Senior Band taking the bandstand.

“We are so glad that the weather held out so we could join together, reflect on the work that has been done at the centre over this period, celebrate our trainees and say thank you to our staff.”

“Our mission is for Hadleigh Farm Estate to be a place where the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of each individual are nurtured, and the Training Centre is a wonderful example of this,” Major Hanover said.

Through the programmes run at the centre, trainees gain experience working in the fields of carpentry, horticulture, hospitality, Information Technology and with the animals at the Rare Breeds Centre. Some of the work of the trainees was also available for sale on the day, including carpentry items, horticultural produce and the cakes and scones in the Tea Centre.

“We look forward to celebrating again in 25 years’ time!” said Major Hanover.