Memories made as Watford folk opt to 'Holiday at Home' with The Salvation Army

More than 20 older people have spent three days this week attending a Salvation Army centre in Watford to 'Holiday at Home'. 

The scheme, running for the first time in the area at the church and charity's site on St Alban's Road called 'Anchor's away: all aboard the cruise ship Sally Anne'  welcomed people over the age of 60 who might otherwise have been alone, for three full days of fun, laughter and shared meals to 'holiday' together.  The church halls have been decorated to reflect the surroundings of a cruise ship that has docked at Italian, Asian and African coastlines.  New friendships have been made with many people coming in to the building for the first time. 

Church leader Lieutenant Mark Scoulding hosted the event which aims to provide a complete holiday experience without even the need to pack a suitcase.  Mark says: "Holiday at Home has been wonderful and given people the opportunity to feel as if they have gone away on holiday without travelling very far.  Many people attending are less mobile than they used to be or they cannot travel far for different reasons, so here at The Salvation Army we have brought their holiday to them. 

They have been able to experience lots of different activities including arts and crafts, singing together and meeting exotic animals provided by Animals About.  People are already asking 'when's the next one' so I would encourage anyone who's interested to get in touch and we will let you know when we have more information about that." 

Holiday at Home 2018 ends today but regular activities at The Salvation Army in Watford (376A St Alban's Road) continue throughout the year.  Church worship sessions are held at 10:30 on Sundays.  Daytime activities for people over 60 take place on Tuesdays from 11am.  For more information: watford@salvationarmy.org.uk or telephone: 01923 801169