Cumbernauld’s Salvation Army plans anniversary celebrations

THE Salvation Army in Cumbernauld is poised to turn 40 this year and members are set to celebrate in style.

THE Salvation Army in Cumbernauld is poised to turn 40 this year and members are set to celebrate in style.

The Clouden Road-based church has organised a family fun day and an evening celebration, spread over the weekend as they toast their 40th anniversary.

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Family, friends and members of the SA will be in attendance, as will the Territorial Commander of the Salvation Army in the UK, Commissioner John Matear, something the group are extremely proud of.

“It’s the first time the Commander has visited Cumbernauld on duty and we are very excited about his request to join our celebrations,” said Lt Jo Moir, Church leader of the Cumbernauld ‘corps’.

“It’s pretty amazing really. He specifically asked if he could come to our celebrations, we didn’t have to invite him, so it’s a big deal for us.”

The commander, who hails from Coatbridge, will join the celebrations with his wife Betty Matear.

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The weekend-long event will also look to raise cash to help fund plans for a new church hall for the group, with the intention to start building early next year.

Jo added: “We’ve organised a family fun day on the Saturday which will have two bouncy castles, face painting, nail painting, hair dos, the lot – everything you’d expect on a fun day.

“Then on the Sunday we’re having an evening celebration in the New Town Hall with the brass band from the Clydebank Salvation Army as well as choirs and our dance group.”

The Salvation Army have worked tirelessly in recent years with the local community, tackling everything from gang culture to organising local groups to entertain local youths.

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“There’s a lot of our people who work in the community and work with gangs and groups in the local area,” said Jo.

“We’re trying to be peace makers and we even have a new dance group called Dance Army, aimed at getting people off the streets.

“We work with vulnerable adults as well.

“I think people are used to us now. We’re just a group that’s part of the community run by people in the community.”

For further information, or to become involved in the Salvation Army, contact Lieutenants Joanna and Stephen Moir on 01236 723195.