MORE than 150 people attended a service in Hadleigh to celebrate 125 years of the Salvation Army in the town.

Hadleigh Farm marked its milestone in a service of thanksgiving at its tea rooms this week.

The service brought together staff past and present, and included the newly elected Castle Point mayor, Steven Cole.

The farm’s story began back in 1891, when the Salvation Army bought 900 acres of land and developed a pioneering social programme to help people living in poverty and experiencing long-term unemployment.

Hadleigh Farm continues to be at the heart of the community, and in recent years has served a practical purpose.

A training centre opened at the site in 1990, and has worked with a number of organisations, including councils and the job centre, with the main aim of training people with special educational needs in subjects such as IT skills, carpentry, and life skills.

Speaking at the service, Major Norman Ord, Salvation Army divisional commander for London North-East, paid tribute to Hadleigh Farm and the role it plays.

He said: “Hadleigh holds a special place in the hearts of Salvationists all around the world. The evolution and professionalism of The Salvation Army’s services at Hadleigh Farm models our Christian mission to care for people, to respond to their needs and empower them to reach their potential.

“We are so grateful for the faithfulness of God and also for the support from the people of Hadleigh throughout the years. We feel privileged to serve and welcome the local community to the estate on a daily basis.”

During the service of thanksgiving, trainees from the training centre spoke of how the staff at the farm helped build their confidence and teach them new skills.

Parents and carers also thanked the Salvation Army for their ongoing support.

Today, a team of staff and 58 volunteers keep the site running, welcoming more than 280,000 visitors to the Hadleigh Farm estate each year.

There are currently 171 trainees with additional support needs enrolled at the training centre.

For more information about Hadleigh Farm and Hadleigh Park, including upcoming events, please visit hadleighfarm.org.uk and hadleigh-park.co.uk.