A century of care for northern beaches
Sydney Congress Hall Timbrels entertained the guests present at the Car Boot Sale. (Photo: Richard Javor)
The Salvation Army celebrated 100 years of ministering to Sydney’s northern beaches at the “Back to the Beaches” weekend at the Collaroy Centre from 31 May to 2 June.
The weekend opened with “Honouring the Past – Handing on the Baton”. Music camp (also known as Gospel Arts camp or Equip) attendees from both the past and present came out to reminisce the many years of memories shared at the camp.
“The highlight was seeing the young people honouring those who had put in the hard yards over the years at music camp,” says Major Brian Smith, Dee Why Corps Officer.
The following morning over 110 stalls were set up for a car boot sale. Along with Salvation Army service stalls such as Aged Care Plus, Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES), Salvos Counselling and Salvos Stores, the event was shared with many community members.
Around 1000 people filtered through the marquees, enjoyed the rides available, face painting and listened to toe-tapping music performed by the Salvo Country Band.
Belmore Brass Band and Sydney Congress Hall Timbrels continued the entertainment at the car boot sale, while Wollongong Corps Officer, Captain Ray Lotty amused the audience with some magic tricks. The Agents of T.R.U.T.H also made an appearance to entertain the children.
On the Saturday evening, a cabaret-style dinner celebrated 100 years in the Northern Beaches and honoured the efforts of those who helped raise funds for the Army’s Red Shield Appeal. Minister Bronwyn Bishop, Member for Mackellar attended the cabaret dinner.
“It was great to say thank you to the people who helped out with the Red Shield Appeal,” says Richard Javor, Manager of the Collaroy Centre.
The following morning a final worship session was held with over 130 corps members from Dee Why and Manly.
Special Guest, Lieut-Colonel Miriam Gluyas, Chief Secretary for the Papua New Guinea Territory spoke at all three sessions across the weekend. She focused on the Bible passage, Jeremiah 29:11.
“She looked at what happened in the past but also the importance of looking towards the future,” explains Major Smith.
"She also challenged us that our ‘memories should never be greater than our dreams’. God is still planning a great future for The Salvation Army on the Northern Beaches and us individually.”
Lieut-Colonel Gluyas also enrolled a new soldier, Helen Cannon, to Dee Why Corps. Time was spent at the graveside of Elizabeth Jenkins at Collaroy, honouring her generosity of the many acres of land she gave to The Salvation Army.
Major David Woodbury (ret.) also produced a DVD, A Cup of Compassion, about the history of The Salvation Army in the northern beaches. The DVD can be bought at Salvationist Supplies for $20 at www.salvossuppliessyd.com
Check out more photos from the day...
Territorial Worship Resource and Development Coordinator, Nathaniel Brown led worship at the Music Camp reunion. (Photo: Richard Javor)
The Car Boot Sale had something for everything including a clown to entertain the children. (Photo: Richard Javor)
Guests wandered through the 100 stalls set up at Back to the Beaches' Car Boot Sale. (Photo: Richard Javor)
About 1000 people enjoyed the marquees available at the Car Boot Sale at The Collaroy Centre. (Photo: Richard Javor)
Comments
No comments yet - be the first.