With a new focus on arts and crafts activities running through the week, Whittlesey Salvation Army reopened its doors on 1 December 2022 as The Studio, a few years after the branch was temporarily closed. On Sunday mornings the church comes together to worship God in artistic and creative ways, offering a warm welcome to all.

To mark The Studio’s launch, the local community was invited to come together to build a mosaic of a lighthouse. More than 60 people came to the event, placing broken pieces of ceramic tiles which together created a bold and hopeful picture.

Major Lorraine Chaundy, the newly appointed leader of Whittlesey Salvation Army, said:

“The mosaic is an image which I think the people of Whittlesey will enjoy, but can also relate to as a symbol of hope.

“The waves in the mosaic are stormy. Many of us can feel the difficulties of life overwhelm like waves in a storm, and it can even feel as though it is easier to sink than swim. But however bad the storm is, the lighthouse stands solid and shines its light, so that the boats can see their way through the storm. As the lighthouse symbolises, there is a light there to guide us through the darkness, no matter how bad life’s storms are. Jesus is my lighthouse. It is in Jesus where my hope is found.”

Since opening, The Studio has welcomed in many local residents. Lorraine said:

“It really is a place of refuge, a place to create, to take your mind off the stresses of life, a place to learn a new skill, a place to meet friends and to be listened to and accepted, a place you discover the light Jesus can bring to life.”

The community mosaic is now on display for passers-by to admire and enjoy. It has been grouted and a layer of UV resistant epoxy resin applied in the hope that the artwork will outlast all weather conditions.

For more information, search The Studio at Whittlesey Salvation Army on Facebook and Whittlesey Salvation Army on Instagram. To get in touch with the team at The Studio call 07443 661657, or visit at: The Studio, Church Lane, Whittlesey, PE7 1DB.

Help us to continue to be there for people in their hour of need.

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