THE new Community Outreach Centre in The Queensway, Ipswich is to be opened on Saturday by Lieut Colonel Howard Grottick, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army in Anglia.

THE new Community Outreach Centre in The Queensway, Ipswich is to be opened on Saturday by Lieut Colonel Howard Grottick, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army in Anglia.

This former Salvation Army Citadel has been undergoing a major facelift in recent months to turn it into a purpose built unit, designed to meet the community needs of the area.

Included in the new design is a large function room/hall where major activities such as Parent and Toddler groups can take place. There is also a well equipped kitchen, which serves as a drop-in café area. A smaller committee/counselling room has also been integrated on to the existing building, together with the necessary administration space.

The project was developed after research by The Salvation Army revealed the community needs of the area, which included the shortage of venues for other community groups to use. The Centre Manager, Margaret Bale, says: "We want the community to feel this is their place, where people can meet together and share their hopes and problems with my staff and I."

The 'Feel Good' women's lifestyles group is already using the premises and in the week's celebrations following the official opening, plans a line dancing taster on the Monday evening.

Young people from The So Real Theatre Company, will be performing at The Centre on the Thursday evening. For tickets contact the Centre. On Saturday, May 18, a coffee morning and bric-a-brac sale will be held form 10am to noon.

Everyone is also invited to share in a friendly family service, 'Priory Praise' on Sunday morning, May 12 at 10.30am.