The organisation says it has been forced to take the heartbreaking decision because of an 'ageing' congregation and fewer youngster volunteers coming forward to plug the gap.
But it will mean the loss of a vital lifeline for old folk in the area who attend the Kirkby branch for various activities throughout the week at the Ashwood Centre on Portland Street.
And the news is another blow for the town's 'Sally Army' –– which provides a luncheon club for around 40 people, a band, groups for the over-50s and a service on Sundays –– after vandals forced it out of its Morley Street premises two years ago.
Yesterday, Maj Peter Pratt, who has been a full-time officer for 50 years, said the Kirkby branch was once popular with townsfolk
"I know there are a number of luncheon clubs around Kirkby — but people have deliberately chosen this one above the others," he said.
"If someone misses one week, we try to go and see them to see if there is something wrong. But we are not able to continue because the congregation is ageing and is slowly decreasing."
The organisation, which had previously been at its Morley Street home for 100 years and in the town since the late 19th Century, will hold a number of final events in the run-up to the end of year –– including a Christmas dinner at noon on 16th December and a carol service on 20th December.
- What are your memories of the 'Sally Army' in Kirkby? Share them with us by contacting Ashfield chief reporter Catherine Allen on Mansfield 464757.
