The re-opening of a church hall to support those in need in Windsor has seen the Holy Trinity church’s mission come full circle.
The Holy Trinity Parish Rooms were built in 1908 to provide for the community and the soldiers of the nearby garrison and now, more than 100 years later with support from the Development Fund, it has reopened as the Alma Beacon, the home of Windsor Christian Action (WCA). WCA brings together three projects which support the local community under one roof; the Windsor Homeless Project, the Windsor Street Angels and Windsor Foodshare.
When the last tenants of the parish rooms vacated the premises due to the impact of the pandemic, Holy Trinity Parochial Church Council (PCC) saw an opportunity to return the building to community use and fulfil the mission of the church. The new-look facility opened in December after almost a year of hard work, supported by volunteers and local businesses.
PCC treasurer Brandon Mudditt said: “It goes back to our foundation in 1842 to serve the needs of the soldiers, who were generally considered to be cannon fodder. We have a history of providing for the marginalised, the destitute and those in poverty. We feel the whole reason the Holy Trinity Parish Rooms were built in the first place – to provide for the soldiers and the church – has come full circle.
“It has become a place for the people of Windsor as a vibrant community resource. It is in our church’s DNA and we are delighted the hall is being used again.”
The lunch club serves more than 120 meals a week and provides a place for people to train for hospitality and learn how to cook for themselves on a budget. As well as providing a place for people to meet, eat and share food, the Alma Beacon project provides a range of services for the homeless people to access like benefits advice, a hairdresser, dog groomer and chiropractor.
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