By Andy Dalton
Leeds City Mission are organising an open afternoon this Saturday (16 September) at 2.30pm. They are throwing open the doors at their premises in Mistress Lane (end of Town Street) in Armley to visitors.
They are organising a social event and sale to celebrate the centenary of the building of their current premises. Originally built as a methodist Mission Room and opened in 1923, the building has seen a number of different owners and functions over the last one hundred years.
In recent times the former Mission Room has been acquired by Leeds City Mission who have renovated and transformed the premises into a Compassion Centre providing help and support to those struggling with life in West Leeds.
From 2.30pm to 4pm staff and volunteers are serving ice creams, soft drinks, tea and other refreshments served for the general public. They will also be a bargain seasonal greetings card sale as well as a pop up charity shop with an early opportunity to buy gifts for christmas.
All monies raised will go towards the various compassion projects undertaken by the City Mission amongst needy people in West Leeds.
Long standing supporters and friends are not forgotten either. They will be treated to a simple lunch, historical talk on the origins of the building, and mission update prior to the Open Afternoon.
Leeds City Mission community development worker Andy Dalton explained that the ‘Mission Room’ has a fascinating history. He said the Open Afternoon and Sale was a means of highlighting 100 years of community engagement and the massive contribution it has made to the good of the Armley neighbourhood
Refreshments will be served on the adjoining grassed area where people can mingle. People can chat and enjoy the last of the summer sunshine around tables on the grass as well as browse inside the building.
Mr Dalton explained that there would be many people in West Leeds who have benefitted in years gone by from activities at the ‘Mission Room’. He hoped that they would take up the invitation to pop in, recall past associations and also see the transformations of the recent renovation project. He added: “Essentially this a community event where people can pop in, re-live their memories, meet other people, enjoy an ice cream and leave with a bargain. Everyone is welcome.”
Leeds City Mission is a multi-church Christian agency which has worked with marginalised people since 1837 and seeks to meet the physical, social and spiritual needs of Leeds residents.
Further details available at Leeds City Mission on 0113 345 3118.