Salvation Army & Hostel

Who remembers the Salvation Army Hostel in Gulson Road. It served a good purpose, but it was a real rough place. I had to visit it once, cannot remember what for now, but anyway I was in and out as quick as possible it used to stink.

I only know of the hostel, as it was a house owned by John Hales, as all pupils at King Henry VIII had to learn. Sometime ago, it was restored to its former condition and was open to visitors & I did visit it then.

It was visible from my back garden in Gosford Street. Was a part of the workhouse at one time: Coventry Workhouse, Gulson Road

It was certainly a horrible place, but in its day serving a useful purpose I suppose!! Sandy Lane.

Now we are nearing the 'silly season' of the year I would like to know if the Salvo's still sing under the lamplights in and around Coventry. That was one of the early memories I used to look forward to, looking out the window and seeing/hearing them singing carols before Christmas. Mum would let me go to the door and put money in their collection tin. Don't hear them in our neighbourhood in this part of the world but it would be lovely to revive the tradition. (Probably get told to shut up and move on !!!!)

Not that I know of Dreamtime, my nan use to be a Salvation tambourine girl, the councils have killed all that off they firstly class it now as begging, they brainwashed the public too, but I bet when they were kids they went carol singing, also most town councils won't allow the towns to call it Christmas, all to do with offending other religions, but they are allowed to have theirs and celebrate, we are not even getting the Christmas lights in the town this year, so I read in the paper, because of the work in the town. Here in the square in the area I live churchgoers sing on Christmas Eve, which is lovely to see and hear even though I myself am not religious.

Hello. I do not think that the Salies' have the numbers to play around the districts like they used to, but they give a cheery sound in the central precinct on the days leading up to Christmas. I bought one of their last CD releases, which is fabulous. Best wishes.

I too remember the Sally Army playing in the street leading up to Christmas, it added to all the excitement us kids felt knowing that Santa was going to be calling before long. Sadly we don't get that now Dreamtime, but we do get the Lions coming round at night, with a lit up float and lots of Christmas Carols playing and Santa sat on his sleigh waving to the kids, even though my childhood is long gone I rush to the window to see him.

Thank you all for your responses. I feel very strongly about the current 'religion' issue. It is the same here - must not offend other people's beliefs. It seems to me as if the people we must not offend are getting the upper hand. Anyway, it is nice to remember these things and I think we have had the best years judging by all the memories all you lovely folk send in. Mentioning the Salvo's again - I remember Christmas '62 Dad was running the Navigation Inn and one of them came in the bar with a collection tin, we were staying there over the Christmas break, as always, I was upstairs and I could here some singing from downstairs, went down, and there they were all singing carols in the bar with the rest of carollers. It was a lovely start to Christmas as my daughter had been born upstairs in the August and I fetched her down and it made a lovely night to remember. Needless to say I think they went away with some full tins that particular evening. Bye for now.

How times have changed, we no longer see the Sally Army playing in the streets, but on 'market days' in Bedworth there is a Salvation Army member playing CDs of songs of praise (usually Daniel O'Donnell) in the town centre. A long cry from the days of playing on street corners and selling the 'War Cry' in pubs. However, as Philip says they do still play in the city centre on the lead up to Christmas. I find it very emotional and usually have to wipe away a tear or two. My mum was particularly appreciative to the Army, after the Blitz her family in Scotland were worried about her, (no phones for ordinary folk in those days) so they got in touch the Salvation Army who found her and were able to let her family know she was ok. Needless to say I was brought up to always give to their collections.

The man who plays the CDs in Bedworth is a good friend of mine and can be found collecting in all weathers. The best bit is typical Bedworth, he sings in the Methodist choir but is actually a member of the Catholic Church in Rye Piece. Goes down well when he turns up for mass in his Salvation Army uniform. A good man and a real Christian.

Thanks for this heritage, as you say a real Christian.

Also in Bedworth the Salvation Army provide Christmas Lunch every year to the elderly or people who would otherwise be spending Christmas Day on their own. I think they do such good work.

I too remember the Sallys playing in the town centre, so sad they no longer do, it really brings out the Christmas spirit. Here in Chippenham thankfully they still collect after a sing song and after all, its not just a religious thing and not just Christmas, they do so much good for homeless and elderly people including providing Christmas lunch, visiting the lonely and elderly, perhaps we are taking political correctness too far.