Guisborough Salvation Army craft group brings generations together
published on 18 Jun 2026
A Salvation Army run craft and cake group is providing opportunities for people young and old to connect in Guisborough.
Guisborough Salvation Army, based in Westgate, also runs a charity shop from Monday to Friday, parent and toddlers from Tuesday to Friday, bacon buns coffee morning on a Monday, Sunday worship and much more.
The church and charity, led by Majors Fiona and Antony Mugford, supports people who may struggle with isolation and loneliness as well providing donations to those who are facing financial difficulties.
The craft group takes place each Thursday afternoon, led by volunteers Kath and Maureen, who are both in their 80s and members of The Salvation Army.
Kath said: “We started the craft group a couple of years ago when there were changes to the winter fuel payment. The heating's always on in the hall so we thought this is a warm place for people to come and have a chat.
“They can bring their own craft projects to work on and we have tried things like silk painting and glass painting, and there’s always cake!"
The craft group is making further connections in the community, recently welcoming a class of primary school children who sewed hearts to hang up at home, keep in their pockets for when they felt sad or give to somebody who was kind to them.
Guests at Craft and Cake range in age from nine-year-old Mia, who comes with her mum Leanne, to John, a retired Salvation Army officer who is in his 80s.
Crocheting a dragon, Mia said: “I just like thinking about the different things I can make. It's quite peaceful, just crafting and crocheting.”
John, who was knitting a scarf, said: “It's nice to be together, to enjoy the fellowship, relax and have a cup of tea.”
Sue, who is always working on a project including recently making quilts for veterans and knitting hats for premature babies, added: “I come for the company. We have lots of cake and biscuits, lots of tea. I knit a lot and they’ll go to whoever needs them.”
For Joan, cards are her speciality, which she sells to raise money for The Salvation Army’s anti-trafficking unit where her daughter volunteers as an interpreter.
Major Fiona said Guisborough Salvation Army’s programme of activities, including running a charity shop, relies on the kindness of the community in giving up their time to help.
She said: “Our volunteers do a variety of jobs including sorting through clothes for the shop, making hot drinks and cakes, or simply providing a listening ear to people who may be experiencing loneliness and isolation. We really appreciate them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do it without them.”
Maureen, who for many years volunteered as a driver with The Salvation Army’s anti-trafficking unit and now helps sort donations for the charity shop, said: “The community are very generous and we get a lot of donations to sell in our shop, which is attached to the hall. We also send items like baby clothes, cots, prams, tents and sleeping bags to a charity in nearby Redcar to give out to people who are struggling. Nothing's wasted.”
Guisborough Salvation Army hosts Jolly Tots toddler group from Tuesday to Friday. Anna, who leads the group, said: “It’s amazing for the kids because they love spending time with each other and it's good for the parents as well because they can meet friends and have a chat about their child and get reassurance from each other. It’s the best job, we get to be with the children when they are at their cutest and most hilarious.”
Ministry extends beyond the four walls of the church with Major Fiona and volunteer Tracy ready with a listening ear in the Costa in the high street most days, meanwhile Kath can often be found sewing on a bench in the town, encouraging people to sit with her and start a conversation.
The Craft and Cake group runs between 1pm and 4pm each Thursday and Jolly Tots between 9.30am and 11am Tuesday to Friday. The Care and Share shop is open between 9am and 2pm Monday to Friday while Bacon Buns runs between 9am and 12pm each Monday.
