New arrivals creating a buzz at Addlestone Salvation Army
published on 2 Jul 2025
Salvation Army leaders in Addlestone have welcomed some new arrivals after two beehives were installed at the church and charity’s Garden of Hope which is now set to become a real hive of activity.
The garden behind the charity shop on Church Road plays host to a gardening club every Monday morning featuring raised beds which members can use to grow a variety of fruit and vegetables. The garden is popular locally and The Salvation Army has also received requests from social prescribers to send their patients to the garden to help with their mental health. The hives are at the back of the garden.
Salvation Army leaders Majors Graham and Angie Bailey say the pollinators will play a vital role in supporting the garden’s ecosystem while offering opportunities for education, wellbeing, and community involvement.
The hives were installed with the help of local beekeepers and will be carefully maintained. Graham said that, over time, The Salvation Army hopes to offer workshops and educational visits, giving local residents the chance to learn more about beekeeping, sustainability and the role bees play in our environment.
He said: “We’re excited to welcome bees to our site. It’s a small but powerful step in helping nature thrive – and in reminding us how connected we all are to the world around us. We have two volunteers who went on a course to train to be beekeepers. One of them was actually something of a recluse but got involved in the Garden of Hope and his family have been blown away at how much he’s changed. He comes to the garden regularly and is so fascinated about the bees, he wants to go into schools to give talks about them.
“We’re really excited about this. Bees play such an important role in and remind us that even the smallest creatures can make a huge impact. They also align with one of The Salvation Army’s mission priorities – to care for creation.”
Honey from the hives will be sold in the charity shop with proceeds supporting The Salvation Army’s work in the area.
