Church Army Moves to Sidcup from Historic Winchester House

When the film "Chariots of Fire" immortalised Paris Olympic gold medal sprinter Eric Liddell, also known as "The Flying Scotsman", little did Church Army realise the little bit of history they were inheriting when they took over Winchester House in 1978 as their new Headquarters. As a young lad, Eric went to school in Winchester House which was then used for the Sons of Mission Clergy. There is a story that Eric, as with many pupils and their school desks, carved his name somewhere in the basement. So far, no name has been found.

Church Army had moved from rented accommodation in Willesdon, just off the busy A406 North Circular, and had the privilege of the late Queen Mother to open the restored and refurbished premises in 1980. When the Queen Mother died on Easter Saturday, she had been an interested and extremely supportive patron of Church Army for almost 60 years.

Now, another chapter has opened in the life of Church Army with the move away from historic Winchester House to the third floor of Marlowe House by Sidcup Station. These new premises bring together for the first time all the Support Services of Church Army on one floor. Winchester House, also used during WW1 as a temporary home for Belgians displaced when their country was invaded, officially became the property of BMI Healthcare Ltd on Friday 26th April.