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In August 1914, Southampton Common was filled with soldiers waiting to embark for France. Local history records that ladies passing by were so moved by the sight of men writing letters home in the pouring rain, they appealed to a nearby Church to help. It was the start of a huge charitable effort which saw hundreds of thousands of men visit the Church Hall throughout the war for food, shelter and clothing.

The Avenue Hall for Soldiers and Sailors was opened to troops for five years, closing in 1919. At first; stationery, food and cigarettes were provided free of charge, met by donations. By the end of 1914 the Church was serving regular meals to soldiers who were apparently poorly fed. It also issued extra clothing and posted tens of thousands of letters. Often Church ladies handed tea to men marching to the Docks, with the cups being returned hours later by trams.

After the war the Church was congratulated by both King George V and the American consulate for its service to troops.

Location: Avenue Saint Andrew鈥檚 Church, The Avenue, Southampton SO17 1XQ
Image: The Church hall, courtesy of Maureen Paine
Presented by Marcus White