Sidmouth Restoration through innovation

Fast Facts

DIVISION:

FRESH EXPRESSION LEADER: Angie Carney

(Community Development Manager)

FIND US ONLINE: facebook.com/sidmouthsalvos

Integrated And Innovative

I have led the Fresh Expression mission here in Sidmouth since 2016. We don’t have a building of our own; we hire local centres. We are embedded in the local community and show care for creation by using spaces that would otherwise be stood empty a lot of the time.

We are a bronze award Eco Church and we thank God for the unique ways we help to care for creation here through networking and linking up with other agencies, including Sid Valley Foodbank, Exeter Community Energy and Honiton Community Advice. We also collaborate with the United Reformed Church and Methodist churches under ‘The Collective’. URC minister the Rev Aiyana Gardner-Houghton completed modules in eco-theology as part of her theology degree, so she’s a really useful asset to the team, as is Methodist minister the Rev Steve Santry.

BREAD, BUMPS AND BABIES

On alternate Sundays we hold Bread Church. Freshly baked bread is enjoyed with soup before reflection time and our tables are all connected so we feel together. Our parent-and-toddler group revealed that there was little support in Sidmouth for breastfeeding mums. Three mums from our group then trained as breastfeeding peer supporters to aid mums with this natural and beneficial method, although there is absolutely no judgement of bottle feeders at our Bumps and Babies group. In our parentand-toddler group we recycle and use natural materials for craft activities and use food items that are no longer consumable, such as old potatoes, for printing. We have a weekly community drop-in which is very well attended. Most folk walk to the drop-in where they can enjoy company, crafts and refreshments and also receive advice.

Repairing And Restoring

In 2018 I helped to start a monthly repair café, where people can take items that would have ended up in landfill if they weren’t fixed. They don’t just ‘drop and go’ – it’s a shared experience between the item bearer and repairer, who work together to fix and maintain an item. It’s a learning opportunity that enables people to look at things in a different way and helps everyone feel useful and valued.

It’s an idea that originated in Amsterdam in 2009 and has become very popular. Sidmouth Repair Café is now part of a network of similar cafés –an amazing community of people. This café gives me hope for what church could look like in the future.

Changing Culture And Challenging Ideas

Caring for creation in this setting is integrated into our everyday. It’s about a changing culture. I see it as connected with our understanding of what it means to be human within the wider lens of all that God has created: developing humility and respect and honouring the world that we are just one part of.

SATCoL named Outstanding Charity Retailer of the Year

Uk

THE Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) has been presented with the Charity Retail Association’s Outstanding Charity Retailer of the Year award.

SATCoL operates more than 230 charity shops and donation centres on behalf of The Salvation Army.

SATCoL’s positive social and environmental impact on communities played a big part in why it won the top prize. Initiatives introduced by the company include eLearning platform The Learning Booth, which provides free training for volunteer colleagues as well as staff members. Other highlights include SATCoL’s investments in Fibresort, the only technology of its kind in the UK to sort non-wearable textiles for recycling, and its new-concept donation centre+ stores, of which it aims to open 20 across the UK this year.

Managing Director Trevor Caffull, pictured with members of the SATCoL retail team, said: ‘Without our donors, customers and colleagues, especially our army of volunteers, we could not directly help those in need and raise funds for the important work of our charity, which supports the most vulnerable in our society. It’s important for us to make sure our colleagues feel valued, rewarded and supported as much as we can.’ – AR

Event

PONTEFRACT Due to December being too busy, the Yorkshire Enabled group traditionally hold their Christmas Fellowship Day in January. This year 24 members and friends met for a day of carols, games, quizzes and food at Bradford Citadel. Members who were not present in person were sent a programme through the post so they could join in spirit on the day itself. – MT

Community

BLACKPOOL A men’s football team, supported by the Army’s Refugee Resettlement Service, received a surprise video call from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Pep’s humanitarian charity, the Guardiola Sala Foundation, arranged for each player to receive a personalised Manchester City shirt as a memento of their success in the recent Partnership Trophy. The annual five-a-side football tournament is run by the Army for people who are experiencing homelessness, including refugees and survivors of modern slavery. – AR

Community

SWAN LODGE Sunderland AFC legend Julio Arca is to provide weekly football and fitness sessions to residents at Swan Lodge Lifehouse. The footballer will host sessions each Wednesday. Support worker Andy Smith said: ‘Julio is such an icon in the North East, not only for his football but also for what he gives back to the region. A lot of our residents are used to being dismissed in life, so to have someone like Julio give their time every week to help our clients is just amazing.’ – AR

JAMES LEE HOUSE Residents picked up their paintbrushes and created a range of decorated shoes in a bid to boost their mental health, using art as therapy. Assistant Support Worker Debbie Lyon (pictured) said: ‘Every pair of shoes has a story to tell, they have changed people’s lives in some way and have been a part of someone’s story at one point. Some may have belonged to refugees, business workers, single parents or children, and might have been one step away from finding themselves in landfill, but we have stopped that, recycling them and using them as a positive outlet.’ – LD

Environment

STAFFORD The corps has teamed up with Stafford Library to open a donation point for the Plum Project, which helps families in Staffordshire by providing pre-loved school uniforms for free. Last year, the project supported more than 900 children. Children and Family Worker Amy Bayliss-Fox said: ‘By working together with Staffordshire Libraries, we have served local families by providing good quality, second-hand uniforms that would have otherwise ended up in landfill.’ Amy is pictured with Libraries Development Manager Kerry Hutchings and Councillor Mark Sutton. – AR

STEPNEY Following a straightforward survey reviewing the different aspects of church life, the corps achieved a bronze Eco Church award. The fellowship is committed to regular teaching on creation care, practical steps to reduce its carbon footprint, and engaging in local and national environmental campaigns. – HS

Outreach

CONSETT In September, the corps found itself in a familiar position where the demand for spaces at its parent-and-toddler group was too much to accommodate in the YP hall. It has now relocated to the main worship hall and, since the first week in this new space, the corps has welcomed more than 20 new families who attend on a regular basis and have become part of the fellowship. – NB

STAPLE HILL For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, the songsters visited Badminton Gardens residential complex to share the Christmas message. Songster Hilton Baker introduced items and the brigade gave a thank you to Songster Reservist Michael Dyer for his 41 years of service. Michael and his wife, Elsie, now live in the complex and are no longer able to attend meetings on Sundays. The songsters presented him with a gift and many words of appreciation. – VW

SHIREBROOK A local Sports Direct warehouse donated more than £1,260 to the corps following a series of fundraising events to support the food bank. ‘Most people working at the warehouse are local,’ said corps officer Captain Lorna White, ‘and it is a blessing to see local people helping local people.’ – AR

Ecumenical

BOURNE The corps hosted the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity for Churches Together in Bourne. Supported by the corps community band, corps officer Lieutenant Sarah O’Grady led the meeting with other church ministers of the town. Many blessings were received by the congregation from all denominations. – CG

YAQUB and Guri Masih were welcomed as adherents. In their testimonies, they shared about their love for Jesus and why they have enjoyed coming to the corps. – ST

CORPS officer Major Martin Whybrow enrolled Reece Bartholomew as a soldier. Reece invited many friends to witness the enrolment and testified to the work of God in his life. Reece is pictured with Majors Martin and Carol Whybrow and Major Brian Miller holding the flag. – BM

Govan

BECKY and her three children started attending the children’s club in September 2021, then accepted an invitation to a carol service. In recent months, Becky has testified to her newfound faith and the recognition that Jesus is her personal Saviour and decided to become an adherent. Becky was also conscious that only one of her children had been christened. So, at the corps anniversary weekend, Divisional Commander Lieut-Colonel João Paulo Ramos conducted a thanksgiving service for the children as well as welcoming Becky as an adherent. – LH-N

AFTER many years attending the corps, Alison and George Watson were welcomed as adherents by Commissioner Keith Banks. Ill health had prevented the enrolments from taking place previously, so it was with thankful hearts that the corps gathered to support them. Alison, George and Commissioner Keith are pictured with corps officers Majors Mark and Tracy Bearcroft and Adherents Secretary Gerry Ranachan. The corps prays that God will bless them. – DG

FRIENDS and family were present to support Samuel as he was enrolled as a junior soldier. After spending many weeks in preparation classes with Junior Soldiers Sergeant Lauren Hay, he was very excited to be wearing his uniform and to make the junior soldier’s promise. Samuel and Lauren are pictured with corps officers Majors Mark and Tracy Bearcroft, Samuel’s mum, Charity, and his sisters, Chelsea and Blossom. – DG

George Heath Knottingley

GEORGE was born in 1926 and showed musical ability at an early age, composing his first piece at the age of six. He continued composing for almost 90 years, although he was so modest that his compositions were for his own satisfaction and never intended for publication. Fortunately, he was persuaded to submit his march ‘Knottingley’, which was published in the early 1960s.

George spent some years at Castleford Corps, but after the death of his first wife and later re-marrying, he returned to Knottingley and assumed responsibility for the band again. George missed the Army so much during the Covid-19 lockdowns that he put on his uniform on Sundays and spent time with his Bible and songbook.

Knottingley Corps and his extended family believe George has taken his rightful place in the most glorious band in Heaven. – AR

Major Harold Jones

HAROLD made a commitment to follow Jesus at an evangelical tent meeting when he was seven years old. Despite challenging health issues, he entered the training college from Plymouth Shaftesbury Hall as a member of the Courageous session in 1957.

Appointed to work in the East End of London with Commissioner Norman Howe, Harold loved the link with William Booth. In 1961 Harold married Alwyn, who was also working in the East End. Their son Nigel was born in Sleaford, while Martin, Ruth, Karl and Paul were born in Coventry, where they soldiered at Foleshill.

During a break from ministry, Harold worked in management for the UK office of Chrysler. Returning to corps officership in 1980 was a challenge with a growing family, but Harold often said, ‘We can worry, or we can trust. We can’t do both.’

Harold loved the opportunities he had as an officer. He studied and preached the word faithfully, and was an encourager, especially to those going into ministry. Harold’s former corps officer wrote recently, ‘Harold has shown outstanding leadership as a corps officer. Blessed by renewal in the Holy Spirit he brought release from the shackles of tradition and renewed confidence in the original mission of the Army.’

Harold never lost sight of that mission. He wanted people to know Jesus.

While at Nottingham New Basford, Harold challenged the corps to relocate to Arnold. Returning there in retirement he passionately believed in the cell system that had been introduced. Harold led many Alpha courses and headed up the healing ministry team.

Harold and Alwyn walked hundreds of miles together during their 61-year marriage, both in Europe and the Himalayas. In retirement they completed the 650-mile walk of the South West Coast Path. Harold loved photography and his albums will be treasured by the family. – AJ

Appointed

Effective 15 December 2022

CAPTAIN JONATHAN ROUFFET, additional appointment, Practitioner Tutor for Leader Development Programme (28 days per annum), WBC

Effective 12 January

MAJOR ALEX CADOGAN, Chaplain, HMP North Sea Camp

Effective 23 February

LIEUTENANT LIAM BEATTIE, Leicester West

MAJOR PAMELA RALPH-BARRATT, Oldham Roundthorn

MAJOR GRAHAM BARRATT, Safe Mission Adviser (North England)

Effective 1 March

MAJOR VIKKI BURR , Deputy Head of Regional Wellbeing Services

Effective 23 March

MAJOR JEAN LOXLEY, Senior Projects Officer (Leader Development Planning), WBC

MAJOR HILARIE WATCHORN, Project Officer to the Chief Secretary

Effective 13 July

TERRITORIAL ENVOY DAN SEARLE, Mid Cornwall Cluster – St Austell

Effective 1 August

MAJOR TRACEY PALMER , Co-ordinator (Vocational Development and Leader Development), WBC

Local officers appointed

CT STEPHEN GOMERSALL , Droitwich Spa

ASST CT HELEN FARMER , Droitwich Spa

Wedding anniversaries

Diamond (60 years)

MAJORS HELEN AND JAMES BRYDEN, 23 February

Dedicated to God

KOBI WILLIAM MARTIN EZEH, son of Laura and Modi Ezeh, at Bexleyheath by Major Richard Welch

Retired officers’ birthdays

MAJOR DOROTHY HOLLOWAY, 90 on 25 February

MAJOR DAVID WHITTLES, 85 on 26 February

Promoted to Glory

JEAN JONES, Harlesden

RTD BM ROY TERRY, Upper Norwood

YVONNE WEBER , Southsea

MAJOR ROSINA BAKER from Jack Simpson House care home, Exeter, on 26 January

Bereaved

DEREK JONES, Hillingdon, of his wife Jean Jones, Julie Jones, Hillingdon, and Deborah Hope of their mother

MARLENE TERRY, Upper Norwood, of her husband Rtd BM Roy Terry, Christopher Terry and Paul Terry of their father

MARCIA GRIVELLE, Staple Hill, of her brother Alan Pincott

ANDY ELLIS, Southsea, of his brothers Derek Ellis and Graham Ellis

Engagements

General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle

Sun 12 Feb – Mon 13 Feb

International College for Officers

Wed 15 Feb – Mon 20 Feb

Rwanda and Burundi Command

Chief of the Staff

Commissioner Lyndon

Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn

Buckingham

Fri 17 Feb ICO Farewell Meeting

Territorial Commander

Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Commissioner Gillian Cotterill

Sun 12 Feb Bristol Kingswood

Sun 12 Feb – Mon 13 Feb Forest of Dean

Fri 17 Feb Poole (TYB/TYC Final Festival)

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Colonel Jenine Main

Thur 16 Feb – Fri 17 Feb Raven Hill (Going Deeper)*

Fri 17 Feb Poole (TYB/TYC

Final Festival)

*Colonel Jenine Main only

Sounds

Salvationist Radio

Update for Fortress Radio listeners

Salvationist Radio will launch at the end of February. As part of our preparations for launch, we are redeveloping some of the Fortress Radio services. This means that, currently, people can only listen to the station via the Fortress Radio website (fortressradio.online) – they can’t listen via the apps, podcasts or Amazon Alexa devices while we get them ready to switch to the new station.

Saturday 18 February, 4pm

Fundraising Concert

with Swineshead Silver Band Director of Music John Lyon

Sing along with the band

Free entry – proceeds of retiring collection for the work of The Salvation Army in Skegness

Sunday 5 March, 3.30pm

Temple Praise

Exeter Temple Band, Songsters and soloists, followed by refreshments Park at ‘Cathedral and Quay’ EX1 1DE, exit at the top and turn right

All adverts carried in Salvationist are subject to house style and carried at the editor’s discretion.

For more details email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk.