The Salvation Army and me

All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army. We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves. This week…

CAITLIN HEDLEY

Chester-le-Street

How did you first come into contact with the Army?

As a fourth-generation Salvationist, I was born into an Army family and first attended meetings as a baby.

What made you want to become a soldier?

I wanted to take the next step in my Christian journey.

What is your day job?

I’m currently studying for a degree in music.

What is the most interesting thing about studying – and the most frustrating?

I enjoy being involved with music all the time but frustrated that I can’t share it by performing in public due to current restrictions.

What one thing would you change about the Army?

I sometimes wish we could start Sunday morning meetings a bit later.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

Anything Disney-related.

If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play?

I’d like to be the narrator in the film version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat because she t gets to sing some good songs while telling the story.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose?

I would like to meet Beethoven and find out about his symphonies first-hand. He could also help me with my degree assignments!

If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be?

Chocolate, especially Cadbury Easter eggs.

What is your favourite food?

Anything made from potatoes.

What do you do in your spare time?

Prior to Covid-19 my spare time was filled with choirs and bands in and out of the Army. During lockdown I have spent a lot of time walking and doing crafts, especially painting.

What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned?

A personalised wake-up CD from Harrods.

What is your favourite Bible passage?

‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight’ (Proverbs 3:5 and 6). It reminds me to live my life through faith in God.

Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them?

I would like to meet Joseph, the son of Jacob, because I’ve always wondered what his favourite colour was.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘Rock Eternal’. It is the most listened-to song on our International Staff Songster playlist that we sing along with in the car.

Did you have a nickname growing up?

My close family call me Taitlin because my brother couldn’t pronounce ‘C’ when he was younger.

If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be?

Andrew Lloyd Webber. I would ask him questions constantly.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I like to paint and make handmade gifts.

Apart from the Bible, which book would you want on a desert island?

The score for Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony so I’d have something to keep me occupied.

If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be?

‘Life’s a Happy Song’ from the 2011 film The Muppets. One of the lines says: ‘Life’s a happy song, when there’s someone by your side to sing along.’

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.

What is the most valuable thing you possess?

My family.

Something interesting that people might want to know about you is…

I was a member of the BBC Proms Youth Choir and got to sing at the Royal Albert Hall in 2018.