Salvationist 15 July 2023

SALVATIONIST

SPECIAL EDITION

Wholly Holy

WELCOME to this special edition of Salvationist

It has been created to supplement the experience of those who are attending Together 2023 and enable anyone who isn’t there in person to be part of it. There are interviews and articles to give you a flavour of what is happening across the weekend.

Get to know more about the new musical Belongings, which tells the very moving story of a group of people brought together in a charity shop one stormy day.

Be inspired by one of the artworks being exhibited at the event.

Connect with our territorial commitment to caring for creation by engaging in a muddy walk where you are.

Follow along with the challenging Bible study of the event’s key text, 1 Peter 1:15 and 16.

Read the encouraging testimonies of some of the cadets of the Reflectors of Holiness session being commissioned on Sunday.

However you choose to engage, there is opportunity to do so in these pages and I pray that God will open your heart to his message as he challenges each of us to be wholly holy, not just this weekend but in every part of our lives.

MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN

EDITOR

Together 2023

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EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn

MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey

ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips

PROOFREADER Chris Horne

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SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS

From the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

FOUNDER William Booth

GENERAL Brian Peddle

TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn

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© The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.

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Together in spirit

GREETINGS from Fairfield Halls, Croydon. As Salvationists gather for Together 2023 this weekend, we are mindful that there will be those who will not be able to be with us, at least not physically.

There are lots of ways in which you can join with us as we open our hearts to God. In addition to this issue of Salvationist, there will be a livestream of Sunday’s Commissioning of the Reflectors of Holiness session and the Celebrate Together meeting available at youtube.com/salvationarmyvideo. You can follow what is happening each day by following the event guide online at salvationist.org.uk. You can also spend time engaging with the key verse being studied at Together 2023: ‘But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy’ (1 Peter 1:15 and 16).

Whether you are in Croydon or in your own community, we know that Christ’s presence is promised wherever two or more believers are gathered together. We also know that this weekend is being upheld in prayer by people together around the territory. If you are making that commitment, thank you.

Our prayer is that our holy awesome God will be pleased as we his people make ourselves wholly available to him right where we are. As the Reflectors of Holiness are commissioned and ordained on Sunday morning, we pray that you will be blessed and encouraged by the soon-to-be lieutenants being wholly available to the Lord – we will all be praying and supporting them as they come to this sacred moment in their lives.

Inspired by the Reflectors of Holiness, may it be that every one of us truly and increasingly reflects the glorious, loving nature of our holy God in our communities. If Together 2023 achieves that for us all across the territory, the weekend will be well worth all the extensive preparations done by so many people.

Wherever you are, may you know God’s presence. May you know a deeper relationship

with a Holy God and, in so doing, be made more like him in body, mind and spirit. May you encounter this Holy God and find him in unexpected places.

May your experience of this Holy God set your hearts ablaze to respond, to act upon the convictions of his Holy Spirit and live your life through his power.

We believe that God has more in store for each one of us and for this, his Salvation Army. May we each prepare ourselves to listen, to come in awe into the presence of our Holy God. To worship him, humbly. To be prepared to be a holy people of a Holy God. May this time together be a spark which sets us on fire for him.

May we each grow closer to God as we seek to be Wholly Holy!

May God bless you.

AND GILL COTTERILL Territorial Leaders

Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill invite us to join together in holiness

“ We believe that God has more in store for each one of us and for this, his Salvation Army.”

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Gemma Potter

Coventry City

‘I endeavour to show God to everyone I encounter’

Jono Tonks (Liverpool Walton) explains how he tries to live a life of faith in word and deed

IGREW up on the Isle of Man and attended The Salvation Army from birth. My family are all Salvationists and, as I imagine was the case for many youngsters, I attended weekly, following a traditional 90s-child-in-The-SalvationArmy route.

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Gemma, ISB member and community programme manager at Coventry City Corps.

What is your favourite Bible verse? Micah 6:8.

What’s your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘So Will I (100 Billion X)’.

How did you get involved in the Army?

I have yellow, red and blue blood running through me. My greatgrandparents and great-great grandparents were officers. My greatgreat grandad, Lieut-Commissioner William Palmer, was a member of the first High Council in 1929.

What’s your most-used app?

The BBC Sport app – closely followed by Sky Sports!

If you were president of the world, what’s the first thing you would do?

Make sure that the world’s resources were shared equally – there is more than enough to go around.

The ISB and ISS are presenting a concert at 2pm on Saturday in the Concert Hall at Fairfield Halls, Croydon.

As a child, I had a real childlike faith and I tried to live my life as Christlike as I could. If I consider the word ‘Christian’, I would say that it wasn’t until my early twenties that I truly understood what it meant and what it was to live a life of faith in both word and deed.

During my university years I took a path that led me away from regular church and faith. At this time, I still thought I was living a life of faith but, upon reflection, it wasn’t being put into practice. Upon leaving university and moving back in with my parents, I found myself wanting to go with them to the local corps and be part of what was happening. I couldn’t tell you why after a few years away, but I was compelled to return!

yself wanting to go with them to the al corps and be part of what was ppening. I couldn’t tell why er a few years but I wa s mpelled to return!

In the past year, over the space of four months, I lost two grandparents and got married, which was a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions! This combined with a particularly tough year at school led to some really tough days in a job that I truly love. Without my faith in God and the belief that ‘to have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see’ (Hebrews 11:1 Good News Bible), I know this would have been an even bigger battle.

I am grateful to God for bringing my lovely wife, Alice, into my life. She really cemented what I needed to get right in my life and helps to keep me accountable in my faith. I am also grateful for the opportunities I will get at Together 2023, to worship alongside some of my closest friends as part of Meraki, using our

This was a huge turning point that opened up countless opportunities, including becoming a part of the worship group Meraki, which I count as a major factor in the transformation of my faith.

This huge at countless portunities, coming oup which I count as a ajor factor in the transformation

Meraki, using our shared passion of music to fully give our praise to God

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t most recently workplace. a teacher in a secondar y hool and as the head of year I’m faced with a de of me ally

d understanding. It’s these moments that

God is working every day in my life, but most recently in my workplace. As a teacher in a secondary school and as the head of year 10, I’m faced daily with a wide range of challenges, some of which can really test my patience and understanding. It’s in these moments that my faith becomes crucial. I endeavour to show God to everyone I encounter, be that teenagers or parents.

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FLICKERING

Lieutenant

Debbie-anne

Hogarth (Hastings Citadel), one of the artists featured in the Together 2023 art exhibition, unpacks a piece that speaks to her faith

What does Flickering depict?

This piece for me depicts the start of something bigger. It’s based on the Holy Spirit starting to work within somewhere or someone new. It was created in a rush but came unexpectedly and with a sense of peace to the finished piece. In looking at the artwork there is a sense of the flicker of a flame, maybe arising from the embers of a fire that has nearly burnt out, or a spark from something new.

I love that abstract art can not only take the artist but also the viewer to a different place. I am personally challenged when other people enjoy the art I have created; they often see something different that I hadn’t noticed.

The thing I find with abstract art is that you can choose how you hang the piece to suit what you see within it.

How was it made?

I created Flickering using alcohol inks and my trusty art hairdryer. I would love to say that it’s a piece I spent many hours working on, but in truth it was 15 minutes from start to finish. I completed it in the garage an hour before the divisional commander was arriving to visit me in my first appointment – there was a gap on the lounge wall that needed filling! In using alcohol inks in this way, there is little control in how they respond, but I love the wispiness that the ink creates as it fades out into the picture.

What inspired it?

Because of the nature of how this piece was created, its inspiration and title came later. In that time, I have been able to sit with it and enjoy it. God has spoken through it in many ways, reminding me that he is

with me in this appointment and igniting my fire for the community of Hastings.

Others have said that they have seen fireflies within the painting, and someone shared that, from the flicker at the bottom of the painting, the other sparks rise out and get bigger.

I am often challenged by the responses to the image. Is it the start of something fresh? Should we stoke the flames? Or should we let the flames die out?

The song ‘Pass It On’ by Kurt Kaiser says: ‘It only takes a spark to get a fire going,/ And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;/ That’s how it is with God’s love,/ Once you’ve experienced it,/ You’ll spread the love to everyone/ You want to pass it on.’

As I look at Flickering, I know that I want to get the fire going and to inspire others through creativity, whether that’s for their own personal enjoyment, developing their spiritual lives or sharing in creativity with others.

I am also aware that God has used this piece to inspire me to step out of my comfort zone and to ignite a flicker of God’s love!

Do you have a piece of art to share inspired by your faith?

The quest for holiness

1 PETER 1:15 AND 16 GALATIANS 5:13–26

THE focus of Together 2023 is on what it means to be Wholly Holy.

Holiness is a theological concept that has long been privy to debate and exploration among the faithful.

One thing to consider about holiness is that it is impossible to compare, contrast and quantify spiritual experiences against each other. We as God’s children have been ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14). The unique qualities that make us so different from one another correlate to how we individually walk with God. What is possible, however, is to keep ourselves accountable for our own spiritual journey.

In Galatians, Paul mentions the fruit of the Spirit: ‘Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control’ (5:22 and 23). How does this apply to being wholly holy? All these attributes are found in Jesus, and holiness is Christlikeness.

We are called to have integrity in our faith, and to exhibit the fruit of Christlikeness. Exploring the fruit of the Spirit is therefore of great consideration. To be wholly holy will require us to deeply consider which of these qualities are more prominent and which are not.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

What do you identify as the most prominent – and the least prominent – attribute of the fruit of the Spirit in your life? Why?

Whatever revelation this question evokes, it is important to act upon it. What enables us to strive towards being wholly holy is our willingness to be teachable and to grow in faith.

The Holy Spirit helps us discern our faithful journeys by producing in Christians the positive attributes of godly character, all of which are evident in Jesus. Therefore, we need to allow him to work in and through us, as an instrument of his word and a vessel of his Spirit.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Consider the things in your life that are important and cannot be measured.

What effect do they have on you?

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul directs readers to think about ‘whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is admirable’ (4:8). It serves as a constant reminder that what we allow to occupy our hearts and minds will determine our speech and actions. These are words of Scripture we are encouraged to hold close to, because they can have a positive influence not only on us but also on those around us. If people are blessed by how we conduct ourselves, this will bear fruit.

You will notice that attributes such as rage, frustration, anger and aggression are all absent from the attributes of fruitful living. Such behaviour is contrary to fruitful living and being wholly holy.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Paul writes: ‘Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good’ (Romans 12:21).

How is this reflected in your daily living?

We are called to be God’s messengers and his reflectors of holiness, although this is not always easy in the face of challenge and drudgery. For example, while using communal laundry facilities, one day, I discovered that someone had heaped my wet laundry on the top of the washing machine because they wanted to use it. I was annoyed. In that moment, I had a choice to make –should I get revenge or should I show them kindness?

Choosing the latter, I purposely waited until their washing had finished drying, then I chose to open the door, fold the clothes neatly and place them on the table. In this act, the perpetrator felt the impact of Christian kindness testimony as well as the discomfort of having their clothes handled.

I share this experience because we all have choices to make. Do we compromise ourselves through impulse and frustration or do we choose to lavish love? How is the fruit of the Spirit evident in our actions towards other people?

In exploring how to be wholly holy, we must consider the scriptural concept of being transformed into the likeness of Christ.

Lieutenant Liam Beattie examines what it means to be wholly holy

As Paul writes: ‘And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit’ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Why is being transformed into the likeness of Christ considered a lifelong experience?

Many of the psalms speak of a pilgrimage of faith. In our own journeys of faith, there is much blessing to be absorbed along the way. We are called not only to share our faith but also to grow in it. Anyone who wishes to have a simple A-to-B journey will miss out on vital opportunities to be blessed.

Dehydration isn’t solved by a single drink of water. To prevent dehydration, we must continually keep ourselves hydrated.

The same applies spiritually: if we are to be wholly holy – to grow as people and develop a holy life – we need to be intentional in being transformed into the likeness of Christ over time.

Prayer Matters contains daily devotions covering specific areas in the territory, current worldwide situations and personal reflection and relationship with God. A PDF of the unedited booklet is available to download from salvationist.org.uk/resources

TOGETHER 2023 FOCUS

by Majors Nick and Kerry Coke (Together 23 Co-chairs, THQ)

SATURDAY 15 JULY

‘Earth’s crammed with Heaven, and every common bush afire with God. But only he who sees takes off his shoes. The rest sit round and pluck blackberries’ (Aurora Leigh, Elizabeth Barrett Browning). Jesus, open the eyes of my heart to encounter you in the most unusual of places today. Amen.

SUNDAY 16 JULY

You have been sent into the world as a holy agent of the Kingdom of God! Your corps or centre is a visible community of holiness, waiting for the day when Christ will return and all creation will be restored and made wholly holy. Spirit, help me to blaze brightly with holy fire today. Amen.

MONDAY 17 JULY

Pray for our newly commissioned lieutenants as they begin a new part of their journey with God, and everyone who experienced something of Together 2023. Lord, live in them and move in them by the power of your Spirit. Amen.

CHANGE FOCUS

by Major Jill Miller (Prayer Network)

TUESDAY 18 JULY

Father God, take away all unkind thoughts, any critical spirit that has grown in my life and all my fears and doubts. Fill me with compassion, empathy, understanding and love for the world where I live. Amen.

WEDNESDAY 19 JULY

O Lord, we are so aware of the need for more leaders in your Church. We bring to you those places who find themselves without an officer. As your lay people undertake more responsibility and are asked to do new things, we pray for grace as changes are made. May the changes bring about transformation in the fellowship and prove fruitful for your Kingdom. Amen.

THURSDAY 20 JULY

Dear Lord, as many Army leaders officially take up new appointments today, we pray that each one will be bold and courageous. Lord, strengthen your people so that we all may stand firm in the battle against the darkness and bring your transforming light into the places and the people that still need you. Amen.

FRIDAY 21 JULY

Lord, we bring to you all who work in education. We pray that the positive contribution each one has made to the lives of the students under their care will be blessed and the seeds sown will bear fruit. Give our education teams time for renewal and refreshment over the summer and bring them back full of new energy ready for the year ahead. Amen.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for? Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line and the Territorial Prayer Network will uphold them in prayer.

LIEUTENANT LIAM BEATTIE Corps Officer Leicester West

Behind the scenes

Stephanie Lamplough and Paul Sharman (Music and Creative Arts) tell Lyn Woods about their musical as

What’s Belongings about?

SL It’s set in a Salvation Army charity shop, where people from all walks of life are trapped because of a storm, and we get to hear and relate to their stories and how God features in their lives.

What’s the message behind the musical?

SL That God is everywhere, in the everyday. And that listening, helping and being there for others can change lives.

PS We learnt that the mission of Salvation Army charity shops is important. It’s not just about selling clothes and other things – for many people, it might be the only interaction they have with the Army as a church.

SL Although it’s set in a charity shop, those conversations can happen anywhere for us as Christians if we leave the doors open.

How did it all come about?

SL This is a first for both of us, as part of the Music and Creative Arts team. Producing a musical is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time. I started writing during furlough, but it was last summer that the idea came to me and I approached Paul. We collaborated from there – Paul composed the music and I wrote the lyrics. We didn’t want to rush it,

we wanted to prepare and rehearse it, to make it as good as we could. It’s only in the past year we realised this is God’s time for it, and that Together 2023 would make a great showcase for it after its premiere at the SATCoL conference.

The characters are inspired by real people’s stories. Did you speak to any of them?

SL I very much wanted it to be a character-based musical, so I started doing research on their backgrounds. Some were people I knew personally, but I looked at case studies and consulted others with experience in this setting to ensure that it was all being portrayed accurately. I visited the charity shop at Brownhills where I met with SATCoL Director Trevor Caffull. I also met the people working there and had lots of talks with them, which made me realise that I needed to introduce two new roles – a store manager and a volunteer. When the musical goes on tour in October, the whole of the Brownhills team are coming to watch it.

How was the musical’s premiere at the SATCoL conference?

PS It was received extremely well from SATCoL personnel and the Salvation Army leadership who were present. We thought

that SATCoL members would be a good audience for us, people who are in that environment that we’re trying to portray on stage. Although many who attended weren’t Christians, and it’s about faith and stories of being Christian, they were engaged in it from the very first song. SL Afterwards, emails were received from charity shop managers saying they had never put that much worth on their jobs, but seeing them through other people’s eyes was reaffirming and made them feel recognised and valued.

Where are the cast members drawn from?

SL We wanted to include people from across the territory, people who were doing drama at a local level, people with a real heart for drama. We wanted to make it accessible and for people to be involved who hadn’t done drama for a long time, because there wasn’t the avenue, or people who already did things within the Army and this was their passion. We wanted to make it authentic in every way. Through connections at Territorial Music School and our Music and Creative Arts leaders group, Join the Crescendo, we have cast members from as far apart as Scotland, London and Clevedon. As you can imagine, getting people together wasn’t easy!

Pictures: Andrew King Photography

it’s performed at Together 2023

After Together 2023, where can folk see Belongings?

SL Our plan is to keep performing it for a couple of years, then the dream is that people will perform it themselves, that it will keep going and have a life beyond that. It’s feasible for corps and centres to replicate as the costumes and props are items that we all have around us, so it’s very cost-effective with a small cast. We’ve handed it over to God now and have no idea of the impact it will have and what he can do with it in the future.

PS We already have a performance booked in October in Birmingham and we’re in talks with a couple of other venues. Watch this space!

For more information, visit salvationist.org.uk/together or email music@salvationarmy.org.uk.

MEET THE CAST

Some of Belongings’ stars introduce their roles:

BETHANY HENDERSON (CLYDEBANK)

Who do you play?

Susie

Describe them in 3 words

Optimistic, resilient, kind-hearted

What’s your favourite song from the musical?

‘I Remember You’ – anyone who has been impacted in some way by dementia will instantly be able to connect with it

ERLEND SMITH (GLASGOW CITY CENTRE)

Who do you play?

Connor

Describe them in 3 words

Quiet, troubled and misunderstood

What’s your favourite song from the musical?

‘SA Charity Shop’ – I can’t help but sing along!

TANYA LIMTED (BEDFORD CONGRESS HALL)

Who do you play?

Grace

Describe them in 3 words

Shy, optimistic, faithful

What’s your favourite song from the musical?

‘I Belong in Christ’ – a reminder that, even through hardships, I can always rely on Jesus

NATHANIEL LEIGHTON (BIRMINGHAM CITADEL)

Who do you play?

Liam

Describe them in 3 words

Embarrassed, shy, misunderstood

What’s your favourite song from the musical?

‘I Belong in Christ’ – it shows that, no matter what you’ve done, everyone belongs in Christ

LYN WOODS Editorial Assistant Salvationist

“ It’s brilliantly written and gets to the heart of life in a Salvation Army charity shop. The narrative catches the mood of our shops perfectly, where people dare to care.

Trevor Caffull (SATCoL)

Reflecting holiness

AMANDA WHITCOMBE

APPOINTED TO NORTH DEVON

BEFORE I came to the college, ‘compassionate’ was probably not the overriding word that people would use to describe me. ‘Very friendly’ and ‘gets on well with people’, but not ‘compassionate’. I remember joking with our supporting officer about how, when it came to pastoral support, that would be delegated to my husband.

But my journey over these past couple of years has really been marked by Ezekiel 36:26: ‘I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.’ It’s not always been an easy process, but God has shown me how to love his people. He’s given me an awareness of how deep the love is that he has for us.

My heart has been changed and transformed, not by what I’ve learnt from the college – note: the teaching has been excellent – but by God, working his way in my life and in my heart.

It brought real joy when we opened our appointments letter and we saw there was a match in the profiles for both us and the corps that we’re going to. Pastoral care is something that would have originally scared me, but God has brought me to this place where he’s equipped me for my future ministry.

That’s my testimony of these past few years. I’ve not felt adequate. I’ve not felt that I might be able to do this, but God has prepared in me and transformed my heart to the ministry that he wants me to do as we go out of this place.

So if your natural response is to doubt what God might be capable of, then think again. It’s illustrated all the way through the Bible, isn’t it? God is so much more, and does so many more things than we give him credit for. Often we doubt ourselves but, actually, God will equip those he calls – so if you feel called today, step out in faith, knowing that God will transform you into who he needs you to be.

ROMANS 8:37 to 39 says that nothing can separate us from God’s love. The fact I am here today is testament to that.

I said ‘yes’ to officership when I was 12 or 13 – it could be said I’ve waited 37 years to be commissioned! Yet it’s more like God has waited 37 years for me to get on board with his plan. Despite moving myself out of his love for more than 20 years, he kept loving me, and put things in my path to help me learn and grow.

For example, the work I did in schools and hospitals in Albania, being with Kosovans in a makeshift refugee camp and as they returned home. I am so thankful God taught me that coming from a privileged, supposedly more advanced country does not mean I know what’s best for others. Then there was my work for 32 years in the gas industry. Through various roles, God enabled me to find my voice and confidence.

It could be said I managed to do these things because of my determination. I now know differently. I had moved away from God, but his love was still connected to me, working away.

I’m thankful for two major events: a back injury in 2016 and an illness in 2017. Through these, my mind was opened to be available to God again. In 2018, I heard him calling me back to him, then the call to officership. I’m grateful to God and the cadet on placement at Balham, whom I frequently spoke to, without her knowing of my inner struggle.

I’m thankful to God for being with me every day I have been at the college. It is an academic environment, which I struggle with, yet I have leant on him and grown in him more. I am grateful to him for all the friendships that will continue to be invaluable.

Through God’s inseparable love, I can be more than a conqueror not because of anything I do, but because God has gone before me. He is in front of me, within me and working through me. I am within him and his love.

DEBORAH HAMPTON APPOINTED TO OLDBURY

Pictures: Andrew King Photography

JACKIE LITTLEWOOD APPOINTED TO WORKSOP

FROM a young age, I was always told I was not good enough. Due to my dyslexia, I struggled in school, and had to work hard to achieve what I’ve done.

At 19, I felt God call me to officership. But I was told I’d be no good due to my dyslexia. So I started to pursue other things –for example, getting married, having a career – but I always felt something was missing.

During this time, I only came to the Army on special occasions. In 2011, I came back to the Army fully, after a promise I made to my mother on her deathbed. I became involved in the corps, thinking this would fill the emptiness in my spiritual life. In 2015, I put my uniform back on as an outward sign of what was going on inside. At the same time, I was asked to take over as parent-and-toddler leader. With a lot of prayer, I took on the role and then the role of YPSM.

When I was helping out at junior camp, a young boy asked me, ‘What are you doing for Jesus?’ It was then, in 2017, I offered myself fully to God, and began the officership application process. The journey has been hard, but my calling’s become stronger and stronger. During my time at college, we had the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns, but as a session we pulled together.

In January 2022, I was asked to have an extended placement at a corps to further my development. Therefore, I was not going to be commissioned with my session. The first thing that went through my mind was ‘I’m not good enough’. But that’s not what the college was saying. They recognised that I needed a different way of training, which I’m grateful for.

I know and realise that I am loved unconditionally, and that God equips those who are called and that ministry is all about his power at work in us and not what we can do for him. My placement has been such a blessing. I’ve seen the Holy Spirit at work in people’s lives and, most of all, in me.

STUART TURNBULL APPOINTED TO WORCESTER

YES. Like many others who have got to this point, my journey involves many times of saying that. But saying ‘yes’ and going along with the consequences of that can be two different things. A ‘yes’ to a party invitation will only take you so far; you still need to attend the party.

The first ‘yes’ came at a summer school when I was 15. I have been attending The Salvation Army since birth, but it was the ‘yes’ then – to accept and recognise this sanctifying work of Christ in my life – that changed me.

At another summer school two years later, I felt God calling me to do a gap year for the Army. A further ‘yes’, as I felt the call to become a senior soldier. It was also at this time where the idea of officership first came to me. There would be a further ‘yes’ to explore this call in the years ahead, which ended in a ‘no’ or ‘not yet’.

Looking back, it was these moments that developed my faith further. More yeses followed in wedding vows and moving around the country, which led me to an evening in prayer in 2016, where God called me using words from Matthew 28 to say yes to being a territorial envoy. The willingness to explore this call, and subsequent ministry in Shrewsbury, led to the prompting of officership once more.

Hannah, my wife, was not yet ready to do so. But again, prayer conversations and the Commissioning service of the Messengers of the Kingdom – which included Hannah’s sister and brother-in-law – led to another ‘yes’. That brought us into the Reflectors of Holiness session.

There was one more ‘yes’ to come during my officer training: Covenant Day, and a ‘yes’ I am convicted to make and uphold in my future ministry. I look forward to my future appointment with Hannah. And we look forward to what God has in store for us. This journey was possible due to being willing to say ‘yes’, not knowing where it would lead. Would I go back and say ‘yes’ to them all again? Yes!

Based on testimonies recorded by the cadets for Salvationist Radio. Podcast coming soon at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts Watch Commissioning at 10.30am and the sending out at 2.30pm on Sunday 16 July at youtube.com/salvationarmyvideo

As cadets of the Reflectors of Holiness session are commissioned, four of them share their stories

Getting to know nature

As Salvationists take part in Muddy Church at Together 2023, Captain Wendy Watkins (Hadleigh Farm) talks to Salvationist about how to do it where you are

What is Muddy Church?

It’s a different way of doing church. Through activities and conversations, it’s a way of thinking about God that you might not normally do. It was created by Lucie Hutson several years ago. It’s all based on the Montessori method of education, which involves creative choices, hands-on learning and collaborative play. We worked with Territorial Environmental Officer Major Heather Poxon to base our Together 2023 materials around the theme of Tread Softly, so it ties in with the Army’s ethos of caring for creation.

What’s happening at Together 2023?

We have four areas in the park with big boards for each. Each of the boards covers certain things – whisper gently, love greatly, hold kindly and smell hopefully. For example, asking people how many sounds they can hear. People can also take pictures and go away and try activities for themselves in their own time, such as puddle jumping, going on a barefoot walk or mud modelling.

We’ll be going on a muddy walk through the park, from one board to the next. I’m going to put some pinecones, feathers and twigs down, so that when people are walking they can notice the things they find to help with the conversations.

We’re also going to do litter-picking and make some wooden hearts that say ‘God

4 STEPS TO START YOUR OWN MUDDY WALK

loves…’, so you can go up to something, take a picture and then hashtag it.

How often do you do Muddy Church at Hadleigh Farm?

We do it regularly. It’s our way of trying to connect with people who don’t do church. We’ve also been doing a drop-in Muddy Church, where people can turn up when it suits them in about a twohour period.

Can Muddy Church be done anywhere?

Absolutely. There’s no right or wrong way of doing Muddy Church. It’s not prescriptive. It’s about setting a time, going for a walk and finding out how it works for you. At Hadleigh Farm Estate, we have 900 acres of land. But you might be in an inner city with a little park – and that park is important, because it might be the only green space in the area.

What materials are available for people to do Muddy Church?

The materials we have for Together 2023 are all freely available and illustrated by Lucie. I have also put together booklets outlining our trail on recycled paper.

For more information and materials to try Muddy Church where you are, email environment@salvationarmy.org.uk

FIND A SPACE

Find any space that can work for you. It might not be a space that you regularly at this point connect with.

TALK TO THE LANDOWNER

Talk to the person who owns the bit of land wherever that might be and get their support and permission. Most people will be delighted that you want to be in their park. Work with them to put up posters so you can start advertising to people what you’re going to do and when.

ADAPT IT TO YOUR SETTING

See what happens and think about what works in your setting – don’t worry about doing it out of the box. You might be really surprised at who connects with it.

CONNECT

This Muddy Church isn’t about making people feel guilty about not doing enough to help the planet. It’s about having conversations with each other about what we appreciate about the world in which we live. You can’t love what you don’t know, and when you love something you want to take care of it.

Final boundary changes made THQ

THE UKI Territory has completed its transition from 22 divisions to 14, with the formation of the Central and Southern Scotland, London and South East Divisions.

EVENT

Final divisional celebrations

ASHBROOK HOUSE

THE final gathering of the East Scotland Division marked the end of an era, ahead of their transition into the Central and Southern Scotland Division.

More than 200 people shared in a day of sunshine, bouncy castle fun, face painting and scavenger trails. Children and adults engaged in races and there was plenty of food for all.

Contributions from the East Scotland Youth Chorus and Youth Band were well received as they shared for their final time publicly. In celebration of the East Scotland Division, a rose tree was planted in Ashbrook’s garden named ‘precious gold’, marking the beginning of something new together.

MUSIC

Shared worship on the theme of Moving On included joyful singing, community prayer and presenting medals to the children who took part in the races.

Time was set aside to give thanks to God for the outgoing divisional commander, Lieut-Colonel Carol Bailey, who, after 11 years of service in the role and more than 44 years of active service, entered retirement. Majors David and Gillian Burns (North East DHQ) shared words of tribute and presented a certificate and accompanying letter from the territorial leaders.

The day concluded with ‘I’ll Go in the Strength of the Lord’ and ‘Auld Lang Syne’. – AG

Central and Southern Scotland begins ministry under the leadership of Major Janet Robson, London under Majors Mandy and Steve White, and the expanded South East under Majors Linda and Mark Herbert.

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main said: ‘The territorial leadership team has appreciated and been encouraged by the way our divisional leaders, their teams and divisions have encouraged us throughout this past seven months of transition. Not only have you embraced the focus on local mission flourishing, you are considering how best to increase integration and collaboration where you are. Thank you for your part in this and for your ongoing engagement in improving how our church moves forward.’

Although all divisional boundary changes are now complete, work continues to streamline and integrate processes, policies and procedures, with everyone having a part to play.

The Chief Secretary said: ‘As a church, we believe that God is the author and perfector of our faith. None of us starts this journey “perfect” – we are tested, challenged and have opportunities to learn and for our faith to increase. Similarly, none of our DHQ and THQ processes are perfect. However, they are worth updating and changing if they result in all our mission expressions flourishing. Nothing worth having comes easily but we’re committed to continual learning and improvement ensuring mission flourishes so that our communities can experience fullness of life with Jesus.

BELLSHILL The band’s annual Music for a Summer’s Evening concert also marked the launch of its belated centenary celebrations, the band having been formed in 1921. The concert attracted a near-capacity congregation with dozens joining online. The longest-serving member, Robert Addie, who has served for more than 60 years, shared his testimony. Soloists YP Band Leader Chris Shanks (euphonium) and Alex Ramsay (cornet) presented ‘Scottish Folk Variants’ and ‘With His First Breath’, and Songster Leader Marjory Watson presented vocal solo ‘Glory to his Name’. Assistant Band Sergeant Dorothy Neil spoke on faithfulness and the concert concluded with ‘Toccata Fire’. The evening raised more than £840 for Lewis, the grandson of one band member, who is representing Team UK at the World Dwarf Games 2023 in Cologne. – MS

‘Please continue to pray for our Salvation Army – as new divisions commence ministry, building on the work of their forebearers; as officers move into new appointments, and as employees, volunteers, friends and officers work through improving “how we do things around here” so that local mission flourishes and people see Jesus in all we do.’ – AR

EVENT

Local musicians launch book

ANDOVER

ABOUT 250 people congregated at the corps for the launch of Andover – A Musical History, written by Peter Staples and John Walker, members of 1960s bands the Troggs and Ten Feet Five.

The first chapter of the book is dedicated to brass bands and includes The Salvation Army, with Staples writing about his experience as a young boy marching behind the band.

The Troggs were also inspired by the Joystrings with their song ‘Love That’s All Around’, with the late Reg Presley hearing the song one Sunday afternoon and writing the hit ‘Love Is All Around’ almost instantly. The track was later covered by R.E.M. and Wet Wet Wet in the early 90s. – AR

MEETING

POKESDOWN The corps shared in celebration for a valedictory meeting, with poignancy and a profound sense of thankfulness for the faithfulness of God stretching from March 1885 to the present day. God’s faithfulness was beautifully reflected by the singing of the Bournemouth Male Voice Choir. The final commitment was to be thankful and trust in God for all that has taken place in and through the corps. – ML-J

COMMUNITY

ANNIVERSARY

PORTSMOUTH CITADEL Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main led the 150th corps anniversary celebrations. From Boogie Tots to the African Praise Group there is a palpable sense of diversity at the corps, reflecting its message of inclusion, growth and progression. Music in the shopping precinct saw some 200 people accept invitations to an open house before an evening of music and reflection. A period of remembrance included those who served during the First and Second World Wars. Penny Mordaunt MP acknowledged the Citadel’s continuing role and ministry in the city. Colonel Jenine spoke of even greater things and Rob Warburton outlined how the Haven Community Centre is meeting people’s need for the Lord. On Sunday, the Chief Secretary brought a message from the TC, expressing his hope that new wells of opportunity might be discovered. With new faces in the congregation, others welcomed into the music sections and more than 70 children attending the Messy Church anniversary party, the corps is open for business and embracing change. – AG

EVENT

CLOWNE A party of 27 made the Trans Pennine Trail to Strawberry Field. Knowledge of the Army’s journey of Christian care was intertwined with memories of John Lennon’s childhood fascination with the property and its grounds. – GH

OUTREACH

Histon Band supports the Flaming June Half Marathon and 10k with upbeat hymn tunes

Bradford Citadel takes part in Wibsey Scarecrow Festival

DEVONPORT MORICE TOWN

STAPLEFORD

LEANNE Parsons was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Captain Andy Toby. Leanne first attended with her children during a Zoom worship meeting in 2020. In 2021, Leanne and her children attended worship in person and have done ever since. Leanne has taken on the role of volunteer manager at the community café and parent-and-toddler assistant. She gave a powerful testimony about how God had remained close to her during a difficult time in her life, and shared how her Christian journey has been the result of a promise made to God during that time. – AT

EDMONTON

SHIRLEY Dickman and Ben White were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Captain Huw Dutfield. Shirley attended the Good Companions group and luncheon club before she came to the morning and evening meetings. She decided that the Army should be her place of worship. Ben has been attending with his parents for some time, and his mum was recently enrolled as a soldier. Ben wished to be a member too and decided adherency was his way of recognising the Army as his church. Also pictured are Adherents Secretary Frank Taylor and Ben’s mentor, John Floyd. – FT

THORNTON HEATH

NATHAN, Julian, Caleb, Stephanie, Delcie, Joanne, Desyre and Dylan were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps officer Major Janet Martin, having shared some key lessons from their preparation classes. The service also featured a church parade and renewal of vows for the 44th Croydon Air Scouts, who currently meet in the hall. – MM

BECCLES

CAROL and Paul Gardiner were welcomed as adherents by Corps Assistant Harry Woods. Carol gave a moving testimony about finding the Lord, a welcoming church family and so much more at the corps and chose the song ‘Amazing Grace’ by Daniel O’Donnell, which was played in the meeting. – LW

SUSAN Wright and David Griffith were welcomed as adherents by corps officers Captains Dawn and Glenn Roden. – GR

SANDRA Wickham and Joy Ejemen were welcomed as adherents by corps officers Captains Dawn and Glenn Roden.

Salvationists give thanks for life of General Shaw Clifton

WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE

SALVATIONISTS and friends gathered in the Assembly Hall to celebrate and give thanks for the life and ministry of Retired General Shaw Clifton, reports Lieut-Colonel Jennifer Groves (IHQ)

They were joined by hundreds of others watching online from around the global Salvation Army.

Commissioner Birgitte Brekke-Clifton and the children of General Clifton, Matthew, Jenny and Captain John Clifton (Blackpool Citadel and Blackpool South), with other family members shared a heartfelt tribute to the 18th General of The Salvation Army.

Commissioners Barry Swanson (former chief of the staff), Sue Swanson, Freda Larsson and Gisèle Gowans, along with officers from International Headquarters and the United Kingdom and Ireland Territorial Headquarters, were also in attendance.

Commissioner Edward Hill (International Secretary for the Americas and Caribbean) shared that General Shaw Clifton ‘lived a life of exceptional quality: a life marked by innovative leadership, rich theological and literary contribution, and bold initiative. Most of all he proved himself to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, committed to a life of holiness of

heart and deed’.

The desire for this thanksgiving meeting was not only that General Shaw Clifton would be well remembered for his profound contribution to the lives of others and his service for God but, most of all, that God would be glorified and all would place their lives on God’s altar.

‘Our thoughts deepened because of his life’

A greeting from General Brian Peddle was read by Commissioner Edward Hill. This included anecdotal stories of private moments shared with General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton, and honoured a life well lived for God.

‘Our Army is stronger and our thoughts deepened because of his life,’ wrote the General.

Leading the meeting, Captain John mentioned that personal notes from his father could be seen throughout the order of service.

After the opening song, ‘Thou Art the Way’ – sung to a rousing arrangement of ‘Finlandia’ written by Carla Lindsey of the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory – Major Iain Hudson, General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Birgitte Brekke-Clifton’s corps officer at Bromley Temple, read a prayer from Great Souls at Prayer by Robert Collyer.

Captain John mentioned that the Bible reading – James 1:2 to 8, 26 and 27 – had

been chosen by his father ‘because of the down-to-earth nature of this strong letter and the pithy, non-pious definition of “true religion”’. This was read by Major Richard Gaudion (THQ), who served General Shaw Clifton as his private secretary. He said that they were ‘brothers in the crusade’.

Song of the Eternal

The recorded voice of General Shaw Clifton was heard as he introduced his favourite piece of music, Leslie Condon’s tone poem ‘Song of the Eternal’. Attention was drawn to the lovely, simple words that are featured in the central section: ‘From that sacred hill/ Hope is gleaming still;/ Thy shame and grief he bore;/ Go in peace, sin no more.’ This was then played by the International Staff Band and a group of past and present members of Enfield Citadel Band.

Major Richard paid tribute to General Shaw Clifton, sharing precious memories of their experiences together. He described the General as being sharp, punctual, decisive, fair and determined, with a deep love for his family and for Scripture, a desire for justice, a determination to ensure women were given equal opportunities in ministry and leadership, and with a continual seeking after holiness and the holy life. Major Richard also shared that General Clifton lived out the title of his book, Strong Doctrine, Strong Mercy, and that

Captain John Clifton

Commissioner Edward Hill

one of his favourite Scripture passages was 2 Timothy 4:17 – ‘The Lord stood at my side and gave me strength’ – and that he knew this truth in his life.

General Shaw Clifton was aware of his weaknesses and wanted the song ‘I Am Praying, Blessèd Saviour’ to be sung ‘because he knows all my weakness, of which there has been much’. This led into tributes from family members Sylvia Hawken (sister), Matthew Clifton (son) and Jenny Collings (daughter).

Family tributes

Sylvia entitled her tribute Memories of Shaw and spoke of four memories of his very lively and mischievous nature as a child and the precious moments of reminiscing that they shared in recent years. He gave her the feeling that she was valued.

Matthew spoke of the magnificent devotion his father demonstrated when he entered retirement and provided care for his wife, Helen. As General Clifton said in the order of service, ‘Now I would devote myself round the clock to caring for Helen until the Lord took her home to Heaven… Caring for her and tending to her needs was a privilege even more sacred, more eternally significant than being the General.’ This role reversed in recent times when Commissioner Birgitte BrekkeClifton provided that same devotion in caring for her husband.

Jenny spoke warmly of her father, describing him as ‘fun, spontaneous, humorous, protective, fiercely faithful, loyal and true’, someone with ‘integrity, devotion, a big heart, a big intellect and who loved each of his family deeply’. She likened her father to a fallen mighty totara

(tree), recognising that in time to come all that has been lost will be restored to everlasting.

Family friend Bill Rollins from Boston (USA Eastern Territory) then led the congregation in three of General Shaw Clifton’s favourite choruses: ‘Yes, My Sins Are Gone’, ‘Travel Along in the Sunshine’ and ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’.

Hudson Collings, Hannah Clifton, Elijah Clifton and Lincoln Collings lovingly shared memories of their grandpa, highlighting his insight and wisdom; his consistent love, support and guidance; how they could disagree fiercely yet love deeply; his unwavering faith; his love for God, Scripture and preaching; and his being a role model for them. Their grandpa’s greatest legacy lies in the lives he touched, and they acknowledged they would not be who they are today without him.

General Shaw Clifton’s life and faith were expressed so well in the words of the song ‘His Provision’, sung by Bromley Temple Songsters.

A quest for holiness

Captain John reiterated the words of his father that, ‘I want the meeting(s) to be positive, and a clear call to commit to Christ be made. Speak plainly to the people about the Hereafter.’ In recalling that his father lived his life totally devoted to Jesus, Captain John encouraged those gathered to have a similar quest for holiness, to ‘press on in all things’ and to live out their faith and to do so publicly. He said, ‘If there is something you are holding back, hand it over.’

Moments of prayerful commitment preceded the rousing singing of ‘O Boundless Salvation!’. Commissioner Shelley Hill (Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Americas and Caribbean) then closed the thanksgiving service with a prayer and benediction, before photos of General Clifton’s life were displayed as the composite band played Edvard Grieg’s serene ‘The Last Spring’.

The committal service had taken place earlier in the day at Beckenham Crematorium, also led by Captain John Clifton.

The service of thanksgiving is available to watch online at youtu.be/rUOqrfiGHYY

“ Our Army is stronger and our thoughts deepened because of his life. ”

Major Richard Gaudion

ARMY PEOPLE ENGAGEMENTS

Local officers appointed

ADHERENTS SEC SUSAN GRIFFITHS, Merthyr Tydfil

Wedding anniversaries

Diamond (60 years)

SONGSTER HEATHER AND BANDSMAN TONY STUBBS, Newcastle City Temple, on 27 July

MAJORS CAROL AND PETER KENDALL , on 31 July

Golden (50 years)

MAJORS JOHN AND VALERIE MERSER , on 28 July

Promoted to Glory

MAJOR KATHRYN BLOWERS, Armáda

Spásy, Margate with Gravesend

CSM ROY SAYER , Fakenham

Bereaved

MAJOR DAVID BLOWERS, South East

DHQ, of his wife Major Kathryn Blowers, Alex Blowers, Ruth Morgans, Jessica Konova and William Blowers of their mother

MAJOR ELIZABETH GOODALL , Greta Robertson and Mary McKinnon of their sister Janet Adam

ANN SAYER , Fakenham, of her husband CSM Roy Sayer, Major Martin Sayer, East of England DHQ, and Christopher Sayer of their father

ICO delegates

The 254th session began on 12 July

MAJOR NICOLE SNEAD, Australia

CAPTAIN DARRELL WILSON, Australia

CAPTAIN DANIELLE WAKAI-BRAGA , Brazil

MAJOR BRADLEY REID, Canada and Bermuda

CAPTAIN GERTHA MOMPLAISIR , Caribbean

MAJOR MATIGNOL SAINT-LOT, Caribbean

LIEUT-COLONEL EDELINE SUPRE, Caribbean

MAJOR ANNA MAGDALENA ÖSTMAN

PEDERSEN, Denmark and Greenland

MAJOR ANDREI INIUTOCICHIN, Eastern Europe

MAJOR FREDA MORGAN, Ghana

MAJOR ALICE (WEI-FONG) LAW, Hong Kong and Macau

MAJOR YESURAJYAM DANDAMUDI, India Central

MAJOR LOVELY GILL , India Northern

MAJOR SHAKILA STEPHEN RAJ, India South Eastern

MAJOR EDWIN SAMUVEL , India South Eastern

MAJOR EVAMA SHAIJURAJ, India South Western

MAJOR SAM GEORGE , India South Western

MAJOR SONAL PRAKASH MEKWAN, India Western

CAPTAIN HARCE MUNDUNG , Indonesia

CAPTAIN ARMINDO SIMANGO, Mozambique

CAPTAIN MARISKA POTTERS, The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia

MAJOR JOJANNEKE VAN SCHAIKJONG, The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia

CAPTAIN PAULEEN RICHARDS, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa

MAJOR DANIEL EKONG , Nigeria

CAPTAIN SUMMRA NEMAT, Pakistan

CAPTAIN AUGUSTINE DANAGI, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands

CAPTAIN AILEEN TAN, The Philippines

MAJOR EDUARDO BAIGORRIA , South America East

CAPTAIN DANIEL VIKLUND, Sweden and Latvia

CAPTAIN JEREMY FERGUSONSMITH, United Kingdom and Ireland

CAPTAIN MICHAEL SJOGREN, USA Central

MAJOR ASHLEY MAUK , USA Eastern

MAJOR ALGEROME NEWSOM, USA Southern

MAJOR ROY WILD, USA Western

MAJOR VIOLET BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe and Botswana

Official Gazette

Long service – 35 years

MAJOR MARGARET DOWNHAM, London DHQ

Retirements from active service

Effective 1 July

MAJOR IAN LOXLEY, out of New Barnet in 1983 and last appointment

Addlestone

CAPTAIN THAYA ANUSORO

CHANDRAN, India South Eastern

COMMISSIONER

ANTHONY COTTERILL

Territorial Commander

General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle

Mon 17 Jul – Sun 23 Jul Zimbabwe

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

Tue 18 Jul ICO Lecture

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Commissioner Gill Cotterill

Fri 14 Jul – Sun 16 Jul Fairfield Halls, Croydon (Together 2023)

Fri 21 Jul United Christian Broadcasters Interview 10am

Sat 22 Jul Strawberry Field (Official Opening of the Bandstand)

Sat 29 Jul William Booth College (Territorial Music School, Final Festival)

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Colonel Jenine Main

Fri 14 Jul – Sun 16 Jul Fairfield Halls, Croydon (Together 2023)

NOTICES

THQ Rhythm of Prayer

The move to a new THQ presents new opportunities and a renewed sense of vision in ministry. The Prayer Network is inviting people to be part of a prayer rhythm in the lead up to this change. Weekly meetings started on Monday 10 July and will take place from 3pm to 3.30pm on Zoom until the THQ inauguration. For further details visit salvationist.org.uk

SOUNDS

Sunday Worship

This weekend’s Sunday Worship will feature a Bible message from Cadet Karen Barber, who is being commissioned at Together 2023. Can’t join us at 11am on Salvationist Radio? Catch up with the weekly podcast of Sunday Worship highlights, including music and prayer. Each week’s broadcast is also repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

Listen at salvationist.org.uk/radio

The Big Stride Podcast

Whether you’re taking part in the Big Stride 5k Mission and Fundraising Challenge in person at Together 2023 or in a local park where you are, listen to a playlist of running tracks and a devotional podcast from Major Adrian and Captain Clare Allman (Birmingham Citadel). A PDF of materials is also available to download from salvationist.org. uk/sportsmission

Listen at salvationist.org.uk/radio

The All Terrain Podcast

The final episode of the current season features Territorial Environmental Officer Major Heather Poxon. Download accompanying notes and group questions at salvationist.org.uk

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and PodBean.

BERNARD Smith and Colin Putbrace received certificates from Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main in recognition of their many years of service as corps musicians. Also pictured is Bandmaster Nigel Smith. – BM

AS they joined the songster reserve, Joy and Peter Laing were presented with certificates of retirement for their service of 55 and 57 years respectively. They are pictured with corps officer Major Mark Billard and Songster Leader Andrew Mair. – AM

COLIN Crosby received a certificate from former corps bandmaster Lieutenant Matthew Stone (Southampton Sholing) for his 67 years’ service as a bandsman. Also pictured are Bandmaster Nigel Smith and other former bandmasters. – BM

GUISBOROUGH

SONGSTER Secretary Sue Simpson, Songster Sergeant Connie Clark and Music Librarian Patricia Simpson were each presented with a certificate of appreciation for 40 years of service. Sue, Connie and Patricia are pictured with Acting Songster Leader David White, Deputy Songster Leader Paul Simpson and corps officer Major Antony Mugford. – SS

HOMELESSNESS worker Debbie Futcher was presented with a City of Southampton award by the lord mayor, Councillor Jacqui Rayment, in recognition of her dedication to clients and the difference her work has made to the community. Debbie has worked in social care homelessness settings for 16 years and leads the Somewhere Safe to Stay project at the Lifehouse. – AR

BOOTH CENTRE LIFEHOUSE

SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD