EMERGENCY AID

Prayers for Turkey and Syria

IHQ

THE Salvation Army is working with its external partners to meet the needs of those affected by the recent earthquakes in Turkey, Syria and the wider region.

Figures suggest a death toll of in excess of 33,000 people with many thousands more injured and homeless in terrible conditions.

International Headquarters has asked all Salvationists to keep the many people affected – as well as all first responders – in their thoughts and prayers.

General Brian Peddle tweeted: ‘The horrific pictures coming from Turkey and Syria are cause for great and global concern. Praying for those affected, those experiencing great loss. Praying also for all who are assisting in this tragedy.’

With no Salvation Army officers on the ground in either country, The Salvation Army is committed to exploring the best ways for any financial support to be directed through its existing, trusted humanitarian partners and networks. Donations made will support the ongoing response and the longer-term recovery of those impacted. – AR

For more information and to donate online, visit salvationist.org.uk/turkeysyria

Community

Bench honours Gogglebox stars STRAWBERRY FIELD

A BENCH has been unveiled commemorating June and Leon Bernicoff of Channel 4’s Gogglebox.

June and Leon were teachers at nearby Gateacre School and taught several children who were residents at the former Salvation Army children’s home.

The bench was unveiled at a small ceremony, attended by June and Leon’s family – including their daughters, Helen Hunter and Julie Bernicoff.

It was crafted by Peter Lavin, a trainee on the Steps to Work programme, which supports people with barriers to employment to achieve their goals of finding paid work.

Helen said: ‘They were always very focused on supporting underprivileged children and helping them to make a success of their lives through education, so it all fitted into what type of legacy we’d like to leave on behalf of my mum and dad.’ – AR

Music

CLOWNE Anston Male Voice Choir presented a lively concert celebrating their century of heritage. The congregation enjoyed a varied programme, with soloists, a duet and a trio. The programme poignantly concluded with the rendition of a song set to the tune ‘Rachie’, a favourite of former Bandmaster John Martin, who was recently promoted to Glory. The concert raised £345 for the Weston Park Cancer Charity in Sheffield. – GH

ALDERNEY More than 50 people gathered for a special, yet sad, valedictory service to give thanks to God for the ministry of the corps after 142 years of service to the island, and to trust him for the future. Guests included previous corps leaders Colonels Julie and Peter Forrest (IHQ), Major Alan Young and retired envoy Pauline Redhead, as well as Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe (THQ) and Major Denise Cooper (DHQ). The weekend commenced with a time of lament and thanksgiving. On Saturday there was a thoughtful and appropriate final meeting, supported by States Members and other church leaders and members from around the island. At the end of the meeting there was a symbolic handing over of the corps roll from Corps Secretary Paul Southcott to Major Andrew DiaperClausen (Guernsey), who travelled with CSM Roy Romeril (Guernsey) to welcome corps members as they come under the care and fellowship of Guernsey Corps. Although it will not be easy to physically travel to the corps, they will be kept in contact with. – DC

Community

HAVERHILL Divisional Commander Major Howard Russell and town mayor Councillor Bruce Davidson opened The Link, a new information and listening service on the high street. It will be open to all, with volunteers on hand to chat and signpost people to services that may be of help. It will also serve as a warm space for those in need of warmth and fellowship to share with others. Corps leader Territorial Envoy Russell Day said: ‘Any church should be an organisation devoted to members and non-members alike. In years gone by, The Salvation Army may have walked up and down the street playing brass instruments to engage with people, but today, the world has changed. We need to think about a new way of meeting people and telling them they are loved by God.’ – AR

Staple Hill

JOSHUA, Sophia and Maria were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps officer Major Nicola Hylton-Jones. They were supported by their family and friends as they took this important step on their Christian journeys. Sophia and Maria came through the primary and have attended the corps all their lives. Joshua started attending when the hall reopened after the Covid-19 lockdowns. They are pictured with YPSM Laura Baker, Membership Secretary Kay Willets, Corps Youth Leader Tash James and flag bearer Joe Saint. – VW

Reading Lower Earley

LIZZY Gibbs was welcomed as an adherent by corps officers Majors Kim and Nigel Gotobed. Having attended a neighbouring corps in her childhood and finding a new home at Poole in recent years, Lizzy welcomed the chance to ‘come home’. – NG

Gloucester

HAZEL Somerville and Jennie Underwood were enrolled as soldiers by corps leaders Lieutenant Jacqueline Coates and Territorial Envoy Roger Coates. Hazel and Jennie first stepped into the hall through an activity with their grandchildren and responded to a notice about the corps singing group (open songsters). They were then encouraged to attend Sunday worship. Over the years Hazel and Jennie have become integral members of the corps, coming into a relationship with God in the process. Their lives have been transformed and many people have commented on the visible change God has made. Hazel is the missional coffee hub manager and Jennie volunteers in the coffee hub and supports other areas of the mission programme, including providing refreshments after worship. – RC

SÉBASTIEN, Isabelle and Scarlett were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps officers Majors Gareth and Susan Heward. Their faces shone as they read the junior soldier’s promise to the congregation. They were encouraged by their prayer partners, Bandmaster Phil Webb, Corps Treasurer Amanda Wallis and Major Anne Myers. Also pictured are YPSM Mike Webb (far right) and flag bearer Paul Garwood. – AB

Enid Funnell Ipswich Citadel

ENID was born in 1938 in Brighton. She spent her early life in Sussex, where she went to Sunday school at the Army. She married Ray in 1958 and they had six children. They moved several times with Ray’s work, including to Suffolk in 1970, where they eventually soldiered at Ipswich Citadel. Enid and Ray both played cornet in the band and in the Anglia Fellowship Band.

In the past, Enid was a songster and YP treasurer. In later years she created a telephone ministry for people who were absent, in poor health or just needed encouragement. She was also very active in the Chelmondiston community and at the local Methodist church.

Ray was promoted to Glory in 2022 and, even through poor health, Enid remained a great encourager to the end. Enid is greatly missed and will long be remembered for her life of Christian service. – DC

Derek Harpum Gillingham

DEREK (1939-2022) was a lifelong Salvationist and served his Lord fervently through various ministries at Gillingham.

He served as a Sunday school teacher, songster and a superb Red Shield Appeal co-ordinator. He was a formidable, but entirely modest, euphonium soloist. Having been band secretary, then deputy bandmaster, he became bandmaster in 1983 – a role he fulfilled until his promotion to Glory.

On the closure of Chatham Dockyard, where he worked as a shipwright and trade union representative, he explored the realm of education.

A sideways move then took him from craft design and technology teaching into the education welfare service, where he rose to become chief education welfare officer.

Retirement gave him the opportunity to establish his own herald ministry in Rainham.

He is much missed by Joyce, his wife of 60 years, his sons, Vincent and Roger, and their families, his ‘customers’ in Rainham, and indeed the whole corps. – JM

Major Edith Hambleton

EDITH Wilson was born in Eccles, one of twin girls who were the youngest of seven siblings. She emerged from family poverty with a keen social conscience and a lively nature. She was creative, practical and had an irrepressible sense of fun.

She started work at age 14 in a local factory, redeemed her father’s Salvation Army uniform from the pawnshop with her first pay, studied at night school in order to become a nurse, and then entered the training college as part of the Ambassadors session for officer training.

After social service appointments in Scotland and Newcastle, in 1953 Edith married fellow Ambassador, Albert Hambleton, who had been corps cadet guardian at Eccles Corps. They raised their six children while stationed at corps appointments in Wales and southern England.

When Albert moved to national headquarters in 1969, Edith got involved at Ilford Corps, especially the home league, where she led their singers, and spent some much-appreciated time in the songsters.

Edith was devastated by her husband’s sudden death in 1989, but ploughed her still considerable energy and organisation into even more local work: speaking, social care and promoting the Women’s World Day of Prayer, plus visiting family and friends and enjoying over-60 club holidays.

Edith was proud to reach the age of 90, though she said the novelty wore off fairly soon. Mobility problems and dementia were taking their toll. She was lovingly cared for by Glebe Court care home in Lewisham from September 2021 until her sudden death on Boxing Day 2022.

She is greatly missed by her extensive family and many friends. – GH

David Bird Swindon Gorse Hill

DAVID was born in Swindon in 1936 to Salvationist parents. He went on to dedicate his life to God at an early age, progressing through the YP band and then becoming a soldier, bandsman, songster and a member of the Ambassador’s Rhythm Group. He used his musical talents within the corps when commissioned as YP band leader, deputy songster leader and, for many years, songster leader.

David had a deep Christian love for serving and encouraging others. In retirement he managed the corps charity shop and distributed food hub items to various centres of need.

A great sense of loss is felt by David’s dearly loved wife, Hazel. David was a devoted father to Jeanette, Nigel and Kevin, and was loved by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. David was also a much-loved brother to Betty. His family will be comforted that he is now with his Lord. – CL

Joan Duffin Norwich Mile Cross

JOAN was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and dear friend. Joan was one of five children and attended Norwich Mile Cross Corps for more than 60 years, being number one on the roll. She married Alf and was blessed by the births of Nicola and Carl.

Joan left work to look after her family. She belonged to the home league, taking on the role of home league secretary and treasurer. She participated in the Norwich Mile Cross home league singers, being also a member of the songster brigade. Along with Alf, she led the Friday youth club, often caring for 50-plus youngsters. As Joan’s health began to deteriorate, she enjoyed talking with others, never breaking a confidence and never wasting time with idle talk or gossip. Joan was dependable even through adversity. She was faithful, loving, sincere and honest. She gave her all in the service of her Lord and to her family. – PR

Army People

International appointments

The following appointments and promotions, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff:

MAJORS CHRISTIAN AND CHRISTIANA AZUBUIKE, officers of the Nigeria Territory, are appointed as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries of that territory, with the rank of lieut-colonel

Wedding anniversaries

Golden

HILARY AND PETER TEE, Wellingborough, on 2 March

Dedicated to God

MILES PIPPARD, son of Paul and Stephanie Pippard, at Exeter Temple by Major Robert Elliott

Retired officers’ birthdays

MAJOR PAULINE FINGLAND, 80 on 2 March

MAJOR GEOFF ROWNEY, 80 on 3 March

MAJOR BERNARD PYMAN, 85 on 3 March

LIEUT-COLONEL JOHN ROWLANES, 85 on 3 March

COMMISSIONER SIEGFRIED CLAUSEN, 85 on 4 March

Promoted to Glory

BETTY ASHBURNER , Upper Norwood

ISABELLA WATSON, Belfast Citadel

GILL UREN, Gloucester

ROBERT WILSON, Burton-on-Trent, on 18 December

BANDSMAN EDWARD GREENER , Consett, on 12 January

FREDA RAINE, Consett, on 20 January

Bereaved

JOHN COUTTS, Stirling, of his wife Heather Coutts

MAJOR SANDRA WILLS of her brother

Christopher Morgan

ALAN UREN, Gloucester, of his wife Gill Uren

Official gazette

Retirements from active service

Effective 1 February

MAJOR CHRISTINE KINGSCOTT (née Beales), out of Malton in 1983, last appointment Territorial Commander’s Office

MAJOR ALEX McNEE , out of Stenhousemuir in 1995, last appointment Newbury

ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander

Engagements

General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle

Wed 15 Feb – Mon 20 Feb Rwanda and Burundi Command

Wed 22 Feb – Tue 28 Feb Caribbean Territory

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

Sat 25 Feb – Sun 5 Mar SPEA Zonal Conference

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Commissioner Gillian Cotterill

Mon 27 Feb – Fri 3 Mar Divisional leaders training and consultation

Sat 4 Mar – Sun 5 Mar Bedford Congress Hall

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Colonel Jenine Main

Mon 27 Feb – Fri 3 Mar Divisional leaders training and consultation

Sat 4 Mar – Sun 5 Mar Scarborough (142nd corps anniversary)

Notices

World Day of Prayer

Everyone is welcome to join in this women-led global prayer event on Friday 3 March. This year’s theme – I Have Heard About Your Faith (see Ephesians 1:15) – has been prepared by women in Taiwan – find out more at wwdp.org.uk . Share how you’re getting involved with familyministries@salvationarmy.org.uk.

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.

The All Terrain Podcast

Host Jo Taylor (Youth and Children’s Unit) is joined by Joanna Adeyinka-Burford, a TV presenter, entertainer and author who has appeared on shows including The Let’s Go Club on CBeebies and presented a number of faith-based projects, including Raise, the Army’s children’s leaders training programme.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and PodBean