The Salvation Army People and me

ERIC NORTON

Dudley

How did you first come into contact with the Army?

I am a fourth-generation Salvationist. My great-grandfather was converted at Bridgwater in the 1880s. My grandfather was bandmaster at Bridgwater from 1913 to the mid-1960s and my father held local officer positions at St Albans.

What made you want to become a Salvationist?

I grew up in the Army, through the YP and senior sections, and became aware of God’s presence in my life and the way I could help others.

What did you do before retirement?

I used to work in banking.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

A relaxing one, but with visits to historical sites.

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

The Lord Of The Rings. I would play Legolas, a Sindarin Elf who was part of the Fellowship of the Ring.

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?

Cycling. I did a bit of cycling around the country when I was younger.

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

Patience.

If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be?

Velvet collars, drainpipe trousers and suede shoes. (I was a Teddy Boy in my younger days.)

What is your favourite Bible verse?

Mark 10:27: ‘All things are possible with God.’

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

Abraham. I’d like to ask how he was able to respond to God’s call to sacrifice his son, Isaac.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘He Giveth More Grace’ (SASB 30), especially verse 3:

His love has no limits, his grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men; For out of his infinite riches in Jesus He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

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

Elvis Presley’s Hound Dog, released in 1956.

What is your favourite food?

Roast beef with Yorkshire puddings.

His love has no limits, his grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men; For out of his infinite riches in Jesus He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again

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

Coming from St Albans, I would like to meet Saint Alban to find out about his Christian conversion and martyrdom. (SASB 30)

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be?

Moderation in all things.

Did you have a nickname growing up?

Pudding. If you take the first letter from my Christian name and put it at the end it spells rice!

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

Griff Rhys Jones – Not The Nine O’Clock News is one of my favourite programmes. His travel programmes are also so interesting.

Which book would you want on a desert island?

The Lord Of The Rings.

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

‘Get It Right Next Time’ by Gerry Rafferty.

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

The Lord doesn’t begin by asking about our ability, just our availability.

What is the most valuable thing you possess?

The love of my family and my love for them – my wife, children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren.

Something interesting people might want to know about you is...

I attended the initial band music camps at Hadleigh Colony and Tylney Hall from 1953 to 1957.