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Bands unite for an evening of breathtaking music BOSCOMBE

MANY people attended the Army for the first time for an evening of brass band music of the highest quality presented by the Cory Band from South Wales, preceded by a short programme from the corps band. Introducing the evening, Bandmaster Howard Evans explained that when William and Catherine Booth were founding The Salvation Army, the Cory brothers were forming the Cory Band and a friendship was forged from which the Army benefited. The host band contributed ‘The Scarlet Jersey’, ‘The Water Of Tyne’ and ‘Glory, Hallelujah’.

In the first half of their programme Cory Band’s pieces included ‘Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom’, Andrew Wainwright’s ‘The Spirit Of St Louis’ and the world premiere of the final section of ‘Explorers On The Moon’. Soloists Tom Hutchinson (cornet) and Helen Williams (flugelhorn) played ‘How Great Thou Art’ and ‘Share

General Brian Peddle reiterates the ‘spiritual imperative’ to care for children

WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE

CHILD protection practitioners from around the world attended a three-day conference focusing on ‘new learning and best practice’.

General Brian Peddle, delivering the keynote address, stressed the importance of child protection: ‘We have a spiritual imperative to care for children – the Bible is clear about this.’ He reminded everyone that his Call to Mission specifically describes a ‘call to raise and nurture every generation’ and thanked those who have been involved in child protection for some time, predating present efforts at an international level.

Delegates were able to share their own experiences. Safe guarding consultant Ian Elliott led a session on listening and learning from those who have been hurt, and a survivor of childhood abuse in the church spoke movingly on good practice and caring for people who have experienced abuse.

Conference outcomes included an objective that every corps should become a ‘therapeutic community’ where children are at the heart of all that is done. – J. H.

SNETTISHAM: The corps hosted a community breakfast, serving 56 meals to people from the village and surrounding area. While eating and enjoying a chat with friends, everyone was invited to watch a slideshow of photos showing past events at the corps interspersed with Bible verses. A total of £220 was raised for corps funds and contact was made with several new people. – A. K.

My Yoke’ respectively.

The second half of the visitors’ programme took Romeo and Juliet as its theme and included ‘O Verona’, ‘Caribe’ and the love theme from the opera Romeo And Juliet, featuring Glyn Williams (euphonium) and Helen Williams (flugelhorn). Chris Thomas (trombone) brought the solo ‘Somewhere’ from West Side Story. In conclusion, the two bands united to provide a thrilling performance of Leslie Condon’s ‘The Call Of The Righteous’ – a fitting benediction to an evening of superb music-making. – R. C.

Raymond and Rita Prew are thanked by CT Doreen Finnimore at Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh after faithfully cleaning the halls for more than 40 years

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The General offers challenge and comfort ZIMBABWE

GENERAL Brian Peddle led the retirement meeting for Commissioner Vinece Chigariro, whose active service lasted almost 44 years. At the time of her retirement Commissioner Vinece was the Army’s ‘senior commissioner’ having served longest with that rank.

In a meeting lasting five hours the General challenged the congregation to take the commissioner’s attributes of prayer and holiness as an example.

He described her as a woman of faith, conviction, determination and resilience, and a blessing to many. The General stated that she has represented Zimbabwe around the world, showing success as a woman leader and has earned the respect of leaders and Salvationists.

In her retirement message, Commissioner Chigariro thanked God for his faithfulness and protection, attributing her success in ministry to prayer. The General used the occasion to express words of comfort to Zimbabweans in the midst of Cyclone Idai, encouraging them to take refuge in God as their strength and fortress. – L. N.

Weekend starts with outreach at shopping centre BASINGSTOKE

THE visit of Birmingham Citadel Songsters began with outreach in a shopping centre. Many people stopped to listen, and they were reminded of God’s love for them. Timbrel displays and a dance with umbrellas helped to attract passers-by.

A capacity crowd gathered for the evening concert, during which soloists Lucy Ridley (flute), Rob Hayward (xylophone), Nicola Redhead (cornet) and Stephanie Lamplough (vocal) contributed items. The evening concluded with the congregation reflecting on the words of ‘God Loves You’.

On Sunday morning the visiting songsters divided into two groups, one visiting Tadley, the other at Basingstoke, where Birmingham Citadel corps officer Captain Clare Allman preached on the theme Be Still.

The songsters returned for the final meeting of the weekend, which was a relaxed time with the host band and songsters supporting. Two of the younger guests dressed up as Jesus, reflecting on what Jesus looks like in our lives today. The meeting concluded with the united songsters singing ‘Praise His Holy Name’. – R. W-P.

Mayor apologises for hostility EXETER TEMPLE

THE corps celebrated its 138th anniversary with a concert given by the South West Fellowship Band that included works by Himes, Heaton and Rive, and concluded with ‘I Know A Fount’. Soloists were Nicholas Walton (cornet) and vocalist Nicola Collings (pictured, Heaton and Rive, and concluded with ‘I Know A Fount’. Soloists were Nicholas Walton (cornet) and vocalist Nicola Collings (pictured,

Croydon Citadel), who presented a broad range of items.

The lord mayor of Exeter, Councillor Rob Hannaford, was a guest for the evening and took the opportunity to apologise on behalf of his predecessors on the city council for their hostile attitude towards the Army in the 1880s. Many Salvationists were attacked, some imprisoned and a ban on open-air meetings led to the formation of the Skeleton Army.

Majors Margaret and Nigel Bovey led the Sunday meetings, during which Nigel referred to the mayor’s apology and, using material from his book Blood On The Flag, gave graphic details of the turbulent early history of the corps. The mercy seat was used as many people, inspired by the example of their predecessors, made fresh commitments to the Lord. – K. D. the Army in th Salvationists were imprisoned and a meetings led to the Skeleton Army. Majors Margare led the Sunday which Nigel referr apology and, using book Blood On graphic details of t history of the corp was used as many p the example of t made fresh com Lord. – K. D.

Salvation Army care home receives new accreditation YOUELL COURT CARE HOME

YOUELL Court Care Home was the first in Coventry to receive accreditation into the Dementia Care Matters Butterfly Household model of care – a new way of caring for people living with dementia.

Staff have been trained to create ‘butterfly’ moments that build emotional connections between themselves and residents.

Throughout the home there are a few smart speakers, and when assisting someone to move who is finding this difficult, Alexa can be asked to play a song they request; the music then provides a relaxed environment, making movement a more enjoyable experience.

One of the principles of the Butterfly model is to speak with residents who struggle with short-term memory loss about experiences in their past, and staff are able to engage with residents in this way.

The care home is decorated in vibrant colours with familiar settings, such as a post office and an old-fashioned corner shop. Eamon Kelly, whose mother has been a resident for several years, said he has seen a difference since the Butterfly model was introduced: ‘I feel my mum is being cared for in the best possible way. She is in better health, and they all look after her so well.’ – A. R.

Members of the Sunshine Café, for people experiencing memory loss and their carers, celebrate Easter at Norwich Mile Cross with guests Majors Martin and Michelle Wheeler (DHQ)

At Leigh-on-Sea recently appointed corps officer Major Jacquie Hanover conducts the first Sunday meeting held in the newly refurbished hall

Youth and children’s workers gather for special weekend CREWE

NEARLY 140 Salvation Army youth and children’s workers were joined by friends from the Netherlands for this year’s gathering, themed Lead: Here Be Dragons.

In the Friday evening session, International Prayer Director for 24-7 Prayer Brian Heasley spoke about how effective mission must be rooted in our own lives.

Saturday events included Assistant Secretary for Mission Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe sharing candid thoughts on the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 and the inclusivity of the gospel. National Director of Limitless

Tim Alford explored how young people can be reached in these days.

A number of seminars discussed topics raised in last year’s Listen Up research. These included forming faith among young people with special needs; responding to mental health issues; and pastorally supporting the LGBTI community.

Saturday evening was spent around a bonfire, following the discipleship journey of Simon Peter.

The weekend drew to a close on Sunday with Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary Major Helen Schofield leading a time of testimony and challenge, asking what delegates needed to do to reach and connect with children and young people in corps and communities. – T. W.

After 13 years, Songster Leader Ann Emerson retires and enters the songster reserve at Chester-le-Street; corps officer Major Liz Hancock presented Ann with gifts including a photograph of the songsters

June Richardson’s long years of service are recognised as she transfers to the songster reserve at North Walsham; she is pictured with Songster Leader Major Heather Durrant and her son Ian

PRESTONPANS: On Mother’s Day parents, grandparents and members of the corps witnessed Brownie Guider Alison Black lead Abby Mills, Holly Cunningham, Rose Anderson and Ayla Milne in making their brownie guide promises. This was the first time in several years that the group had attended a Sunday meeting and it was a great encouragement to the corps, which desires to see more children and families become part of the fellowship. Erin Wauchope and Amy Main, who could not attend on Sunday, made their promises on Monday. – S. T.

CROYDON CITADEL: As part of the 150th corps anniversary celebrations the songsters invited former members, corps fellowship and people from the community to join a Big Sing event. On Saturday afternoon Songster Leader Andrew Wicker (Swindon Citadel) led a workshop, taking 88 singers through a selection of his own compositions. Basingstoke Songsters presented a programme in the evening, before uniting with the Big Sing choir. A congregational finale brought the singing voices total up to 176 people. Celebrations continued on Mother’s Day, led by LieutColonel Jayne Roberts (THQ) and the songsters. – L. L-J.

BIRKENHEAD: The second women’s fellowship took the form of an Easter crafts and afternoon tea event. People from the line dancing group and volunteers from the charity shop and food bank joined corps folk in a lovely afternoon of worship, made Easter wreaths and took part in quizzes. – A. T.

Snettisham corps leader CSM Alison Kirby presents Bandsman John Jones with a long-service award for 65 years of service