INTERVIEW
Serving those who serve abroad Overseas Services Secretary Major Pam Cameron tells Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts how international service personnel are supported
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ANY Salvationists will not have heard of Avalon in Kent, but it is a place that plays a significant role in the wider Salvation Army world. Avalon is the base for the UKI Territory’s Overseas Services Unit, which supports personnel on international service. The Army acquired the house in 1946 when it became an approved school for girls. Later it was a Social Services training and study centre, then its purpose changed again in 2000 to accommodate officers on international service during their homeland visits. The Overseas Services Unit, which had been based at Territorial Headquarters, moved to Avalon five years later. 12
Salvationist 4 April 2020
Major Pam arrived in 2008 to take charge of the unit after years of service in Australia, Papua New Guinea and at International Headquarters. She explains Avalon’s purpose: ‘Avalon is often described by our guests as their “home away from home”. The nine self-catering flats – or ten, when the small library is included during peak season – provide space and opportunity for them to relax alone or host visiting family and friends, something many of them miss when they are overseas.’ With the exception of a few international appointments, most overseas terms of service last three years, with service in more difficult
locations allowing people to come home for a rest more often. In reality, many international service personnel – officers and non-officers – complete two or more consecutive terms. ‘Whether it is homeland furlough, compassionate leave, business or study, a period of extended transition at the end of a particularly difficult term or returning to the UK and Republic of Ireland to move into an appointment or retirement, Avalon is here to welcome and receive them,’ says Pam. ‘Apart from accommodation, we have room to store a few personal possessions that might be required during furlough. Guests often hurry to the
