Army People

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Emerald (55th):

Majors Robert and Valerie Hart (17 April)

Golden:

Jack and Valerie Spowart, Bo’ness (4 April)

RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations

Colonel Keith Wylie (80 on 16 April)

BEREAVED

Major Nicholas Cotterill, Beccles with Diss, of his father Alfred

Territorial Envoy Alison Day, Norwich Thorpe St Andrew, of her mother Greta Julia Parr

Vivien King, Reading Central, and Vaughan King of their mother Major Doreen King

PROMOTED TO GLORY

Colonel Jean Gauntlett from Fair Haven care home, Bournemouth, on 17 March

S/Reservist Ruby Nesbitt, Lurgan

Edith Taylor, Abertillery

Major John Mullett from Lyndon House care home, Sandridge, on 17 March

Cynthia Bridle, Belfast Citadel

Geoff Platt, Newcastle City Temple

WHAT'S ON

LET THERE BE PRAISE

Salvation Brass on 1 April from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm on kitchener. faithfm.org

South London Fellowship Band on 8 April from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm on kitchener.faithfm.org

Previous broadcasts are available on citadelpromotions.co.uk, salvoaudio.com and salvos.com/ tomquick

Please note that soldiers’ and adherent members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included with tributes. Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

TRIBUTES

ANTHONY MYATT, BIRKENHEAD

TONY was a hardworking soldier and Cameo club member. He spent most of his life in the military, where he learnt to play the drums, and would eagerly play with the band on Sundays when needed.

After leaving the military he became the owner of a newsagent in Pensby, Wirral. There he linked up with the Army when Salvationists invited the family to the corps.

Tony and his wife, Jean, moved to Barrow and attended the corps there for a while. In the 1980s they returned to Birkenhead and Tony became a bus driver; his ministry blossomed as he spoke to people who got on his buses. He also helped lead short Army services at nursing homes.

In later years Tony developed Alzheimer’s disease but he would still bring Anthony, his youngest son with learning disabilities, to the lunch and Shine clubs.

He is greatly missed by all, especially Jean, and his children Dave, Mike and Anthony.

God bless Tony, good and faithful servant! – AT

MARGARET LENNOX, GATESHEAD

MARGARET was born in 1930. She was raised as a Methodist, but a friend took her to the Army youth club, where she met Dick, a young man she thought was rather handsome. He sent her a note saying he would like to see more of her if she would like to come to the Army. She did, and they married in 1951.

Margaret did not like the limelight but was a wise counsellor to many and fully supported Dick in all his Army duties. On retirement she helped at the lunch club and in many other ways behind the scenes. Until the past few years, Margaret was active and independent. Dementia restricted what she could do, but her faith in the Lord never wavered even when her memory failed her. She was a faithful witness to all in her sheltered accommodation. – MD

MARGARET HATTON, STAPLE HILL

BORN in 1927, Margaret lost her mother at 20 months and was cared for by family relatives. Margaret’s adoptive parents introduced her to the Army at Felix Road.

In 1945, Margaret met and married a young sailor, Tom. They had a long, happy marriage of more than 54 years.

They had six children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Margaret loved them all and was proud of their achievements.

After retirement, Margaret and Tom went to a concert at Staple Hill in 1991. They went to the meeting the following Sunday morning, and continued to attend regularly. Margaret enjoyed being part of the over-60 club, and they both became adherent members in 1992.

Margaret suffered much sorrow in her life, but her strength of mind and character and her love and concern for others saw her through. She is remembered as a good friend and neighbour, who cared for and loved others. She is missed by her family and the corps. – VW

JOSHUA CLIFFORD, COVENTRY CITY

JOSHUA was a fourth-generation Salvationist, who loved the Lord and described himself as a follower of Jesus. He was born with heart problems and given a poor diagnosis, but many surgeries and hospital stays later he proved the doctors wrong and grew into a bright, happy and brave boy.

Joshua loved attending the Army. He became a junior soldier and grew in his strength of character and love for God, before later becoming a senior soldier. He suffered difficulties with his poor health but always wore a smile and never complained. Even at his most ill he always asked about others.

At 19, Josh was unable to fight infection and received his promotion to Glory. A brave soldier of Christ, his short life touched many people, some of whom joined approximately three hundred family members, friends and colleagues from college at his thanksgiving service.

Josh is missed by them all, but they are all the richer for having known this brave young follower of Jesus. – VS

CORRECTION: The tribute to Major Richard Jones (14 March issue, page 21) incorrectly stated that his degree was in education. Richard gained a BSc (Hons) in chemistry and a postgraduate certificate in education. Salvationist apologises for this error.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

This update, issued by Secretary for Communications Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant, is correct as of 3 pm on 30 March

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, The Salvation Army’s response has been based on three key principles: O We will follow the advice of the relevant governments and public health authorities O We will focus on ‘mission critical’ activities O We will adapt our response to the pandemic as the situation develops

PEOPLE

The UK government has asked for the Army’s help to promote the message, ‘Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives’. Campaign materials are available from campaignresources.phe.gov.uk. Officers and many of our staff have ‘key worker’ status as they are providing vital social care functions or have roles that ensure our services can keep running. Travel to and from their places of work is allowed.

Most officers and employees are able to work from home, making use of video conferencing facilities when necessary.

Divisional triage teams are beginning to match staff who have opted for voluntary deployment with mission critical roles.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme enables employers to continue paying part of the salary of ‘furloughed workers’ who would otherwise be laid off. This will be a last resort for The Salvation Army once all other options have been exhausted.

PROPERTY

Corps halls should not be open for any activity other than the provision of food banks, takeaway food, clothing and sleeping bags according to guidelines about social distancing.

If there are contracted services, such as Employment Plus or child contact centres, discussions should be held with the relevant contracting authority and a decision to remain open agreed with the divisional commander. All charity shops are closed until further notice. All Salvation Army properties must display a phone contact number and ensure callers are responded to as quickly as possible.

MISSION

The Army is supporting the YourNeighbour initiative that resources churches to be good neighbours in communities across the UK. See yourneighbour.org.

The following activities are essential and are continuing to operate: Lifehouses, night shelters, care homes, safe houses for victims of human trafficking and modern slavery – including the network of drivers to transfer people to and from safe houses. The provision of food or drink to people experiencing homelessness is exempt from government restrictions.

THQ has been in discussions with the government, other churches and charities about food bank provisions. Existing suppliers and major supermarkets and wholesalers have been approached to explore ways in which they can support. Corps should be connected into their community’s response.

THQ has drafted a letter for Army personnel to share with supermarkets and other retailers if they are challenged about buying supplies for food parcels and basic care packages. It can be also used when travelling on public transport for essential Salvation Army business.

Salvationists and everyone linked to the Army are encouraged to respond to national and local government requests for support, such as volunteering to help people unable to leave their homes.

OTHER NEWS

MEDICAL: Some officers and staff have been asked by the NHS to return to work as doctors and nurses. NHS England has approached the Army about Operation Nightingale and the need for volunteers to help staff emergency hospitals.

CANCELLATIONS AND POSTPONEMENTS:

Pioneer Gathering, 4–7 May – there may be a webinar version

Territorial Leaders Conference, 11–14 May – postponed

Debt Advice and Early Years Best Practice, 18 and 19 June – cancelled

Key information is on the territorial website: salvationarmy.org.uk/ coronavirus-and-internal-information