Called to Be a Soldier: Chapter

EVENT

FALKIRK Men from the corps recently embarked upon a barge trip up the Falkirk Wheel. This was part of their new breakfast fellowship, which takes place on Thursday mornings and includes life experience talks from professional people. – MK

MEETING

FUNDRAISING

Prince's Trust students raise renovation funds

BATLEY

A GROUP of young people raised funds to renovate the corps community centre by selling items made from reclaimed firefighting equipment.

The 11 Prince’s Trust students raised more than £500 by making and selling keyrings, coasters and plant holders from recycled hose parts. They then used the money to renovate the community centre and furniture shop as part of their 12-week personal development programme with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The renovation work included designing artwork, painting the walls, re-organising furniture storage, revamping the kitchen area and tidying up the charity shop displays.

‘What a lift the volunteers have given to our furniture shop! They worked all week with enthusiasm and creative flair and the results are being commented on all the time,’ said corps officer Captain Mark Cozens. ‘The shop is a vital element of the work we do in the community. As well as raising funds, we are able to support people in need and also re-use unwanted items, doing our bit for the environment.’

Charlotte Smith, team leader at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, commented: ‘We’re really proud of all the young people working on this project who identified The Salvation Army’s community centre and shop as a good way to give back to the community. Their innovation and teamwork have been outstanding.’ – AR SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD The corps gathered to celebrate and give thanks for the lives of Wilf Wicker, Home League Secretary Iris Griffiths, Major Dorothy Graham, Roz Wicker, Bobby Quinn, Joan Woods and Robert Johnson. They were all promoted to Glory between March 2020 and August 2021, when Covid-19 restrictions meant that only family members could attend funeral and thanksgiving services. The evening included items from each of their thanksgiving services, with the band playing ‘He Watches’ and the songsters sharing ‘Written in Red’. It concluded with an act of remembrance where everyone present was invited to light a candle in memory of loved ones while Songster Leader Andrew Mair played an arrangement of ‘Such Love’ on the piano. – LB

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MEETING

FUNDRAISING

SAFFRON WALDEN Janet McAllum, a neighbour of associate officer Territorial Envoy Julia Attwood, felt compelled to raise money towards the Army’s Ukraine crisis response. She organised a charity lunch in the hall, raising £295. Local businesses made contributions and a lady who attended the Taketime Lent course also helped. Those who attended could watch a video about the Army’s work with refugees, and several were surprised at the extent of this ministry. – JA

EVENT

READING LOWER EARLEY On Candidates Sunday the corps reflected on Philippians 1:6 and was encouraged to pray for the cadets in the Messengers of Reconciliation and Reflectors of Holiness sessions. Prayers were given for people responding to God’s call to become officers, territorial envoys or pioneer leaders. The corps also celebrated new local leadership with the commissioning of Caroline Irwin as corps sergeant-major and Margaret Mortlock as corps secretary. These were the first local leadership commissions in the corps for many years. Caroline and Margaret are pictured with corps leaders Lieutenant Jacqueline and Territorial Envoy Roger Coates, along with Corps Treasurer Anne Todd. – RC/JC

FUNDRAISING

BRAINTREE After a difficult couple of years, the corps hosted The Spring Thing to bless the community, share in fellowship, meet new people and welcome existing friends. Many families attended, including some from the parent-and-toddler group, members of the congregation and visitors from the coffee morning. Hadleigh Temple Band supported to make the event even more special. Volunteers from the corps provided refreshments and lunches, baked for a cake stand and staffed a variety of stalls. Volunteers from the SATCoL charity shop, New Direction Lifehouse and Saha’s Braintree Foyer helped with the entertainment. Basketball and a Nerf inflatable target were great hits, but face painting was even more popular. – RW

MEETING

SKEWEN Major David and Captain Judith Morgans, who were previously stationed at the corps for 10 years, returned to lead the morning meeting under the theme Faith to Finish Strong. They presented a sketch and shared a message based around John 6:12. Major David reminded the congregation that it was important to finish well, but that life is a marathon and not a sprint. The band brought ‘It’s No Longer I That Liveth’ and the songsters sang ‘Pardoner of My Soul’. Captain Judith also divided the congregation in two to sing ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’ and ‘I’m Going to Shout It’. – SL SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS In response to the Ukraine crisis, the home league members held a sale of hand-crafted toys, garments, floral arrangements and stationery in the town centre. Holy Trinity Anglican Church’s congregation helped set up the stall and people who had read reports of the Army’s involvement in aiding people in Ukraine came to support. Many passers-by stopped to purchase items. Including later purchases at the home league and over the telephone, £410 was raised. It was passed on to Mission Romania. Pictured are Home League Secretary Mary Parker and Divisional Envoy Olive Anstead at the sales stall. – AR

EVENT

MARKET RASEN Members of the corps and the band joined the congregation of St Peter and St Paul Caistor for an open-air service of thanksgiving for the creation and wonder of pets. These included dogs, cats and a Shetland pony, accompanied by well-behaved owners. Following the service, the church laid on an afternoon tea for everyone to round off a wonderful afternoon. – GB

EVENT PRESENTATION

SIDMOUTH Corps members and friends from across Exeter, Exmouth and Sidmouth gathered for an afternoon of informal outdoor fellowship. The event took place at the 1st Sid Vale Scout Centre. Exeter Temple Band, the Response music group and soloist Chris Pope (Exeter Temple) provided music to touch the soul. Participation in craft and prayer activities prepared by the leaders of Sidmouth gave opportunity for personal reflection. Children enjoyed playing with their families and friends using equipment and large-scale games provided by Exeter Temple Guides. Representatives of the corps served refreshments throughout the proceedings and community singing preceded a barbecue. Divisional Mission Enabler Major Robert Elliott led devotions to conclude the occasion. – MB

EVENT

WINTON Andrew Wileman was presented with his British Empire Medal by Angus Campbell Esq, lord-lieutenant of Dorset, to mark the Queen’s birthday honours for services to the community in Bournemouth. Andrew has helped people in need in Winton for more than 20 years, including survivors of modern slavery, struggling families and people experiencing homelessness. Corps officers Majors Claire and Jamie Hill congratulated and thanked Andrew for his committed service to the corps. – JH

BUCKLAND FARM Gillingham Corps gathered for a retreat led by Majors Heather and Stewart Grinsted (THQ and Southwark respectively). The day was themed Who Dares Wins and included engaging creative activities, testimony sharing and Scripture teaching. Alongside the adult programme the children took part in activities organised by YP workers from Chatham Corps. – JM

MUSIC

RUSHDEN The corps was privileged to have Salvo Brass, led by John Broadhurst, visit for their first event since the Covid-19 pandemic began. They presented a varied programme with the common theme reminding everyone present of their commitment to God and of his faithfulness. Pieces included ‘To Boldly Go’, ‘Light of the World’ and a vocal solo ‘I’ll Not Turn Back’ sung by Andy Ward. – GC PRESENTATION

SHAW There was a full hall for the retirement meeting of Major Nigel Tansley MBE. Divisional Commander Major David Taylor conducted the meeting, which included tributes to Major Nigel’s work co-ordinating the emergency response work for the North West Division and his service to the corps. Representatives from the fire brigade also joined in worship. Letters from the General and the territorial commander were presented to Nigel, thanking him for his 41 years of service and wishing him God’s blessing in retirement. After the meeting the corps shared in a buffet lunch and a time of fellowship. – KH