3 minute read
The Salvation Army and me
Employees, friends, members, officers, volunteers – we have them all in The Salvation Army! We’ve asked various people to tell us about themselves. This week…
RICHARD SMART Promotions and Marketing Co-ordinator, Publishing Department, THQ
How did you first come into contact with the Army? My mother-in-law, Mary Marsh, was a lifelong Salvationist and a remarkable but understated lady. She was cared for at the Army’s Lyndon House Care Home in her last years, so I came to see faith put into action so well.
What made you want to work for the Army? The opportunity to put my faith into action by using my skills and experience in marketing.
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If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose? Martin Luther King Jr. for pure courage in the face of adversity.
What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics? Rugby sevens, which featured for the first time in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be? Patience.
What is your favourite food? Gammon, eggs and chips.
What languages do you speak? I used to be good at Latin at school but found few people to speak it to!
What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned? Singing The Blues by Tommy Steele. If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be? Richard Branson. I made a film of 24 hours of his life in the late Eighties but I was too busy to meet him – what an opportunity missed. I would like to see how his life has changed since then.
If you could invent a gadget, what would it be? A silent keyboard – I’m a noisy typist!
What is your favourite kind of holiday? Cold and walking. My wife, Jenny, and I had a great snowshoeing holiday in the Arctic Circle in Finland.
What is the most interesting thing about your role? The people I meet who are often doing unselfish and remarkable work.
… and the most frustrating? As I work part-time my work pattern becomes broken during the week, so I need to concentrate on keeping my focus. What is your favourite Bible verse? ‘And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise’ (Philippians 4:8 New Living Translation). It’s very good advice on how to live.
What one thing would you change about the Army? Smarter, slicker decision-making. No wonder William Booth was not keen on committees, which slow things down!
Do you have any hidden talents? I am a Blue Badge Tourist Guide and City Guide. I like conducting walking tours across London.
If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play? Michael Caine’s character, Charlie Croker, in The Italian Job. Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them? Noah – how did building that ark go?
What is your favourite hymn or worship song? ‘Amazing Grace!’ (SASB 453).
Is there something you’ve never understood? Organic chemistry and calculus.
If you could rid the world of one thing what would it be? Antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Which book would you want on a desert island? London: The Biography by Peter Ackroyd.
If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room what would it be? ‘Sultans Of Swing’ by Dire Straits.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? You only have one chance of making a good first impression – smile!
What do you consider to be the most valuable thing you possess? The online shared family album.
