The Salvation Army and me

All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army. We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves. This week…

JAMES FOTHERINGHAM

Falkirk

How did you first come into contact with the Army?

A family member invited me to the men’s fellowship at the corps in 2005. I felt like I belonged, which led me to attend Sunday worship.

What made you want to become a soldier?

I was made to feel part of the corps family. I felt God wanted me to allow him to guide me as I explored my faith.

What is your role?

Before the lockdown I worked at New Future, the corps employability project, helping service users to understand basic computing. I also drove the minibus for the corps after-school project, collecting children from three primary schools each afternoon and transporting them to the hall.

What is the most interesting thing about your role – and the most frustrating?

It’s most satisfying when service users vice users achieve the goals they have set for set for themselves, especially when I have had n I have had the opportunity to assist them. Nothing m. Nothing frustrates me; when I encounter nter difficulties I just take them in my stride.my stride.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?d of holiday?

One where I can relax and unwind. I also nwind. I also enjoy visiting places of historical interest rical interest and experiencing the local culture. ulture.

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be?

Always eager to help; no job is too much trouble.

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?

Swimming. It was the one sport I enjoyed when growing up.

If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be?

Time, which would allow me to do more.

What do you do in your spare time?

In the winter I like nothing better than sitting down to watch a James Bond film – I enjoy a good thriller. In the summer I like spending time in the garden.

If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play?

An assistant to 007 in one of the James Bond films. I could fetch and carry all the gadgets.

If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be?

Platform shoes, which made me look taller.

Did you have a nickname growing up?

I was called Bugs Bunny at school because my two front teeth stuck out.

What is your favourite meal?

Haddock coated in breadcrumbs, and Haddock coated in breadcrumbs, and chips with salt and vinegar, washed chips with salt and vinegar, washed down with a lovely cup of coffee.down with a lovely cup of coffee.

‘‘ I was made to feel part of the corps family ’’

What is your favourite Bible verse?

‘Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 1:6). When I made the decision to commit my life to God I was presented with a Bible and this verse was highlighted. I have turned to these words on many occasions and they have given me the guidance and strength to know that he is with me always.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

If I had to narrow it down it would be ‘Cornerstone’ by Hillsong. The lyrics inspire me, as they have meaning and can lift your mood if you are at a low point.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Preparation and planning prevent a poor performance, and if a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing right.

Something interesting people might want to know about you is…

I worked in an iron foundry in the early 1970s. I held the position of sand man, which involved ensuring the sand used in the moulding process was of the right consistency so that the mould was consistency so that the mould was correctly formed.correctly formed.