War Cry 23 September

WAR CRY

Facing the music

Angela Rippon and other celebrities take to the Strictly dancefloor

Bakery uses its loaf for good through the years

What is The Salvation Army?

The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity seeking to share the good news of Jesus and nurture committed followers of him. We also serve people without discrimination, care for creation and seek justice and reconciliation. We offer practical support and services in more than 700 centres throughout the UK. Go to salvationarmy.org.uk/find-a-church to find your nearest centre.

What is the War Cry?

The Salvation Army first published a newspaper called the War Cry in London in December 1879, and we have continued to appear every week since then. Our name refers to our battle for people’s hearts and souls as we promote the positive impact of the Christian faith and The Salvation Army’s fight for greater social justice.

WAR CRY

Issue No 7646

Editor: Andrew Stone, Major

Deputy Editor: Philip Halcrow

Production Editor: Ivan Radford

Assistant Editor: Sarah Olowofoyeku

Staff Writer: Emily Bright

Staff Writer: Claire Brine

Editorial Assistant: Linda McTurk

Graphic Designer: Rodney Kingston

Graphic Designer: Mark Knight

Email: warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk

The Salvation Army

United Kingdom and Ireland Territory 101 Newington Causeway London

SE1 6BN

Tel: 0845 634 0101

Subscriptions: 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1) or email: subscriptions@satcol.org

Founder: William Booth

General: Lyndon Buckingham

Territorial Commander: Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

Editor-in-Chief: Major Julian Watchorn

WITH the summer officially over, TV channels are lining up some of their biggest programmes to tempt us to stay in on these cooler autumnal evenings.

As we report in this week’s War Cry, the first live show of Strictly Come Dancing is being aired tonight (Saturday 23 September) as 15 celebrities take to the dancefloor. Meanwhile on Tuesday (26 September) the big tent is back on Channel 4 for The Great British Bake Off, with the contestants hoping to show off their culinary talents.

It was a lack of baking talent that caused a problem for Thomas Herbert 100 years ago. With his wife, Mabel, Thomas planned to start his own bakery but there was one significant hindrance – the bread he baked was dreadful. That’s according to Thomas’s grandson Trevor Herbert, who this week tells us his grandfather’s story.

‘He and my grandmother got on their knees and prayed that a man would be sent to help them. Before they could get off their knees, they heard a bicycle in the village. It was a baker,’ he says as he explains how this response to their prayers led his grandparents to establish the bakery as a faith-based business.

Today Trevor is continuing the family trade – and the Christian ethos – with Hobbs House Bakery which, as well as providing employment to more than 160 people, supports local charities by donating 200 loaves every week. The bakery also provides cookery lessons in schools.

‘I believe that, as Christians, we have a duty to make sure that everything we touch is to the benefit of both the planet and people,’ Trevor says, before adding how faith benefits him: ‘Jesus has loved us and provided us with more than we could ever hope for.’

Trevor is not alone in believing that he has been blessed so much that he wants to reach out and help people who are finding life tough. It’s one of the ways in which many Christians are making a positive difference in the world –whatever the season may be.

INFO INFO

Celebrities step up to impress the judges with their dance moves

TV feature by Claire Brine

Strictly speaking Strictly speaking

ANEW bunch of twinkle-toed celebrities are ready to strut their stuff on the dancefloor as the competition for the glitterball kicks off in BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing tonight (Saturday 23 September).

By now, most armchair viewers know the score: each celebrity is sequinned up and paired with a professional dancer, who is tasked with teaching them a new dance routine each week. After the couples have performed in front of judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse, the public votes for the pairings they want to stay in the competition.

Those with the highest combined score of judges’ marks and public votes sashay their way into the next round, while the two couples with the lowest score must face the dance-off. Once they’ve performed their routines again, it’s down to the judges to decide who’s going home.

This year, celebrities hitting the famous dancefloor include Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, West End theatre star Layton Williams and Paralympic champion Jody Cundy. With Amanda’s acting career, Layton’s musical theatre experience and Jody’s sporting background, it will be

interesting to see whether they have a slight advantage over their fellow contestants. Perhaps for Amanda and Layton, the stage feels like a second home already. And maybe Jody feels quietly confident knowing that, on the days when his body wants to quit, he has the stamina to keep going.

Other celebrities have been quick to point out how nervous they feel about the challenges that lie ahead. TV presenter and former newsreader Angela Rippon says: ‘This will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79.’

While the Channel 4 News broadcaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy adds: ‘I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’

Learning to master a new skill (or attempting to develop the skills they already possess) can be a daunting prospect – for everyone. We have no idea if our efforts will end up being beautifully executed or if we will mess up and fall flat on our face. Sometimes, the fear of getting things wrong means we avoid trying, but that risks missing out on

uncovering our full potential.

Worrying about not being good enough can hold a lot of people back from discovering the joy of building a relationship with God. They might doubt that they have what it takes to follow his lead. Or perhaps they are scared that if they make too many mistakes, he’ll judge them harshly.

The truth is, God welcomes us all with open arms. He knows that, at times, we will get things wrong by losing our temper, hurting others or being dishonest – and he loves us anyway. When we say sorry, he is quick to forgive us and help us get back on our feet.

Whether we are familiar with what the Bible says about God or not, it’s always a good time to take the first step in getting to know him. When we do, says one Bible writer, God will direct us ‘on the path that leads to a beautiful life’ (Psalm 16:11 The Voice).

It’s a life rich in joy, peace, compassion and love – whatever comes our way. A life in which we are empowered to become the best versions of ourselves.

Partnering up with God is always a move worth making.

The celebrities are ready to perform their first routines

Learning a new skill can be daunting

‘ ’

j TEA M TALK

That’s what friends are for

Claire Brine gives her take on a story catching the attention of War Cry reporters

WHEN nine-year-old Harry from Reading was diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer, a group of his school friends rallied round in support. According to a BBC news article online, Harry was ‘dreading losing his hair’ as he faced chemotherapy, so 13 of his chums shaved their heads in solidarity. The report went on to say that the boys had raised thousands of pounds for the charity Young Lives vs Cancer.

Harry’s dad, Andy – who also shaved his head – commented on the kindness of his son’s friends and how their actions helped at a distressing time.

‘One thing that Harry worried about was that people who get cancer lose their hair and people stare at you,’ he said. ‘The fact that the boys were prepared to lose all their hair means that he is not alone. He just knows now that he has a bunch of mates by his side while he goes through his treatment.’

Though I don’t know Harry, his family or what the future holds for them, I couldn’t help but thank God for his young friends. They may be schoolkids, but they’ve taught me a memorable lesson about the power and importance of friendship.

The stark reality is that these boys can’t perform a medical miracle to make their friend physically better. They can’t change the outcome of his treatment or lessen his pain or fear as he goes through it. But their willingness to shave their heads can work wonders. Harry feels less alone. He knows he has got a bunch of pals saying: “We see you. This matters. We care.”

In tough times in my own life, I have found that God provides me with similar comfort. When overwhelming worries are everywhere I look, he is by my side, giving me enough strength for the next moment. When I can’t put into words how depressed, afraid or lonely I feel, I know he understands, even before I try to say anything.

Whatever my future holds, God is a lifelong friend. In good times and bad, he will show me his care.

Team talk Team talk

Snacks and drinks for DIY show workers

A TEAM working on a special episode of BBC1’s DIY SOS The Big Build were supplied with 3,500 hot drinks from a Salvation Army emergency response vehicle while building a respite centre for a performing arts charity.

The Strictly Come Dancing special featured judge Anton Du Beke, former contestant and Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies and professional dancers Katya Jones, Luba Mushtuk, Graziano Di Prima and Nancy Xu. For the episode – which is available on iPlayer – a derelict old boys’ club was transformed into a creative home for the charitable organisation True Colours Theatre in Wallsend.

Volunteers from The Salvation Army’s Shiremoor, Newcastle City Temple and North Shields churches provided hot drinks, snacks and water over the course of five days.

Lieutenant Keith Scales, who organised the support, said: ‘We heard so many interesting stories about why people wanted to take part in the show. One builder had been an addict and was doing this to give something back. It was invaluable for building relationships, which will be long-lasting. It helped us, as The Salvation Army, within the community, because people will remember how we supported them.’

WAR talk talk

He has got a bunch of pals saying: ‘We care’

Presenter Nick Knowles with Salvation Army personnel

WAR CRYWnRLD

Faith ‘part of everyday life’ for TV presenter

DERMOT O’LEARY told The Sunday Times that faith is an important part of his life and that he prays before going to bed.

Taking about his daily routine, the This Morning presenter revealed: ‘I’m generally in bed later than I want to be but I make time for a little prayer, have a word with the man upstairs.’

Dermot – who is a Catholic – added that faith has always been ‘a way of bringing people together’ in the Irish immigrant community.

‘I remember all of us heading up to Colchester for Mass when I was a kid, meeting up with friends and family, then loads of us congregating at some pub for a Sunday carvery. Faith is part of my everyday life and it’s a wonderful feeling – a lovely reminder of my homeland.’

Bandstand celebrates site’s heritage

Uniform help for struggling families

MORE than 200 children have received quality coats, school uniforms and shoes thanks to a Salvation Army project in Gateshead.

Every Child Warm is an annual campaign run by the church and charity to ensure that families who are struggling can afford clothing for the new school term. Children can pick their own items and get a tasty snack afterwards.

THE Salvation Army has celebrated the opening of a new Beatles tribute bandstand at its Strawberry Field attraction in Liverpool and thanked its generous donor Cliff Cooper.

Musician John Lennon visited Strawberry Field – then a Salvation Army children’s home – when he was growing up and later immortalised it with the Beatles song, ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’.

The bandstand is shaped as a giant bass drum in tribute to the cover of the Beatles’ album cover, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, while also referencing The Salvation Army’s brass bands.

The floor of the bandstand features a circular mosaic influenced by the Strawberry Fields memorial to John Lennon in Central Park, New York. The interior wall murals,

which highlight the legacy of John Lennon and the valuable work of The Salvation Army, were created by pop artist James Wilkinson.

Cliff, who donated the money for the stand, was commended as ‘a vocal supporter and generous philanthropist to Strawberry Field since 2016’.

He says: ‘As a patron, I thought of ideas of how I could help, and how building a bandstand would bring music back to Strawberry Field.

‘I look forward to seeing the continuance of John Lennon’s legacy, promoting peace and love in the world, an ethos which also reflects the selfless dedication of The Salvation Army, whose people devote their lives to helping others who are in need and less fortunate than ourselves.’

Pari, a mother who volunteers at The Salvation Army, said: ‘At Every Child I’m able to get coats for my son, shoes, a shirt for school. It helps me because if you made a list of all the things needed for school and added it up, it would be more than £50. ’

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Cliff Cooper’s generosity funded the bandstand

BREAD OF HEAVEN

ABOUT 100 years ago, in 1920s Gloucestershire, blacksmith Thomas Herbert was not bringing in enough dough to support his family. His wife Mabel – whose family were bakers – suggested that he start making bread to sell. So he did. But there was a problem. ‘The bread was dreadful,’ says Trevor Herbert, his grandson. The decision that his grandfather made next would transform the fortunes of the family and the baking businesses they have gone on to run.

‘He and my grandmother got on their knees and prayed that a man would be sent to help them,’ Trevor continues. ‘Before they could get off their knees, they heard a bicycle bell in the village. It was a baker who had worked for a company in Oxford and had been sent out to look for this new bakery to see whether he could sell goods to it.

‘He took pity on them, got a fortnight’s leave and stayed and helped them. He got them proper equipment, good flour and recipes, and got the business going. They never looked back. The help that my grandfather received reaffirmed his faith and established our core values as being

Trevor

Feature by Emily Bright

a faith-based business.’

The bakery went from strength to strength and stuck to its values. In the closing days of the Second World War it participated in Operation Manna, in which the RAF airdropped food supplies to people in the Netherlands who were starving under the German occupation. The bakery was close to the Fairfield Aerodrome, from where the shipments were flown out. So it was in a prime location for providing the bread required.

After the war, Trevor’s father David started his own bakery – Herbert’s in Bristol – and then the business bought a building in Chipping Sodbury High Street that became Hobbs House when Trevor’s in-laws, the Wells family, took over. Trevor himself has worked

Herbert and his daughter-in-law Anna reveal the recipe to their bakery’s success and why helping others and faith mix well

Trevor Herbert

there for many years.

For him, the key ingredient to Hobbs House’s success is its Christian ethos, which dates back to his grandfather’s faith-based approach to business.

‘We’ve always been a family business,

and we have always tried to trust in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have felt that there was more to it than a job. We discovered what we can do in our community and how we can work within the values that were shown to us.’

Trevor’s daughter-in-law, Anna Herbert, marketing director at Hobbs House, explains: ‘Our purpose is to nourish our community. Probably two or three years ago, as the need increased around holiday hunger and food poverty charities, we decided to make tackling hunger among children our key priority.’

One organisation that Hobbs House works with is FareShare, which redistributes surplus food from companies to charities and community groups.

‘We had some croissants that went wrong recently, and they weren’t good to sell at a premium price, so FareShare took them all,’ says Anna. ‘We’ve made thousands of flapjacks that were distributed by the charities on school holiday projects. Sometimes if FareShare has got a specific project in mind, we will bake fresh bread for it.

‘We’ve also supported another food poverty charity, Matthew Tree, for many years. Through one of our wholesale distributors, we were distributing our bread to it on a daily basis. We donate financially to it now instead.’

On average, Hobbs House distributes 200 loaves a week to local charities.

This philanthropic approach overlaps with its cookery and baking courses. While members of the public can pay for sessions on making cakes, pastries and bread, staff also volunteer their time to

Turn to page 8 f

Mabel and Thomas Herbert

Herbert’s Bakery in Bristol in 1955

We’ve always been a family business

support schools.

‘We believe that everybody should learn to bake,’ says Anna, ‘because once you taste great fresh bread, there’s no looking back.

‘The scary thing is how few children have experienced baking bread or doing any cooking at home. A few years ago, we visited a school in Yate, which was in quite a deprived area, and we taught the whole school to bake. Then they were given the ingredients to take home and bake the loaf themselves.’

These outreach initiatives seem to be a natural extension of Trevor and Anna’s Christian faith.

Trevor says: ‘I believe that, as Christians, we have a duty to make sure that everything we touch is to the benefit of both the planet and people.’

And with the planet in mind, Hobbs House has increased the use of green energy in its four shops, reduced plastic

packaging and sent 10kg of its hairnets to be recycled into garden furniture. It is also looking for sustainable suppliers closer to home to reduce its carbon footprint and is aiming to rely more on regenerative farming of wheat, which restores soil health, encourages biodiversity and protects water resources.

Hobbs House sells cakes, traybakes and pastries in its shops and online. But its bread and butter is loaves and rolls.

‘Our main aim is to make bread,’ says Trevor. ‘Some of our most popular lines are still the ones we did over 50, maybe 60 years ago. The old techniques still produce the best flavour.

‘the lovely smell when you drive around the corner’. He adds, more seriously, that another is supporting people by offering apprenticeships and employment.

‘There are about 165 people working for us. If you include their partners and children, about 400 people or more are dependent on the business for their livelihood and their wellbeing.

‘Looking after them and seeing them thrive and progress is a priority. There’s good staff stability: we’ve had generations of families working for us. That sense of continuity gives me a lot of pleasure.’

Everybody should learn to bake

Trevor’s faith has also provided an important source of continuity. He remarks on God’s faithfulness throughout the ups and downs of the business.

‘Provenance allied with technique and skill is important for us. There’s a handmade aspect to all that we do, although we use machinery where possible to alleviate stress and strain on the human brain.’

Trevor jokes that a highlight of working at Hobbs House is

‘I’ve had a long life, and Jesus has always served us well,’ he says.

‘Jesus told his disciples: “In this world, you shall have tribulation.” I think we all know a lot about that. But there’s an amazing statement which comes next. He says: “But be of good heart, because I have overcome the world.”

‘He certainly has: Jesus has loved us and provided us with more than we could ever hope for.’

From page 7

Anna Herbert

Hobbs House runs bakery courses

A friendship remembered

To mark World Alzheimer’s Day, which took place on Thursday (21 September), KAREN MARTIN talks about her experiences of helping a loved one through dementia

Interview by Emily Bright

THERE’S a prolific thief at large. Entering the lives of unwitting targets, it steals people’s identities, memories and independence. The thief is Alzheimer’s, a disease that damages a person’s brain and results in dementia, a gradual decline in brain function. This can affect memory, language, reasoning and mood. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, 900,000 people are living with the disease in the UK, which is projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040.

Thursday (21 September) was World Alzheimer’s Day, which every year seeks to ‘raise awareness around, educate, encourage support of and demystify dementia’. Karen Martin is trying to do all that through a book she has written about her experiences of supporting a friend, from diagnosis until death.

In Memorable Loss, she explains how Alzheimer’s stole her friend’s short-term memory, language and capacity to think logically. What the disease took was irreplaceable. The independence and dignity that Kathleen had once enjoyed gave way to anxiety and confusion.

Karen felt the change keenly. She had known Kathleen – who was self-reliant, responsible and pragmatic – for decades before her diagnosis, regularly giving her lifts to their church Bible study group. Kathleen became a firm friend, spending most Christmases with Karen and her family.

‘We got on like a house on fire, as we both had quite a dry sense of humour,’ Karen tells me. ‘We could make each other laugh all the time.’

At first, the lines between ageing and Alzheimer’s

Turn to page 10 f

Karen Martin

From page 9 were blurred. But it gradually became clear that something wasn’t right.

‘She didn’t want to drive in the dark,’ says Karen. ‘I thought it was part of the ageing process. But I was struck one Sunday morning in our church hall. I thought: “You look really thin.” She was forgetting to eat. I began to go into her house to check she was eating the meals that we’d bought.

‘I helped her with her shopping, we went to the bank every week, then I joined her doctors’ appointments because she didn’t remember what she’d been told. She circled articles about Alzheimer’s from The Times and left them lying around – so I think she suspected it long before I was aware or was ready to embrace the truth.’

Kathleen also began withdrawing from her social circles.

‘She used to go out with her former work colleagues at least once a month and then didn’t want to go any more,’ says Karen. ‘Two of her friends spoke

to me about their concerns. We thought that it might be time to go to the doctor.’

Kathleen was taken through a test for dementia, which – as a retired teacher accustomed to the rigours of tests – she took on with relish. Once the test got under way, it became clear that Kathleen had a significant problem.

‘She was given a list of things to remember, but there was no way she could,’ says Karen. ‘When she went to draw a clock, it was all over the place.’

Harder days lay ahead. Kathleen experienced some distressing sideeffects of dementia drugs. And Karen mourned the change in her dignified friend to the disorientated, unkempt and frightened person she’d become.

But throughout Kathleen’s diagnosis and subsequent decline, the pair were strengthened by their belief in God.

‘The fact that we met each other through church meant we could always have faith conversations,’ says Karen. ‘When she was having real difficulties with medication, I would calm her down and then we would pray together.

‘Kathleen was noticeably calmer when she’d been prayed for. Her faith sustained her throughout. Even though she forgot an awful lot of things, if there was a hymn or a prayer, she would join in.’

Prayer became part of Karen’s regular routine as a carer.

‘I would say: “Lord, you’ve put her in my life. Give me the words to say.” And I received blessing from being with her.’

Stepping in as carer after her friend’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis felt like the natural overflow of Karen’s faith.

‘When you love someone, you do what they need,’ she says. ‘It was an absolute privilege. And her graciousness made it easier. Kathleen was always grateful for the time I spent with her. When some

We could always have faith conversations

people have Alzheimer’s, their personality changes – there’s aggression or violence involved. But she was full of grace.’

Eventually, Kathleen moved into a residential care home. The change was more of an adjustment for Karen than for her friend.

‘I had helped her keep her life on track,’ she says. ‘A bit of me liked being that necessary component in her life. I wasn’t emotionally ready for her to go into a home. But she transitioned so beautifully. My attitude had to change. I did a lot of praying, asking, “What do I do now, Lord?”

‘I’d gone from being friendly with an elderly lady to being her person. Now she had medical staff, she had people doing her shopping, catering and washing. I clung on to the opticians and the hearing aid batteries because that was something I could still do.’

Karen began supporting Kathleen in different ways.

‘By grace, I learnt there was a bigger gift I could give her. I could talk about her past. I could take out the photographs. We toured Berkshire coffee shops. It was a treat for her, and a

blessing for me to be with her. I realised that being emotionally necessary was a bigger deal.’

Karen relied on her faith to provide hope to her friend. She says: ‘I would remind Kathleen that there was a Heaven waiting for her, her mum and dad were there, and that she would remember everything and there would be no pain.’

When Kathleen had a fall, it signalled the beginning of the end. By this point, she was in her early 90s and frail.

‘She broke her hip and took a trip to hospital. The radiographer told me: “She needs an operation.” When they said that, I thought: “She is going to die. She is too poorly to survive an operation.”

‘In the hospital corridor, she took my hand, looked at me and said: “You have been a blessing from God.” I said: “You are so loved, and I am not going to leave you.” That was the last lucid conversation we had.’

Rather than undergoing an operation, Kathleen was discharged to the palliative care of her residential home, whose staff had known and cared for her for five years. Karen continued to visit her friend weekly, until, one cold February night, Kathleen died.

Karen says she is aware that her story with Kathleen is ‘not everyone’s story,’ but she hopes that ‘there is enough universality in Memorable Loss so that people who have someone living with dementia are given tools to cope. And to also see that through all the symptoms, you can still focus on your friend, your wife, your husband, your granny, and access who they always were.’

She adds: ‘If you can keep the knowledge of the person and what’s important to them alive, then you will realise that person is still there.’

l Kathleen’s name has been changed

l Memorable Loss is published by Christian Focus Publications

It was a blessing to be with her

THE War Cry invites readers to send in requests for prayer, including the first names of individuals and details of their circumstances, for publication. Send your Prayerlink requests to warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk or to War Cry, 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN. Mark your correspondence ‘Confidential’.

jBecoming a Christian

There is no set formula to becoming a Christian, but many people have found saying this prayer to be a helpful first step to a relationship with God

Lord Jesus Christ, I am truly sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. Please forgive me. I now turn from everything that I know is wrong.

Thank you that you died on the cross for me so that I could be forgiven and set free.

Thank you that you offer me forgiveness and the gift of your Holy Spirit. Please come into my life by your Holy Spirit to be with me for ever.

Thank you, Lord Jesus.

Amen

Wisdom in the words

Lydia Houghton explores song lyrics that have a note of truth about them

Barbie song question is beyond Billie’s ken

IF you’ve heard the name Barbie mentioned at all this year, chances are it’s in the context of the film directed by Greta Gerwig. The eagerly awaited release surpassed a staggering $1 billion in its first month at the global box office.

As with many Hollywood blockbusters, the film’s soundtrack features a plethora of A-listers including Dua Lipa, Khalid and even Ryan Gosling singing about how he’s just Ken – anywhere else (other than Barbie Land) he’d be a 10!

Altering the tone ever so slightly is a track from pop sensation Billie Eilish entitled ‘What Was I Made For?’, in which she repeatedly asks that exact question.

Judging by her lyrics: ‘I used to know, but I’m not sure now’, I get the impression she’s singing about that all-too-familiar stage of life when we grow uncertain and begin to question: what am I made for?

Followers of Jesus believe they’ve solved the mystery

Although the song features in a 21st-century film, it is a question that people have been asking for centuries.

Almost 2,000 years ago a man called Paul penned a letter to some Christians in Philippi with words that could well answer Eilish’s question today. In the letter, which now forms part of the Bible, Paul explained what he believed he was made for.

He wrote: ‘All I want is to know Christ and to experience the power of his resurrection’ (Philippians 3:10 Good News Bible).

Jesus’ resurrection from the dead came after he had been nailed to a cross, on which he took the punishment for the wrong things that we do so that we can know God. Paul had come to realise that his life was complete when he experienced Jesus’ presence with him and God’s power working in his life.

‘What was I made for?’ is a conundrum, not just for Billie Eilish or Barbie but for many people. However, followers of Jesus believe they have solved the mystery –we are made to know and experience God. And if we decide to trust him, we can live a life of purpose and meaning that will last for ever.

Name

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Beach volunteers get their hands clean

Litter pick-up helps protect seas

Feature by Sarah Olowofoyeku

QUICK QUIZ

1 2 3 4 5 6

Who founded the social media site Facebook?

Which cricket ground is commonly referred to as ‘the home of cricket’?

Who wrote the 1877 novel Black Beauty?

How many hearts does an octopus have?

What meat is used to make cottage pie?

Who plays the Rev Will Davenport in the ITV series Grantchester?

TIME and tide wait for no one, but it’s not too late to take part. The Great British Beach Clean runs until Sunday (24 September) and cleans have been scheduled across this weekend.

The week-long event, held by the Marine Conservation Society, consists of hundreds of beach cleans as people are invited to tidy up Britain’s shores and record their findings.

The data collected on each clean helps the society in its campaigns and conservation work. Previously recorded data has been used to introduce the plastic bag charge in shops and other initiatives.

Last year, 5,261 volunteers picked up more than 141,048 pieces of litter from 30 miles of beach. Some of the most commonly found items found were from sewage discharges, recorded on 75 per cent of beaches.

Dr Laura Foster, head of clean seas at the Marine Conservation Society, said: ‘Sewage not only contains misflushed items but also a toxic soup of chemicals including “forever chemicals” and pharmaceuticals. Entering our beautiful seas untreated, they wreak havoc with the ocean’s delicate balance. But it doesn’t have to be this way.’

While the seaside areas are certainly in need of a tidy, some of us may feel as though our own lives need a bit of a clean-up too. We may be dealing with the toxicity of broken relationships or mess from past mistakes.

It may feel as if these are ‘forever problems’ that will always pollute our lives – but it doesn’t have to be this way. Our lives can be cleaned up.

Jesus offers us the chance to put our past behind us and the opportunity to have a fresh new start with him. One early Christian described the act of turning to Jesus as meaning that ‘the old life is gone; a new life has begun’ (2 Corinthians 5:17 New Living Translation).

No matter how messy our past may be, if we follow Jesus, our lives can be turned around. It’s never too late.

Seaside areas are in need of a tidy

1. Mark Zuckerberg. 2. Lord’s. 3. Anna Sewell.

4. Three. 5. Beef. 6. Tom Brittney.

PUZZLES

Quick CROSSWORD

Each solution starts on the coloured cell and reads clockwise round the number

14. Choose (3)

15. Sob (3)

16. Outside edge (3)

17. Monkey wrench (7)

18. Rousing song (6) 19. Rue (6)

Look up, down, forwards, backwards and diagonally on the grid to find these rivers

Balsamic tomato and chicken spaghetti

INGREDIENTS

2 large skinless chicken breasts

4tbsp olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

600g cherry tomatoes on the vine

3tbsp

balsamic vinegar

400g spaghetti

2 garlic cloves, finely sliced

1 bunch basil, leaves only, sliced

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/ Gas Mark 5.

Rub the chicken breasts with 2tbsp olive oil and season with plenty of salt and pepper. Place together on a large baking tray, leaving a space on the tray for the cherry tomatoes.

Toss the cherry tomatoes with 1tbsp olive oil, the balsamic vinegar and plenty of salt and pepper. Place next to the chicken breasts on the baking tray.

Roast the chicken breasts – turning once – and tomatoes for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and golden-brown and the tomatoes are bursting and juicy. Remove from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and set aside to rest. Cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions until al dente.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining olive oil in a large sauté pan. Add the garlic and sauté for 30-40 seconds, until golden. Add the roasted cherry tomatoes to the pan and keep warm over a low heat, stirring from time to time.

Drain the spaghetti, reserving a small cup of the cooking water. Add the spaghetti to the tomatoes and cook for a further 2-3 minutes, tossing occasionally to combine. Add some of the reserved cooking water to prevent drying out. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Transfer the spaghetti to plates or bowls. Slice the chicken and place on top with a garnish of sliced basil.