THERE may well be some of our readers who can remember 1975. My memories are vague. I was but a boy!
The UK voted two-to-one to stay in the European Economic Community. Margaret Thatcher became leader of the opposition. North Sea oil began to be pumped ashore and Queen released ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. A loaf of bread cost 11p and a pint of milk cost 7p.
Against this backdrop of activity and commerce, a young Stephen Cobb joined the International Staff Band. In this week’s issue we will be celebrating those 50 years. We will hear something of Stephen’s memories of his time with the band and also from those who have been impacted by his ministry. Not all of us have 50 years of ministry to celebrate. Nor are we all blessed with great musical ability. But we are each given gifts to use in God’s service. Whether we have been walking with Jesus for five minutes, 50 years or longer, we can all serve and give thanks for those moments when God uses us for his glory and for those people whose service and ministry has inspired us.
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EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
ASSISTANT EDITOR Stevie Hope
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw, George Tanton, Lyn Woods
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland is SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland is CHY6399.
CELEBRATING AN INFLUENCE
STEPHEN COBB IN HIS OWN WORDS
Called to connect
With Hamnet out
now, Lauren Westwood considers the story we tell through our relationships with God and others
MAGGIE O’Farrell’s much‑loved novel Hamnet has made its transition to the big screen. Starring Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley as his wife, Agnes, the film is set to sweep the most prestigious categories this awards season.
If you’re like me, you went into the cinema already knowing the story, which centres around the death of Agnes and William’s only son, Hamnet, at the age of 11. I read the book quickly, lending it to so many friends that my copy has vanished without a trace. Page by page, I was mesmerised by the imagined everyday life of the Shakespeare family, far from the esteemed Globe Theatre in London.
Hamnet is interested in uncovering the humanness of William Shakespeare, before he became the towering figure he remains today, through focusing on the people closest to him.
In the book, the names ‘William’ and ‘Shakespeare’ are never used, emphasising every other part of who he was. After all, to his town, he would simply have been the disgraced glover’s son or the Latin tutor. To his children, he was their father and to Agnes, he was her husband.
If someone pieced together your life solely based on your interactions, relationships and reputation, what kind of story would they tell?
The Bible says: ‘Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did’ (1 John 2:6). Claiming to be in relationship with Jesus is not enough. Living as Jesus did will always be about people: he formed
community by eating with people, healing people, listening to people, and restoring people with love, compassion and dignity. He ushered others into God’s story by first welcoming them to his side.
A friend of mine, in quoting a former pastor of his, once told me: ‘The Kingdom of God is built on relational lines.’ The truth of this statement holds with my experience and it’s evidenced by the reality that even this quote found its way to my heart via a friend of a friend, who may well have heard someone else say it.
The way I move in everyday life matters. Living out my faith is more than who I suppose I am or what other people see of me on a Sunday, at a practice or scrolling on Instagram. My faith as someone who loves Jesus, and my mission as someone commissioned to share the good news of his grace, power and forgiveness, is counted by discipleship in my whole life.
Where there is temptation to reduce following Jesus to an optional add on, I want to remember that the gospel asks me for something more: my whole self, fully alive in Jesus. It calls me to share with authenticity, consistency and a holy confidence that comes from who God is, rather than from who I or other people say I am.
From this place, evangelism is the natural overflow. It is no longer met in the pressure of a tick box exercise or held to a self set standard of perfection, but given through my presence as someone whose life is unmistakably different and bold in its witness to the love and light of Jesus.
Reflect and respond
What do your relationships say about you?
When have you been tempted to compartmentalise following Jesus from the rest of your life?
Pray for deeper connection, deeper courage and a deeper willingness to share the hope in Christ that you hold within you.
In Hamnet, as Agnes and William move through their grief, they cling to each other with a stubborn commitment. Initially isolated by despair, their relational lines bind them to one another, ultimately transforming their marriage with new levels of truth, understanding and healing. In the same way, our commitment to living for others in Jesus’ name sets the relational lines of our lives ablaze with fresh hope, freedom and the possibility of something better. So, as Hamnet continues to draw audiences into O’Farrell’s mystical imaginings of Stratford upon Avon, may we be drawn outward as people whose lives in all their ordinariness tell the extraordinary story of Jesus.
LAUREN
WESTWOOD
‘This
Ella East of England Division
‘He Sees You’ by Terrian
It’s a song that’s always reminded me that, whatever’s going on in my life, and if I can’t see Christ, he’s always there and always watching me.
‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ by Andy Williams
It’s a feel-good song that just, no matter how you feel, makes you feel happy because it can remind you that Christmas is coming.
‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’ by Wizzard
You can play it every single day, because it’s technically wishing that it could be Christmas every day. I go through phases of only listening to Christmas music.
‘Firm Foundation’ from Maverick City Music
It reminds me that Christ is the rock on which I stand and the firm foundation for my life.
‘Vulnerable’ by Elle Limebear
It can remind me that, however I’m feeling in my life, I have a friend I can call on, and that friend is God and Jesus. I first became aware of this song at a Christian youth festival called Satellites, where Elle was the worship leader and she sang this song and I just felt like it really hit me. No matter how stormy everything is, I can go to Christ and he will always listen. He’s always there.
is where God wants me to
be’
International Staff Bandsman Andrew Hedley (Chester-le-Street)
testifies that God is in control and he is along for the ride
IHAVE attended The Salvation Army all my life and, like many others, grew up taking part in divisional and territorial music schools, as well as the Territorial Youth Band, both as a student and later as a staff member. These experiences played a pivotal role in shaping my life, nurturing my love for music and, most importantly, strengthening my Christian faith.
For seven years, I have had the privilege of being a member of the International Staff Band, following the retirement of Derick Kane in January 2019. While this involves a significant commitment, it’s an opportunity for which I am extremely grateful.
Away from the Army, I am actively involved in the wider brass band community and have been a member of the EverReady Band for nearly 12 years. Alongside this, I serve as the assistant leader of the North East Divisional Youth Band, hold a Sunderland AFC season ticket, and occasionally fit in some work
my wife, Eleanor, and I also go along to Stockton Citadel, where she is a soldier. Life can often feel hectic, with a diary full of rehearsals and concerts –not something I say to boast about, but simply to be honest. I feel genuinely called to these activities as part of my ministry and believe it is important to give my best in order to represent both God and The Salvation Army well. While I know there may come a time when something has to change, right now I feel confident that this is where God wants me to be.
I consider myself a patient and rational person – perhaps even too calm at times – and I try to bring consistency into every area of my life. This is reflected in my faith, which I would describe as steady and uncomplicated – God is in control and I am simply along for the ride.
The past year has been especially busy, as Eleanor and I planned our wedding while also renovating our home –thankfully with lots of help! Inevitably, major life events bring stress and difficult decisions and there have been moments when my faith has been tested, leading me to question God in ways that I had not done previously.
During these times, I find myself returning to the words of Psalm 46:10: ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’ This familiar verse reminds me to pause and remember who is truly in control. While stillness can be difficult to achieve, it is vital – and it may look different for each
As I continue to seek moments of stillness amid the busyness of life, I pray that you can do the same.
Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear your faith story! Get in touch at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk
THE GOOD SHEPHERD FINDING THE LOST SHEEP
by Lieut-Colonel François Thöni (Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory)
What does The Good Shepherd Finding the Lost Sheep depict?
I painted it years ago. It is oil paint on a wooden board, and the picture speaks for itself. It is a stylised copy of Alfred Usher Soord’s The Lost Sheep, which depicts the parable from Luke 15:4–7.
What inspired it?
It is a great reminder of the parable of the lost sheep and that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, eager to find it and bring it safe to the flock. This is the wonderful news of the gospel: ‘The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost’ (Luke 19:10).
We know very well the parable and its meaning, and yet I am blessed every day to look at the picture and praise the Lord for his saving grace for me. I hope people coming to our home can just as well reflect on this message and apply it to themselves.
We have happy songs that underline this wonderful story:
He sought me, he sought me
When I was wandering far away; He found me, he found me, O what a wonderful day!
(SASB 895)
I have heard of a Saviour’s love, And a wonderful love it must be; But did he come down from above
Out of love and compassion for me?
(SASB 172)
For the lost sheep, to be found is to begin a new life in Christ as Saviour and Lord! May we always remember, with gratitude and adoration, all this means – all it meant to Jesus, through his passion, crucifixion and death, to open a way of salvation for us, for humankind, and all it means to us to be reconciled with the Father, walk with him daily and receive eternal life.
Have you made a piece of art, a drawing, a collage or something else inspired by your faith?
We’d love to share it in our Artists’ Corner! Get in touch with our team at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk
God of new things
Major Sarah Butler encourages us to look at things with a different focus
ISAIAH 43:16–21
DO you remember the trend of Magic Eye books? You were told that their seemingly bizarre patterns of colours and lines contained the image of a train or a horse or even a secret message. You had to hold them up close to your face and then gradually pull them away while trying to soften your focus to see beyond the picture in front of you and, if you got it right, you saw the hidden image leaping out before your very eyes. Once you had seen it, you couldn’t unsee it – you’d cracked it!
In this week’s study passage from Isaiah 43, God asks us to look at things with a different focus, to forget what we think we know and to soften our gaze to see what he is really doing. So let’s dive in.
Through a dramatic retelling of the story of the Exodus, Isaiah reminds us of the Lord’s mighty act of making a dry path through the sea for the Israelites to escape Egypt, while snuffing out the enemies in their wake. Time and time again, God prompts the Israelites to remember their story, their salvation and all the amazing miracles and works of grace that he has done for them.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
What miracles or works of grace does God often cause you to remember?
In verse 18, there’s a very sudden change of focus. Instead of allowing the Israelites to pause and remember all that God has done, he tells them to forget all
that. Move on! I am on to the next thing now. Don’t get stuck in the past glories!
How many times have you heard these said or maybe said them yourself?: ‘Ah, I remember the good old days.’ Or: ‘Well, this is how we’ve always done it!’ The danger is that we get trapped in the mindset of the past, remembering what has been, and our focus stays on all that is behind us. The Israelites were often caught in this deception as well – even during the Exodus. They often thought they were better off where they were before. However, God was clearly using Isaiah to call the Israelites into a new way of thinking.
As we move into verse 19, we read: ‘See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?’ God is not calling the Israelites into forgetfulness of their past. Rather, he is shifting their focus to the future, to the greater things that are yet to come. He speaks of the opposite of the dry path through the water, as he says: ‘I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.’ Not only is God doing something new, but he is also doing the reverse of what he has done before –from dry land in the water to water in the dry land.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Where is God urging you to focus your gaze? Is it behind or beyond?
What could this look like for your local ministry?
In my role as territorial pioneer officer, I have the great privilege of encouraging
people to think beyond what they have seen before and what they see right in front of them. Asking questions such as: what would happen if we tried it this way? Or: what would it look like to reach that group of people with the gospel? Such questions take us beyond what we know, into the possibilities of what could be, shifting our focus to what God is already doing in our communities and asking how we can get involved.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Why did God raise up The Salvation Army?
As a Movement, how might we best discern and seek to be involved in what the Holy Spirit is doing right now and in the future?
The end of our study passage reminds us that creation honours God –creatures and human beings recognise his provision for their needs because he provides ‘water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland’ (v20). It concludes with God’s words of encouragement – he has created his chosen people for himself, and their purpose is to proclaim his praise.
God is a timeless God who has always provided for us. He is always faithful, and always committed to the salvation of his people. He always receives our praise. Our study passage reminds us that God is always doing a new thing, taking us to places we have never been before, and showing us miracles far greater than the ones we have already seen.
The Israelites found comfort in
what they knew and what they had experienced. However, they were also in danger of becoming complacent rather than using the truths of their history to prompt them into looking ahead to an even more exciting future.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
What might happen if we realised that all the amazing things that God has done in and through The Salvation Army are about to be surpassed in every way?
Isaiah speaks of a journey from the Exodus to the coming Messiah, from dry land through the water to streams in the desert, from the salvation of the Israelites to the salvation of all humankind through Jesus. How do we recognise and discern our part in the next move of the Holy Spirit in our corps, communities and nations?
William Booth once said: ‘I am not waiting for a move of God, I am a move of God!’ If we were to view ourselves as being at the centre of God’s mission in our world, where might our focus shift? Are we looking at things only through what God has done in the past, or are we looking beyond, to an exciting missional adventure with the new things that God is doing?
January’s entries are inspired by the Blueprint for Better Choices To read the full, unedited Prayer Matters booklet, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship.
SATURDAY 24 JANUARY – CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Lord Jesus, show us how to ensure that children and young people can be active participants in the whole life of The Salvation Army, and give us the skills and tools to help them take responsibility for their faith journeys. We long to see them encountering and responding to God’s love.
SUNDAY 25 JANUARY – THE RESOLUTION TO BE CURIOUS
Curiosity is a vital part of discernment. If we’re not interested in asking questions or exploring things we don’t know, we risk not hearing God’s voice and missing the things God wants to show us. Father, when we feel like we’ve seen it all before, open our eyes to see what we’ve never seen, open our hearts again to wonder; make us curious again.
MONDAY 26 JANUARY – HARD GROUND: AGEISM
In years gone by, children were often overlooked and excluded. We still have work to do if we are to fully honour and include children and young people. Jesus, forgive us when we sideline the youth and children in our church communities, leaving them to their own activities and assuming others will nurture them. Forgive us when we’ve preferred the older voices of tradition over the younger voices of innovation. Teach us to make spaces where young people’s voices are respected.
TUESDAY 27 JANUARY – PRACTISING CURIOSITY
A child who’s at peace with their parent or caregiver has no qualms about asking question after question, without embarrassment or restraint. Set aside time for prayer on your own and explore what it’s like to fire questions at the One who made you. Notice how it felt. Make sure you hang on to any answers God gives you.
WEDNESDAY 28 JANUARY – THE RESOLUTION TO ENJOY CREATIVITY
Almighty God, we thank you that everything you’ve made speaks of you. As we learn to discern what you’re saying to us, teach us languages we’re not fluent in yet: the languages of beauty, the senses and silence. As we create things for others, may our creations communicate the message of your love loud and clear.
THURSDAY 29 JANUARY – HARD GROUND: PERFECTIONISM
The pressure to get everything perfectly right is particularly real in the work of discernment. Gracious God, you hold all things together: the good and the bad, the pristine and the blemished. Forgive us when we forget that you don’t require perfection from us. Forgive us when our need to get things right hinders our willingness to share what we’ve received from you. Forgive us when we stifle our creativity through embarrassment or feelings of inadequacy.
FRIDAY 30 JANUARY
One of the core questions in the Blueprint for Better Choices is: What does fullness of life for all with Jesus look like for the people in this proposal or programme? How does it shape your thinking to know that God wants everyone to taste that abundant life? What can you bring that others can’t? How might you work with others who have different gifts?
MAJOR SARAH BUTLER Territorial Pioneer Officer THQ
PRAYER REQUESTS
Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for? Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line.
‘It’s
about people more than pieces’
International Staff Bandmaster Dr Stephen Cobb talks to Salvationist about 50
THIS weekend at Regent Hall, a series of events celebrates the music, ministry and leadership of Dr Stephen Cobb, who has led the International Staff Band since April 1994 and played in the band since 1975. As he prepares to retire from the role of bandmaster, he looks back at five decades of service.
You’ve been the International Staff Bandmaster for more than 30 years. Is that something you ever expected?
No. I was the first non-officer to be appointed International Staff
years of service with the ISB
Bandmaster. It’s been a real privilege and I’ve never lost sight of that.
I was actually going to leave the ISB in 1994. I spoke to the then bandmaster, Colonel Robert Redhead, about it in 1993. I had been the principal cornet for 15 years, I was bandmaster at Hendon Corps, I had just finished my first degree and had two young children. I was unhappy with my playing and I spoke to Robert about withdrawing from principal cornet. The plan was to support the band for a further year and then withdraw.
But by November of that year, Robert
received a change of appointment, an announcement that he made to the band around Christmastime. I had no expectation of becoming the bandmaster because it was an officer appointment, so I gave it no thought. So it was a surprise to be invited to see the then territorial commander, Commissioner Dinsdale Pender. He asked me to take it on and I agreed. When I joined the band, my plan was to play in it for five years. Those five years were up just after a five-week tour we’d undertaken. And it just went on and on. It has never felt anything like the number of years it was along the way!
Picture: Andrew King
Photography
How areyou feeling about retirement?
I was territorial music director for the UK and Ireland Territory for 24 years and with every passing year work seemed more than that, it felt more like ministry. I left that role in May 2025 with a sense that it was the right time to retire.
I’m not sure what my retirement from the International Staff Band will be like. I’m still in awe of the band.There is still a feeling on a Wednesday evening of nervousness and excitement. I always said to myself that the week I didn’t feel this way would be the week that I would finish.There will be those who will wonder what I’m going to with myself now, which is of course a question I ask myself too! But I’m sure there will be things for me to do. I can’t lie,though: I think this weekend could be tricky!
Yourdad,Roland Cobb,was in the ISB formore than 18years. How didyou start playing and how did he influenceyou?
My dad was such a legend as a cornet player that, in some ways, it was the last instrument my brother and I should have landed on.We both did! I can’t say my dad pushed me into playing the cornet, but I liked doing it. I also liked being in a group – I’m a shy person, and I could get lost in a group quite easily.
My dad was in the band and he was away a lot – we were very proud that he was in the band and, when the band were in town, we used to go and listen. The adjustment for him when he left the ISB was tough. He would never admit it, but I think he missed the band and what the band gave him as well as what he gave the group.
We were an Army family and it could be very exciting – people would come to the corps because Roland Cobb was there! Growing up as a teenager, and going to territorial music schools,there could sometimes be a bit of pressure because of my surname.That wasn’t always easy, but what I learnt was that you have to be yourself.
What was it like whenyou first joined the ISB in 1975?
I joined the ISB straight out of college and it was a band full of good people, mature Salvationists.They taught me so much, often without saying anything. Lieut-Colonel Ray Bowes was the newly appointed conductor of the band, and it was a time of readjustment for the band.
I came in right at the beginning of Ray’s tenure. The band at that time almost exclusively comprised officers and Salvation Army employees. We rehearsed three lunchtimes a week and on Wednesday evenings. In addition to that, we had an annual day with the General at Westminster Central Hall, and a Thursday evening at William Booth College. It was very much a band associated with International Headquarters. I think I was one of five or six non-officer, nonemployee members at that time.
What recollections do you have of your predecessors?
Ray was a lovely man and a beautiful Christian gentleman, as well as being an outstanding musician. Robert had a different approach. He changed the repertoire and approach of the band. Contemporary worship songs were beginning to be used within The Salvation Army and Robert incorporated them into the ministry of the band. Robert, too, was a gentle man, but was not afraid to make difficult decisions. While his tenure was not particularly long, his contribution to the life of the ISB and its ministry is inestimable. Robert was a really good role model for me and I will always be in his debt.
Different bandmasters bring different qualities to the role. How would you describe your leadership?
I don’t know – I feel that’s for other people to say! What would I like people to think about my leadership? That I respected the history and the heritage of the band. That I was committed to the mission of music through the ISB, and that it was still relevant to the Army of now. That I respected the fact that the ISB has this incredible capacity to reinvent itself. That I did my best. I think people can be scared of the word ‘excellence’ when it comes to music, but we shouldn’t be afraid to bring our best selves to our ministry.
Has your approach changed over the years?
I think it probably has. I think I had an idea of how a staff bandmaster should be. I’ve always been myself, but I think in the dayto-day management, I kept my distance a little. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we met weekly on Zoom as a band. It was important to the fellowship of the band that we did that. During that time and the
phone calls I made around the band each week, what I learnt was, to my detriment and the band’s detriment, the relational element had been missing previously to some degree. So I would say that I’ve become a more relational bandmaster. But of course the band might have a different view!
Can you remember the first rehearsal after the pandemic?
The first rehearsal after the Covid-19 lockdowns was absolutely amazing. To see the band making their way up the stairs to play with such enthusiasm was wonderful. I can’t remember what we played to start with, but it was very emotional!
Out of the managing, the conducting, the playing, has there ever been a part that’s been most rewarding?
People often ask me about my favourite pieces, but the truth is that it’s about people more than pieces. The people I’ve been in the band with along the way are the highlight.
Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects is being part of worship on a Sunday morning and doing pre-meeting music. Pre-meeting music wasn’t a handed-down thing, and we’ve worked hard on that. For corps weekend visits, one of my focuses was to make the Sunday – the meeting, the afternoon programme – at least as good as the Saturday festival. As well as our ministry to the corps we’ve visited, my sense is that it’s also been a ministry to the band members themselves: we have 14 or 15 members of the band who are themselves music leaders and this ministry is meaningful to them too, as they go back to their corps.
If you were talking to someone who’s never heard a brass band before, what pieces would you play them?
In recent years, a piece like Geoffrey Nobes’s ‘Prelude on “Lavenham”’ has been really powerful. It’s a beautiful hymn tune, with strong words that talk about life, but it also expresses what a band could sound like and the value of a band and the value of word association with music.
If I were talking to a music enthusiast and wanted them to understand a more sophisticated aspect of Salvation Army brass band music, I would point them in
Notes of gratitude
Congratulations on your fantastic 50 years with the band! Your commitment to music-making in The Salvation Army is truly inspirational and the way you have fulfilled your calling has set the perfect example for me and many other young Salvationists.
On a personal note, I’d like to say thank you for the massive positive influence you’ve had on me. I don’t think you’ll ever truly understand how important you have been in my development musically and spiritually. You have shown me how to truly express my faith through music and you will always be someone I massively look up to and am inspired by.
I look forward to seeing what God has in store for you next!
International Staff Bandsman Harry Stubbs, Baritone
Thank you sincerely for your 50 years of service to the ISB. It has been a privilege to play under your leadership for a portion of that time, and a real thrill to have tackled some iconic Salvation Army repertoire with you. On so many occasions I have found myself inspired by your approach to connecting music-making with a practical Christian faith – always looking to grow into the best version of yourself, and encouraging others to do the same. Looking back, I can undoubtedly say that you have been one of the most significant influences on the course of my life. I’m sure many others can –and will – say the same. Thank you so much for your investment in me as a young Christian. Your ongoing encouragement and example has meant a great deal.
I wish you every blessing and fulfilment in whatever life brings next for you. I know that you will continue to be a wonderful influence as God uses you day-to-day, wherever you find yourself. Former International Staff Bandsman Stevie Williams, Trombone
Congratulations, Stephen – thank you for your encouragement to me over the years, as well as to countless others inside and outside the Salvation Army world. Your legacy is deeply appreciated and cannot be overstated. I know SC50 will be a successful evening. We send our warm wishes and prayers.
Major Martin Cordner Delaware State Coordinator, USA Eastern Territory
What amazing service, faithfulness and what a great legacy! Thanks for all you’ve done for international banding within The Salvation Army, building on the foundation of those who came before. Your influence is immeasurable!
Canadian Staff Bandsman Steve Brown
the direction of Leslie Condon’s‘The Present Age’– it is a really sound example of telling a story. It was written in 1968 and it’s still relevant today. Les was one of my heroes.
Eric Ball’s‘The KingdomTriumphant’is also a wonderful example of telling a story through music.
Has it been excitingto come across new composers orsee composers develop?
It’s a privilege for the band to look at new pieces of music,quite often from new composers, and,over a period of time, witness their development through their music.For example, Marcus Venables has faithfully sent music across from Canada and it has been such a joy to see his development. One of his latest pieces is‘Holy Forever’, music that, when we first played it, we knew was going to have a great impact.
Is there a Bibleverse orsongthat has keptyou going in the focus ofwhyyou do whatyou do?
Psalm 23 is probably the first piece of Scripture that I learnt as a young soldier.The translation‘the Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need’(Psalm 23:1 New Living Translation) stays with me regularly, reminding methat every day is a gift from God. I don’t know whether it’s me getting old,but I find myself using the word‘blessing’a lot! Another verse is‘in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths’(Proverbs3:6 KingJamesVersion).
In terms of songs,during the early days of mytenure as bandmaster,the then executive officer ColonelTrevor Davis would introduce a new worship song when we visited a corps. One of the first we played was‘Knowing You’. Even now,when I revisit that, it speaks to me very powerfully.
Throughoutyourtime with the ISB,you’ve also played in,and been bandmasterof, Hendon Band.Howimportanthasthat been toyou?
This is really dearto my heart.Forme,The Salvation Army has always been about being committed to one’s local corps or centre.To every potential member ofthe band at audition, it is made clear that this is not instead of service,this is extra-mile service. I understand that there’s a big picture too but, forme, what we contribute to ministry in our local corps is very important. I would like to think people at my corps would feel that I have always been committed there as well as with the ISB.
What role do music and brass bands playin mission today?
I think we perhaps have the best mission opportunity we’ve ever had as musicians to bring people to church through music. Today, bands can be one of the most inclusive groups we have in The Salvation Army: we are not necessarily bound by regulations or uniform,we can just invite people alongto share this very special gift.That’s really exciting!
There are already corps with community and learner bands who are examples of this level of inclusion,and people are finding faith through this avenue. Mybeliefthat music can make a difference to the life ofThe Salvation Army is undiminished.
• A recording of SC50: A Tribute to 50 Years’ Service in the ISB will be available to stream on wobplay.com
Fully Scored The Kingdom Triumphant
In an extract from the Fully Scored podcast, Howard Evans begins a two-part analysis of Eric Ball’s iconic piece
‘THE Kingdom Triumphant’ is a piece I’m extraordinarily fond of and have had a chance to use on numerous occasions, especially at Christchurch Priory with Boscombe Band. According to Brindley Boon’s history book on the International Staff Band, it was performed by the ISB at the Royal Albert Hall in 1962. I’m assuming this was the first performance. There were three other corps bands who were part of that festival. Coventry City Band, Tottenham Citadel Band and my very own Boscombe Band. My current bass trombonist, David Wilkinson, remembers the occasion. He remembers Eric being very emotional at the end of the playing of ‘The Kingdom Triumphant’.
The piece has a clear three-section structure. And to each of those three sections, there are three songs that are used. Eric is very clear in his score notes about the importance of the songs. The first is ‘The Blast of the Trumpet’. We tend to refer just to the first line – ‘the blast of the trumpet, so loud and so shrill’. ‘Oh, may we be ready to hail that glad day’ is the chorus. And then you’ve got ‘Helmsley’,
which is very much the biblical vision of ‘Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending’. So the first section is very much about judgement. And in the middle we have ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’, ‘Veni, Veni, Emmanuel’, which relates it to the First Advent.
It’s almost operatic in the beginning in that we have trombones. Trombones are often used in operatic works as the harbingers of doom. And Eric uses the trombones and adds the horns to all those fanfare figures so that we get hugely dramatic pictures.
At different times throughout history, people have looked at world events as being the precursors to the Second Advent. If this was written in 1961 or early 1962, we’re dealing with an interesting political period. You’ve got NATO being formed in 1949. You’ve got the Warsaw Pact coming into being in 1955. You’ve got the Cuban Revolution and you’ve got the Cold War. I don’t want to read too much into it, but maybe this is why it still relates to people in terms of what we live through at the moment and why it still has something to say.
It’s a very emotive piece. Loads of bands have performed and recorded it. There are so many musical memories the piece has created and continues to create.
In the score, you’ve got that very dramatic drum roll. From a conductor’s point of view, it’s great when the conductor just lets it happen and creates a feeling of those bars moving through to that cornet and trombone feature. Eric describes it as a call to judgement. He also describes it as fear of judgement. I’m not quite sure ‘fear’ is the right word, but a sense of awe in terms of coming before God.
So he moves from those opening figures into ‘The Blast of the Trumpet’. You hear the tune in the solo cornets and you get these flowing lines underneath. But in the first cornet and flugelhorn you actually get the blast of the trumpet, that fifth to the tonic in there. There’s a great setting of the tune that comes through and then we return to have another little episode of the judgement theme. It ends with a big dramatic cornet and trombone, octaves and fifths without any thirds of the chords, that’s very atmospheric.
That transitions down into where the fanfares die away and move straight into the beautiful setting of ‘Veni, Veni, Emmanuel’. It’s beautiful in its simplicity. There are some lovely soprano and solo cornet interjections. It’s almost a dialogue and then that lovely unison phrase, ‘Rejoice, rejoice! O come, Emmanuel’. The phrases are all quite irregular. It causes bands a bit of a problem sometimes, because the phrasing is unexpected. It’s easy for people to feel as though they need to come in sooner or they miss their entry and come in late. It’s a beautiful setting, which finishes with some lyrical tubas and horns.
• Based on Episode 68 of Music Editorial’s Fully Scored podcast, broadcast in June 2025. Subscribe and listen to the full podcast at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts A special SC50 episode is also available, featuring people paying tribute to International Staff Bandmaster Stephen Cobb’s influence on their lives.
BIRTHDAY
CASTLEFORD Marking his 100th birthday, retired officer
Major Ken Lawson preached at the corps during a Sunday service. Ken said: ‘I don’t see very well now so I preached from memory. I have preached without notes several times before, but never without an open Bible or printed text that I could refer to.’ Becoming an officer just after the Second World War, Ken has led 13 corps during 37 years of active officership. His birthday celebrations included a festival with the corps and Yorkshire Fellowship bands, which Ken still attends. A party with about 70 people took place on the Saturday, where cake was shared. – AR
GUISBOROUGH For the past nine years the band have led carols round the town’s Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. Each year more and more people have been turning up. This year 400 carol sheets were printed, which quickly ran out even though people were sharing. It was wonderful to see so many people singing the carols. Many of them would have no religious connections yet were singing the gospel. We pray that a tiny seed sown on this evening will eventually bear fruit and some of those will come to know the Lord. – SS
DENNISTOUN The corps held a carol service in the car park on Christmas Eve, with people stopping to listen and residents also listening from inside their homes. The Army’s Emergency Vehicle was also there, manned by Evelyn and John Scott (Cumbernauld), who served refreshments. It was a lovely way of involving the community in the Christmas message! – AD
GLOUCESTER The corps held Bethlehem Revisited, a carol service for all, designed as an immersive experience to recapture the original wonder and hope of the first Christmas. Snapshots of the Nativity story were brought to life by a cast of children and adults, interwoven with Christmas carols. Following the service, refreshments were served. – AR
DUNSTABLE Volunteers from the corps were out collecting most days at supermarkets and shopping centres. The money raised enabled them to prepare food parcels for more than 160 families, including toys for more than 300 children. Volunteers from Network Rail and NHBC assisted the exercise, which was done in record time thanks to the organisation by Kim and Ray Pryer. The band played at the town’s Twilight Market, the mayor’s outdoor carol service, carol services on local housing estates, supermarkets and HMP Bullingdon. A highlight of the fourth Sunday in Advent was the singing of the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ by the congregation. The evening Carols by Candlelight was well attended. The band played ‘Angels Rock’ and the songsters sang ‘O Come and Join the Dance’. Christmas Eve saw an informal Christingle service and Christmas Day included an offering of £205 that will support the Army’s overseas projects. At the start of Advent, corps leader Territorial Envoy Roger Coates challenged the congregation to find a different seat in the stable, to look for a new blessing from the familiar Nativity story. Perhaps the greatest moment among all the busyness came from the songsters’ reminder: ‘It’s Simply Jesus.’ – RC
CITADEL The corps held a well-attended and thought-provoking carol service. As well as carol singing, there was music from the band, songsters and timbrelists. The younger members of the corps brought the Nativity to life. Corps leader Major Stephen Battle gave a few thoughts to ponder on over Christmas. – DC
EASTON The corps took part in some wonderful Christmas events across the city throughout the festive season. As well as our beautiful annual carol service, which featured our children and young people in a Nativity, we visited several other places of worship to share in the good news of Jesus’ birth. At St Mary’s Church, Olveston, two of our junior soldiers performed a festive duet: Henry on euphonium and Oliver on cornet. They did a brilliant job! – LT
IPSWICH
BRISTOL
COMMUNITY
HILLINGDON BOROUGH Carolling, celebration and community support were key features of the Christmas season at the corps. Throughout Advent, carolling in Uxbridge and other events raised more than £5,000 in support of community action, and corps members added their donations to those received from local businesses. As a result, the corps provided food parcels and gifts to about 600 children and their families, working with representatives of Hillingdon Borough social services. Other events included a community carol service, carols by candlelight and a Christmas Day service followed by Christmas dinner, lovingly prepared by Eileen Thompson and her team. Major Fred Thompson and other volunteers ensured that those who needed transport were able to attend and served food to almost 50 people who would otherwise have spent Christmas alone or on the streets. – JB
MUSIC
CIRENCESTER The band provided music for a carol service at St Lawrence Church on behalf of Hope Cirencester. The service was led by corps leader Major Bryan Lang, with readings from local police cadets. The band also played for a busy Christmas in the Community project at Down Ampney C of E Primary School. Many toys were donated for the annual toy service by schools, other churches and the general public through the corps charity shop. – MG
WOLLASTON Our small band was assisted by neighbouring corps and villagers to share the Christmas message. What made it all worthwhile was to be videoed by listeners to share with older family members during care home visits. – IC
COMMUNITY
CHATTERIS The corps toy appeal saw more than 800 gifts donated, which were presented by Corps Sergeant-Major Anese Tomkinson to Barnardo’s. The corps thanks all the wonderful people in the community and further afield for their extremely generous donations. – IT
EVENT
POTTON The corps held a Christmas afternoon tea, attended by 30 people, followed by carols in the garden where more people joined us to sing. We are very blessed to have a garden where we can hold certain events and people who do not usually come through our gates came and joined us. – KR
OUTREACH
NEWQUAY The limited size of the corps building led the corps to think differently about how they could take the message of Jesus to the people. The corps hosted its first Carols on the Plaza outdoor event, in partnership with neighbouring organisations and Newquay Town Band. About 120 people attended. Carols and readings were shared, reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas, and we engaged with several people who stopped to listen. Afterwards everyone was invited back to the hall for hot chocolate, cookies and mince pies, and new friendships were made. – MC
MEETING
NOTTINGHAM WILLIAM BOOTH MEMORIAL HALLS Christmas busyness was silenced as we sat in the peace of God at our carol service, Love Came Down at Christmas. Jesus was and is present with us. As soft lights shone and the candles were lit, we were reminded of the first Christmas. Adults formed the Nativity to the beautiful music of ‘My Lord Has Come’. – RJ
COMMUNITY
WORKSOP During the Christmas season we attended Greencore Manton Wood, where we provided carols and Christmas music to the workers while they enjoyed their Christmas meal. We also held our annual More than a Meal Christmas lunch, where we fed 45 people who are vulnerable or experiencing homelessness. Each attendee received a gift bag containing essentials and some chocolate. It was a good afternoon enjoyed by staff and guests. – AG
MUSIC
MEETING
CARNFORTH AND MORECAMBE Members and friends from the Bay Area shared in a joint carol service followed by lunch. An improvised Nativity included shepherds, kings, innkeepers, donkeys, sheep and even a penguin. Other characters included Hermione, Wally and even the Grinch as Herod! The carol service included the debut performance from our joint singing group as they brought to us the song ‘We Will Rejoice’ and the band was made up of players from both corps. The hall was full and corps leaders Captains Christopher and Faith Thompson were delighted that they ran out of chairs and needed to add additional tables for lunch. It was a fantastic celebration of that first chaotic Christmas, and it was amazing to have the two corps participating in this way. – FT
OUTREACH
CIRENCESTER During Advent, a silhouette of the manger scene was displayed in our window to remind passers-by of the Christmas story. The band participated in several Christmas activities, including carolling on village greens, at churches and at two farmyards, where cows in a nearby barn joined in. The band played by invitation in front of the Snooty Fox Hotel in Tetbury, and at the switch-on of Christmas lights on a housing estate to raise funds for local charities. The songsters and worship band joined with the band for a carol service at Barclay Court retirement housing complex. – MG
HOMELESSNESS
WINTON The corps hosted the annual council memorial service, to honour individuals who died while experiencing homelessness or struggling with addiction. Corps leader Major James Hill led the service on behalf of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Homelessness Partnership. A single candle was lit as names were read aloud. Major James said: ‘For many who die in homelessness, there is no funeral. This service is our way of saying, “You were here. You mattered.”’ – AR
OUTREACH
CIRENCESTER In addition to the usual carol playing in the town centre, the band played on the morning of the carol service and gave out invitations. This resulted in a larger than usual attendance, including some for whom it was their first Army meeting. All the sections took part in the meeting, including the band learners. In addition to the Nativity story, based around ‘A Starry Night’, the Sunday Club members used lightsabres to accompany the ‘Three Kings’ March’. Christmas Eve began with carolling around the town, with residents coming out to join in. This was followed by carol singing at the Drillman’s Arms, and a midnight service at the hall to start Christmas Day. – MG
MUSIC
LEEDS WEST HUNSLET Army musicians featured in the recent Alan Bennett film The Choral, starring Ralph Fiennes, which tells the story of members of a choral society in the fictional Yorkshire town of Ramsden during the First World War. Band member Lyndon Moorby was put in touch with the film’s composer, George Fenton, via a friend and asked to assemble a five-piece band to play in some of the street scenes. They recorded the music in a park in Saltaire and spent four days on set last summer. The band was made up of Lyndon on trombone with Bandmaster Laurence Moorby (cornet), Jayne Griffin (tenor horn), Ashley Griffin (tuba) and Christian Lewis (Sheffield Citadel) on drums. The band had a sneak preview of the film and saw it again after it was released. – AR
MEETING
SALISBURY The corps enjoyed a truly international Sunday when Lieut-Colonels Sumitra and Suresh Masih (India Northern Territory) led the morning service. The meeting utilised corps members from many countries, which was appropriate given the growing diversity of the fellowship. The lieut-colonels were assisted by their daughters, Shilling and Martina, who are soldiers at the corps. Afterwards, the corps enjoyed an authentic Indian buffet, prepared by the family. – MD
MEETING
SLOUGH The corps carol services had an international feel, reflecting the multicultural congregation. The young people sang ‘Away in a Manger’ in Shona and Korean, and a motherand-daughter duet sang a lively carol in Hindi. During a candlelight service, Major Daniéle Norton sang the French carol ‘Cantique de Noël’ (‘O Holy Night!’) and we heard how the carol was once banned from being sung in Catholic churches in France. Corps leader Major Alan Norton gave the message in character from the shepherds’ perspective. – AB
Picture: Sony Pictures
JANETTE Martin was enrolled as a soldier by corps leader Major Wendy Goodman. Janette was a junior soldier and soldier at the corps many years ago, before marriage and jobs necessitated a move to an area where there was no Salvation Army. She testified to seeking God’s guidance in finding a place to live, as well as being able to return to the corps. God answered her prayer by being a physical presence during the night and reassuring Janette not to be afraid but to trust. Janette and her husband, Tom, who also attends meetings, come to the lunch club and in the past five months Janette has brought three more people to the lunch club who also attend the meeting. Also pictured is Corps Sergeant-Major Susan Green holding the flag. – WG
JOHN Harrison was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Lieut-Colonel Goff Payne. John had formerly been a member of a local Methodist church until it closed. He was invited to the corps by Salvationist friends and testified that, through his time of prayer and decision-making, he sensed that being an adherent was the right commitment. John is pictured with Tony, one of the people who invited him, and Lieut-Colonels Diane and Goff Payne. – AT
THE corps was delighted to welcome Amelia, enrolled as the newest junior soldier in our young people’s section. Amelia is a wonderful young lady with a big heart – always kind, always helpful and full of enthusiasm. She loves singing in our singing company and brings such joy to everything she takes part in. Amelia is pictured with corps leader Major Maxine Walker, Iris Tipping and Fred Card holding the flag. – RW
NNAEMAKA and Ifeoma were welcomed as adherents and their children, Ivan, Treasure and Andre, were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps leader Major David Woodman. The family have been actively participating in the fellowship at the corps. – DW
EMMA-LOUISE was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps leader Major David Burns. A packed congregation included many of Emma-Louise’s friends and family as she made the Junior Soldier’s Promise with confidence. She is pictured with Songster Leader Marjory Watson and Young People’s Worker Jane Pentney. – MS
SHEFFIELD HILLSBOROUGH
EASTBOURNE CITADEL
CARDIFF CANTON
BELLSHILL
HAVERHILL
STAVELEY
PHYLLIS Hunt has been a songster from the age of 14 and now, at 91, has transferred to the reserve. Phyllis also received a long-service medal and award for 77 years of service. She gave her testimony and said she loves to sing and always has done, and that her singing was her way to witness to others by the words and by her commitment to God’s service throughout the years. Phyllis chose the songster piece ‘The Wonder of His Grace’, which she sang with the songsters. Family attended to support Phyllis, including Dawn Lacey, who is Phyllis’s niece and led the meeting with Major Gary Lacey (THQ). – JY
CORPS leader Major Keely Standley presented trailblazer Roy Richley with a card and gift to thank him for his years of service and expertise. Back in the early 1990s, Roy – as deputy bandmaster – helped move the band to a new level of communicating the gospel: the band was one of the first to introduce screen images timed to accompany the music, making it more accessible to audiences. Since then, the band has been at the forefront of using images, words and video clips to complement their music. Roy has been a vital member of the corps audiovisual team since its inception more than 25 years ago. He has also encouraged new members to join as the team’s scope has widened and grown. In addition, Roy has assisted with events, notably at the Royal Albert Hall. Roy has now decided to step back from frontline tech. – RO
DUNSTABLE
JOHN Harris retired after 23 years as songster leader. The brigade has excelled under his leadership. After the decision to make it an open section, John welcomed many new members who found an avenue of service and a greater feeling of belonging to the corps. Corps leaders Captain Jacqueline and Territorial Envoy Roger Coates presented John with his retirement certificate and shared words of appreciation on behalf of the corps for his long and faithful service. The occasion was marked by a faith lunch prepared and shared by corps folk. John has met many people as the owner of his double-glazing business and has always shared his belief and involvement in the Army. No doubt in retirement he will continue to ‘gossip the gospel’! – JB
FOOD bank volunteers Joshua Plastow, Andrea Ibbotson, Beverly Broughton and Rose Bunce and corps leader Major Colin Bradshaw completed a Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work course. The food bank feeds 150 to 250 people a week and, with over half of the people being pensioners, the food bank team felt that some of us should be trained in first aid. The training and exam were provided for free by Shine Lincolnshire. – CB
STORNOWAY
CORPS member Shona Shields and her brother won first prize for their Salvation Army-themed float at the annual Stornoway Christmas parade. The float featured a house called Sally’s House, with signage to Scripture and to the ‘greatest gift of all’. – HF
BIRMINGHAM CITADEL
GAINSBOROUGH
Picture: Ralph Tonge Photography
MAJOR JORGEN BOOTH
MAJOR Jorgen Booth was promoted to Glory on 24 November 2025 from the Royal Berkshire Hospital, following a short admission.
Jorgen was born on 3 May 1940 into a family steeped in generations of Salvation Army service, his father’s family originating from the UK and Spain, and his mother’s from Denmark. Born in Buenos Aires, Jorgen was educated in Argentina, Cuba, Denmark and England, where he came in his early twenties to train at the International Training College joining the Soldiers of Christ session. Here he met – and in 1966 married – Lydia ‘Libbet’ Westergaard, also from an international Army family.
Jorgen served in the UK, the USA (Georgia, Florida, California and Montana) and Spain. His service for the Army embraced multiple roles within Goodwill, public relations, corps and national settings, including time spent as national youth evangelist touring regularly with young Army actors and musicians, bringing lively worship and teaching to the streets and corps across the UK and Europe. This was all very much in tune with Jorgen’s lifelong love of theatre and performance, as were the many shows he produced and directed for the Army over the years.
Latterly, Jorgen’s interest in counselling came to the fore as he ended his active service leading the Army’s Marriage Guidance Service. He continued involvement in the worlds of therapy and teaching long into retirement, including time spent lecturing at Havering College in Essex on their counsellor training course. In retirement he also returned to corps ministry and very much enjoyed a period working in prison chaplaincy.
Jorgen is survived by his two children, Jan and Mona-Karina, their spouses and his four grandchildren. A man of originality, creativity and lifelong Christian faith, he is loved and missed by many. Soldier of Christ, well done! – AR
MAJOR JEFFREY ROBERTS
JEFF left Brighouse in 1958 for training in the Pioneers session, where he met his future wife, Ivy Tupling. After his appointments to Exeter St Thomas and Ottery St Mary, joint ministry began at Hayle when they were married in 1961.
The couple offered for overseas service in Ghana, to which they were appointed following the birth of their first son, Jonathan, in 1962. Jeff used his Royal Air Force medical training to support Ivy’s role as a midwife. Their second son, Antony, was born during furlough in 1965.
A move to Pakistan came in 1968, with Jeff appointed as divisional commander in Karachi, then as territorial youth and education secretary. On returning to the British Territory in 1972, Jeff became divisional youth secretary in the Liverpool and North Wales Division.
During a break in officer service, Jeff and Ivy soldiered at Dunstable before being appointed to Leighton Buzzard. In 1981 an appointment to South Africa took them overseas again, where Jeff became training principal and then territorial youth secretary.
A corps appointment at Hadleigh Temple in 1985 was followed three years later by further international service – first as field secretary in the Philippines, then as regional commander in Malawi. After returning to the UK in 1992, Jeff and Ivy were corps officers at Ipswich Citadel and Wellingborough before doing public relations work in West Scotland and Anglia. Their final appointment was at Bristol Bedminster.
The couple retired to Newton Abbot in 2002, where they loved being part of the corps fellowship. Jeff became bandmaster and continued his Scouting activities as assistant district commissioner. Ivy was promoted to Glory in 2012. Jeff’s life and ministry were characterised by deep faith in God, carried out with energy, enthusiasm and a spirit of adventure, touching the lives of countless people. – JR
DENNIS BROOK GUISBOROUGH
DENNIS was a very active member of Guisborough. For some years he took on the role of corps colour sergeant, proudly carrying the flag whenever and wherever needed.
Over the years he was involved with the youth club and was often called upon to play Santa at the toddlers’ Christmas party. He enjoyed Golden Years Friendship Club, always there with a smile and willing to get involved.
Dennis loved being part of the charity shop team and selling War Cry on the high street. Although he didn’t play in the band, he still felt that he was a part of it, as he supported open-air meetings and carolling and, until recently, proudly carried the flag ahead of the town’s Remembrance parade.
Dennis was a songster, although he would be the first to tell you that he couldn’t sing but enjoyed being a part of the fellowship. Dennis will be greatly missed. – SS
ROBERT HAY GOVAN
ROBIN was brought up in the Church of Scotland. He came into contact with the Army following his marriage to Margaret. They had three children, Elizabeth, Stuart and Kenneth, all dedicated at Govan. It was when attending a ‘special’ weekend, to which he had taken a 10-year-old Stuart, that Robin was saved.
In his forties, Robin learnt to play cornet and later joined Govan Band. Among his favourite pieces of music to play with the band was ‘The Light of the World’. Robin would recount that one of his most memorable and proudest moments was playing with Govan Band at the 1978 International Congress in Wembley.
Robin served as young people’s band sergeant and later corps secretary, where his service was marked by his encouraging nature and quick wit. Robin leaves behind his beloved wife, Margaret, his three children, five grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. – SJ
ENGAGEMENTS
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
International appointments
The following appointments and promotions, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff
Effective 1 May
LIEUT-COLONELS TAMOTSU AND KAZUE NISHIMURA , officers of the Japan Territory, are appointed as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries of that territory, with the rank of colonel
MAJORS MAKOTO AND MASAKO
YAMAYA , officers of the Japan Territory, are appointed as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries of that territory, with the rank of lieut-colonel
Local officers appointed
YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERGEANTMAJOR STEPHANIE MOCKETT, Guernsey
CORPS TREASURER AMANDA GREEN, Worksop
Promoted to Glory
IRENE SHIELDS, Belfast Citadel
PATRICIA BAINBRIDGE, Worksop, on 18 December
MARGARET SULLIVANSAUNDERS, Skewen, on 27 December
RETIRED CORPS SECRETARY
PAM HORNE, Maidenhead, on 6 January
Bereaved
CORPS SERGEANT-MAJOR
JEANETTE BAINBRIDGE, Worksop, Catherine and Julie of their mother Patricia Bainbridge
CLAYTON SAUNDERS, Skewen, of his wife Margaret SullivanSaunders, Wendy Sleat, Skewen, of her mother, Ann Mitchell, Swansea, of her sister
SONGSTER ELEANOR JACQUES, Consett, of her daughter Nicola Jacques
Long service
30 years
MAJOR MIMMIE PAYNE, Associate Officer, Chalk Farm
Sat 24 Jan Regent Hall (SC50: A Tribute to 50 Years’ Service in the ISB)
Sun 25 Jan Regent Hall (International Staff Band)
Mon 26 Jan William Booth College (Into Officership seminar)
Wed 28 Jan Lambeth Palace (confirmation of election of 106th Archbishop of Canterbury)
Thu 29 Jan William Booth College (lecture to cadets)
Sun 1 Feb – Tue 3 Feb Warwick (Divisional Leaders’ Learning and Development Days)*
Wed 4 Feb Divisional Leaders’ Consultation Day
Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest
Sat 24 Jan Regent Hall (SC50: A Tribute to 50 Years’ Service in the ISB)
Sun 25 Jan Regent Hall (International Staff Band)
Mon 26 Jan William Booth College (lecture to cadets)**
* Colonel Jenine Main only
** Colonel Peter Forrest only
NOTICES
Help us improve the Salvationist website
We want to make salvationist.org.uk easier to navigate, but we can’t do it alone! Please take part in a short exercise to help us help you. Visit salvationist.org.uk/web-survey to share your feedback.
Community Services survey
Corps and community settings are invited to take part in the annual Christmas Activities Survey from Community Services to help capture local mission, data and stories that show the impact of love in action at Christmas. The stories and statistics you provide help plan for next year in telling the Army’s story and driving engagement. The survey takes about 15 minutes and only needs one response per corps. Fill in your responses at surveymonkey.com/r/ TSAChristmas2025 by 13 February.
Care for creation Bible study
An international, hour-long Bible study is led by different people on the first Tuesday of the month, alternating between 8am and 8pm. The next will take place on 3 February at 8pm, led by Lieutenant Amy Bayliss-Fox (Abergavenny). For more, email environment@salvationarmy.org.uk
2026 Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
calendar
This practical resource helps deepen our understanding of the experiences of the people we serve and those who are part of our Salvation Army family. Each month highlights key challenges faced by different groups, awareness days and reflections, and includes public holidays, major religious events and Salvation Army dates. Request your copy from equalityandinclusion@ salvationarmy.org.uk
Help shape the Army’s response to domestic abuse
The Family Ministries Department is inviting survivors of domestic abuse within The Salvation Army to share their experiences and shape the future of the Army’s response to domestic abuse. This is part of the next phase of PhD research into domestic abuse led by Amy Quinn-Graham (Research and Development Department), building on last year’s study into attitudes, beliefs and experiences. To find out more, visit salvationist.org.uk/help-shape-salvation-armys-responsedomestic-abuse or email amy.quinn-graham@salvationarmy.org.uk or praqg@leeds.ac.uk
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. This week’s message is from Major Catherine Wyles (Paisley Citadel). Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights. Each week’s broadcast is repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
No Age Limit
Salvationist Radio’s show reminds listeners that there is no age limit to what we can do for God or what God can do for us. Join Andy and Ali from Older People’s Ministries for an hour of music, chat and testimony. Listen live on Sunday 25 January at 5pm. The episode is repeated on Friday 30 January at 11am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
SHEFFIELD CITADEL, 12 PSALTER LANE S11 8YN INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS
Saturday 14 March, 6.30pm
Tickets: £10 adults | £5 under-16s
Tickets via ticketsource.co.uk/sheffield-citadel-salvation-army or contact Glyn Evans via csmcastle@hotmail.com
