War Cry 16 September

How a mother stepped in when her daughter’s kidney failed

WAR CRY

16 September 2023

Square route

Colin Salmon tells of his journey to EastEnders

Game show contestants aim to be picture-perfect

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 7645

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

WALFORD watchers have been discovering more about the pasts of Ian and long-lost Cindy. So has Queen Vic barman George, who suddenly met Cindy, his ex, in Albert Square.

In an interview in this issue of the War Cry, EastEnders actor Colin Salmon speaks about how George must try to make sense of the recent revelations.

As well as talking about his on-screen character, Colin tells us about his acting career. He describes how he discovered his love of performing when he was a boy attending a Salvation Army church. He joined its young people’s band and choir and enjoyed making music with them in worship services.

‘I think my ability to perform today comes from what I learnt at The Salvation Army,’ he says. ‘I was performing every Sunday. It was a place that taught me about stagecraft.’

But George learnt more than performance skills while attending The Salvation Army. Though he says he is no longer a churchgoing Christian, he remembers listening to the sermons and learning that it’s possible for people in need of redemption to change. He says that the way the congregation cared for people who were experiencing homelessness was ‘a big lesson’ for him ‘that we don’t turn our backs on anyone’. He describes it as ‘a kind place’.

June Whitehouse also talks in this issue of making an important discovery when she connected with a place of worship. At a time when she was concerned about her daughter who was suffering kidney problems, she was prompted to attend church. ‘Suddenly I had friends at church who would listen to me, love me when I was crying or come down and see me in the house,’ she says. ‘They’d pray for me, and that used to build me up.’

People in congregations know themselves that they sometimes get things wrong. But up and down the country Salvation Army and other churches are exploring and trying to live out the teachings of Jesus – making them places worth discovering.

INFO INFO

GET THE PICTURE?

Image-based game show tests knowledge

TV preview by Emily Bright

THE scene is set for BBC1 game show Alan Carr’s Picture Slam, which begins today (Saturday 16 September). The comedian steps into the frame as host, declaring: ‘They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Tonight, they could be worth £10,000.’

Three teams of two contestants race against the clock to identify the names of the people or things featured in a board of photos spanning multiple subjects. If they clear the board, they win a ‘picture slam’, complete with a cash bonus. In another round, they achieve a picture slam if they correctly guess four randomly generated images in a row. Only the team that makes it to the final will take home the cash, with a chance to win a £10,000 jackpot.

stumped. The pictures provoke elation, impulsive guesses, confusion or frustration, depending on how the game is going for them.

Images have the power to evoke reactions

Images have the power to evoke reactions or pique interest in many situations. Often pictures that capture our attention tell us something about our selfimage. The way we look at ourselves can also be influenced by how we’re seen by others. However, what we think of ourselves or what other people think of us is not always necessarily the most reliable foundation on which to build our lives.

accepts us for who we are, regardless of the words or actions we may regret.

The Bible highlights how we all have inherent value in the eyes of God, who took great care over creating us. He designed us with some of the qualities of himself. The Bible explains that our very existence came about because ‘God created human beings in his own image’ (Genesis 1:27 New Living Translation).

Created in the likeness of a loving God, each of us is precious to him. He made us to mirror elements of his character and his nature – his compassion, patience and generosity. While we are far from perfect, God invites us to experience life in all its fullness through a relationship with him.

Sometimes contestants instantly recall the name of the thing or person depicted in a picture. But other times, they crack under the pressure or are completely

We may feel that we can’t move beyond regret or shame about the mistakes we make. Other people’s opinions of us may be changeable, dependent on our words or actions or even based on what’s going on in their own lives.

But there is a secure source of identity on which we can draw: a loving God, who forgives us when we’ve fallen short and

His love and acceptance are unchanging and total. However life may have turned out, there is always hope of redemption. We don’t need to be defined by our mistakes or shortcomings. Instead, we can recognise that we are loved by him.

Our lives can be radically changed for the better if we see ourselves through his eyes.

Comedian Alan Carr is presenting the new Saturday night show

Bus passengers get on board with kindness

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

PASSENGERS who greet bus drivers as they embark or disembark have a positive impact on drivers’ wellbeing, according to research carried out by Neighbourly Lab in partnership with Transport for London and the University of Sussex.

The report Encouraging Greater Interaction and Kindness on London Buses revealed that only 2 in 10 passengers greeted their bus driver while boarding, and fewer than 1 in 10 made the effort to communicate when alighting. But stickers installed in 150 buses which encouraged passengers to engage with drivers resulted in a 7 per cent increase in interactions, which – if continued – could equate to 140 million more interactions over the course of a year.

The report also highlighted why saying ‘good morning’ or ‘thank you’ was so meaningful to bus drivers, explaining that drivers who were on the receiving end of such communication felt ‘respected, seen and appreciated’.

John, who has been driving buses for 14 years, was quoted as saying: ‘It seems like something small but if a person, especially a young person, hops on my bus and says “thanks, driver” it can change my whole mood… It’s like they’re saying “I see you, I appreciate you.”

Drivers felt respected and appreciated

‘If everyone said hello and thank you, well that would be something really special.’

It certainly would – because little things have the power to mean a lot. And perhaps, living in a social media world that tends to focus on showcasing only the biggest and best, we run the risk of forgetting that.

Though micro-kindnesses rarely make news headlines, they matter. Speaking politely to a stranger can make a difference to how they feel and the way they go on to treat others. Having a cuppa with someone who is lonely might encourage them to stay positive the next time they are having a bad day.

On their own, small, individual gestures of kindness may seem silly, insignificant and unlikely to change the world. But cumulatively they may change the world of one person. If we commit ourselves to interacting positively with others, who knows how we could end up changing the direction of somebody’s day.

Doves deliver peace message in Sussex

CHICHESTER Cathedral is to display messages of peace, love and hope submitted by members of the public as part of an immersive installation, news website Sussex World reported.

An artwork by Peter Walker titled Peace Doves will be suspended above the cathedral’s nave from 30 September. It will be made up of 15,000 handmade paper doves, with messages of peace, hope and love written on them.

Visitor experience manager Rebecca Lewry-Gray said that the project had been receiving messages from across Chichester and beyond. ‘Examples include messages of inspiration or guidance for future generations, hopes for the future of our planet,’ she said, ‘or some have simply submitted lyrics from their favourite songs.’

VICTORIA JONES/ALAMY

Cliff Richard

WnRLD

WAR CRY

Training is a win-win for team

FOOTBALLERS from a Salvation Army centre for people experiencing homelessness in Sunderland were crowned champions at a northern five-a-side tournament.

The team from Swan Lodge in the city have been training with former Sunderland player and current South Shields manager Julio Arca since the start of the year. They beat 11 other teams to win the competition, which was staged in Liverpool by Change Grow Live, a charity that supports people in addiction recovery.

Andy Smith, a support worker at Swan Lodge, who has been running regular football training sessions for a number of years, said: ‘It’s events like this when the benefits of the training sessions show, as you can see how much their fitness ability has improved.

‘It’s not only great for their physical health, but we see how sport helps with residents’ mental health and in managing addictions, not to mention building friendships and improving overall morale.’

Garden makeover creates haven

THE number of Bibles being distributed in Ukraine has soared since the country was invaded last year, according to Bible Society.

Some 700,000 have been distributed across Ukraine over the past 15 months, a marked increase on the number of Bibles that were being given out before the conflict with Russia began.

Anatoliy Raychynets, deputy general secretary of the Ukrainian Bible Society, said: ‘The experience of this time is that so many people are looking for Bibles and churches.

‘We are doing everything possible to reach all the needs, but more Bibles are needed. With the help of the word of God, we can bring the love of God to those who need it.’

Gloria reflects on Cliff’s church visit

CLIFF RICHARD visited Northern Ireland to perform a concert in a church at a time when other entertainers were not going to the country, recalled Loose Women panellist Gloria Hunniford when the singer appeared on the ITV show.

Remembering the time when she met Cliff after she had just started working at the BBC, Gloria said: ‘When the Troubles were in Northern Ireland … no entertainer would come. Cliff was the first one who came and there was a huge buzz about it, and it was a gospel concert.’

Gloria added that she knew the vicar of the church where the gospel concert was taking place, and she used the connection to secure Cliff’s appearance on a BBC programme.

A SALVATION Army garden has been given a makeover so that it can be enjoyed more by the community.

The church and charity in Winton teamed up with Cherry Tree plant nursery, which provides voluntary work for people living with mental illness, and the Bournemouth office of insolvency practitioners Antony Batty & Company.

A team from the nursery designed planting to suit the soil in the garden, while Antony Batty donated plants and accessories and provided staff to help plant them during makeover day.

Tina Shave (centre), community centre manager at Winton Salvation Army, was grateful to both groups for giving their time and money. ‘This is an area to be enjoyed,’ she said, ‘and we look forward to it being a haven of peace and tranquillity, a sensory experience and a place to have fun.’

Sir Conor Burns (third from right), MP for Bournemouth West, visited the Salvation Army garden on the day of its transformation. He said: ‘This place is one of hope, company and sanctuary for so many locally, and it is great to see the garden added as an extra place for people to enjoy.’

In Ukraine ‘so many are looking for Bibles’

Interview by Sarah Olowofoyeku

YOUNG mum June Whitehouse knew something was wrong with her daughter. But after numerous hospital trips, she was dismissed by medical staff as an anxious mother. Decades later she was on a hospital bed, preparing to donate her kidney to the same daughter, who had been diagnosed with renal failure at the age of 12.

In 1966, aged 25, June gave birth to her first daughter, Tracey. It was a happy

time for June and her husband, Clive. But things changed as June grew concerned about her daughter’s health.

‘When I noticed something didn’t seem quite right with Tracey, I’d go to the doctors for advice, and they’d tell me I was a bit overanxious,’ she says. ‘I didn’t know what to do. I felt so low at not having answers.

‘Looking back, I don’t blame the doctors, because they hadn’t got all the information. To anybody else, Tracey would’ve looked a healthy child. But when I took her vest off to change her at night, she would be soaking wet, even in the winter. She’d be all right one day, then the next day she’d be weak, tired and lethargic. In the middle of the night, she went into strange fits.’

Doctors didn’t find anything wrong with Tracey, and June was put on antidepressants. She continued to take Tracey to the hospital, still convinced that there was something wrong.

Around that time, however, June was given a leaflet while

she was out shopping. The leaflet invited her to a Christian healing service. With Tracey’s health on her mind, she booked to attend.

‘I was on these antidepressants, and I didn’t have a great deal of friends because I was living in a place where I hadn’t grown up,’ June explains. ‘As I was walking up the road to go to the meeting, there were times I wanted to turn back, but something was pushing me forward. When I walked into that hall I saw a glow and joy on people’s faces, and all my fears seemed to go. People were singing choruses that touched my heart.

‘The speaker was saying things that made my heart jump. I knew that I wanted more.’

The speaker invited people to pray for those in the congregation who indicated that they were unwell and wanted to be healed. June joined the prayers and, though she was praying for others, she felt a change herself.

‘It was like a great burden had been lifted off me,’ she says, ‘and I could share it with a God I didn’t really know but who had stepped into my life that night.’

June began to attend a church to learn

June

Whitehouse

Tracey with husband Simon and daughters Abbie and Rebekah

Every year Organ Donation Week aims to raise awareness of the ongoing need for organ donors. Ahead of this year’s campaign – which begins on Monday (18 September) – JUNE WHITEHOUSE recalls the events that led to her donating her kidney to her daughter and explains how she found a supportive community that helped her during Tracey’s health challenges

‘I felt proud that my daughter had my kidney’

She’d be all right one day, the next she’d be weak

more about God, and she received the support she had been longing for.

‘People at church weren’t just friends. They were loving and kind. And I hadn’t known those kinds of people. My own two sisters lived quite a way away and there were no telephones, so I couldn’t phone them. Suddenly I had friends at church who would listen to me, love me when I was crying or come down and see me in the house. It was a whole new life for me.

They’d pray for me, and that used to build me up.’

June was no longer lonely or anxious. She was getting on better and had passed her faith on to her two daughters – though something was still wrong with Tracey’s health.

Some years later, the family moved back to Oldbury, where June had grown up. A new home also meant a new doctor.

‘The first time I went, I didn’t get much

out of the doctor,’ June says. ‘I think previous doctors had written in my notes that I was overanxious.’

Eventually, June put her foot down and managed to get the doctor to take a further look at Tracey, who was now 12 years old.

‘The doctor found that there was sugar in Tracey’s water,’ she says. ‘It was

From page 7

something she needed to look into. I told her Tracey’s background, and she sent us to see a paediatrician, who was absolutely amazing. From then on, Tracey got really good treatment.’

June had finally been believed, and it was apparent that Tracey was very unwell. She was soon diagnosed with renal failure. At the age of 14, she started dialysis.

‘Tracey liked going to school, but she was very weak,’ says June. ‘From 12 years of age onwards, she was backwards and forwards to hospital. She had to have a fistula created, then she had renal rickets and several other things that come along with the poisoning of the kidney over a length of time.

‘When I think back, I wonder how I coped with it all. But it was God’s hand holding me up, because otherwise I couldn’t have done it.’

Tracey’s condition brought challenges, but even so, says June, her daughter made other people’s lives easier.

‘Tracey was popular in the dialysis unit. People would come to her and tell her what they were going through and she’d

talk to them. She got all these letters and phone calls, and she inspired people and helped them think that everything was going to be OK.’

Tracey had received three transplants that meant she was able to enjoy a healthy life, which included her giving birth to and bringing up two daughters. Then the third kidney went into failure.

However, advances in medical science meant that June, at the age of 64, was able to donate one of her own kidneys to her daughter.

‘When the third kidney failed, I was unhappy with God,’ she says. ‘I didn’t know what was happening, what his plan was. We settled back into dialysing and Tracey’s strength held me up – she just seemed to fight through it all, and her fight helped me to fight. About eight years later, however, I saw an article in the paper that a new treatment had come out.

‘I felt relief that I could help her. I felt proud that it was my kidney. The children

had been struggling with their mum being so weak, so it was a relief. We then had all the joys of being normal and getting on. Transplantation can really change someone’s life.

‘God had given me a wonderful healthy body all through my life so I could donate my kidney to Tracey, and that’s something I have to thank him for. Through this journey I’ve learnt that we don’t always understand what God is doing, but he always has a plan for us.’

Tracey enjoyed 11 more years of life after receiving her mother’s kidney, before she died as a result of cancer.

‘She loved life,’ says June. ‘She loved to get out there and do things. She’d have the young people shovelling snow at the church, and she’d be there snowballing with them. Everything was a giggle. That was just how she was.’

l June tells her story in A Hand Stretched Across the Void, published by Instant Apostle

Transplantation can really change someone’s life

Tracey and June

Tracey

The Salvation Army played a part in my acting career

EastEnders star COLIN SALMON explains how playing the cornet in a Salvation Army band paved the way for a career on screen – and why the world needs to understand the value of redemption

Interview by Claire Brine

WHEN George Knight stepped out of the Queen Vic and clapped eyes on Cindy Beale – the wife who walked out on him nine years ago – it was a ‘doof doof’ moment for EastEnders. In recent weeks, viewers have been gripped by the shocking storyline of Cindy’s return to Albert Square and the devastating effect it has had on George and their daughters. They are even wondering whether there could be any unfinished business between the couple – especially after Cindy’s announcement that she planned to stick around.

While tension has been building for George as he tries to find a way forward for him and his family, actor Colin Salmon explains that he couldn’t be happier to be in Walford. Having landed the role of George earlier this year, he has been relishing every dramatic scene that scriptwriters have sent his way.

‘The challenge of working on EastEnders is that basically we are making a two-hour movie every week,’ he tells me over the phone during a break from filming. ‘It takes some serious craft and a willingness to jump out of your comfort zone – but I’m all for it, because that’s how you develop. I love challenging myself, learning huge scenes, knowing that we are filming to a time limit. Jumping all the hurdles is good.’

Speaking to me before Cindy’s jaw-dropping return was seen by viewers, Colin reflected on the character of George and shared what he thought might be in store for him in future.

‘George is a good man,’ he says. ‘And what he needed when he came to the square

Turn to page 10 f

Colin Salmon

From page 9

was a fresh start. Life hadn’t been great for him in Marbella. His relationship with Elaine, who runs the Vic, has given him a new opportunity. She’s a strong woman, and his daughters trust her – which he likes. Walford was meant to be the new beginning for them all.

‘But regarding the complexity of what has happened with Cindy, I feel that George can’t run any more. He’s conflicted. He knows that the future isn’t going to be simple. And yet he has got to face the storm and work out what’s going on in it.’

Before joining the cast of EastEnders, Colin was perhaps best known for his recurring role as MI6’s Charles Robinson in the James Bond films Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough and Die Another Day. In more recent years, his TV work has included roles in Doctor Who, Merlin, Bad Girls, Midsomer Murders and the US series Krypton. Despite a successful career in acting, Colin tells me that his love of performing stems from

music after he learnt to play the cornet as a child in a Salvation Army band.

‘When I was about five years old, my grandad gave me his old cornet,’ he explains. ‘And when I was seven, I found out that one of my friends at school played the tenor horn. I asked him where he learnt, and he replied that it was with Luton Temple Salvation Army. I said: “How much do you have to pay?” He told me it was free. I said: “Can I join?” And he said yes. So that’s what I did.’

From the age of 7 until he was 16, Colin attended The Salvation Army at Luton Temple, opting to become a uniform-wearing junior soldier, a member of the young people’s brass band and, later, the children’s choir, called the singing company.

‘I got my sisters to join the singing company too,’ he says. ‘It was great. I can still remember the words to my solo: “Knowing my failings, knowing my fears,/ Seeing my sorrow, drying my tears,/ Jesus recall me, me re-ordain;/ You know I love

you…” It was a beautiful song.

‘I remember on one occasion we got to sing at the Royal Albert Hall. I think my ability to perform today comes from what I learnt at The Salvation Army. Without it, I don’t think I’d be here, in this business –because you can practise all you like, but you’ve got to be able to perform. And at the Army, I was performing every Sunday. It was a place that taught me about stagecraft, discipline and the joy that can be found in music.’

While Colin was ‘blown away’ by the array of musical talent surrounding him, he was also struck by the Salvationists’ Christian faith.

‘They did amazing work,’ he says. ‘Sometimes church is about incense and candles, but The Salvation Army was about soup and blankets. I remember homeless people coming to the door and being brought inside to be looked after. Not turned away. That was a big lesson

The return of Cindy (played by Michelle Collins) and Ian (Adam Woodyatt) to Albert Square has made life difficult for George

for me – that we don’t turn our backs on anyone. It was a kind place, and I loved it.

‘I also remember that women were at the forefront – and always had been, right from the beginning. Gender wasn’t an issue in leadership, and that was the beauty of The Salvation Army. I was always puzzled by people who had a problem with women bishops in church, because I grew up seeing women in charge at Luton Temple. It was an extraordinarily rich time in my life and one I’m very grateful for.’

As well as playing and singing music, and clapping along during the congregational songs, Colin was impressed by the quality of the sermons he heard, preached every week by the leaders.

‘The captains spoke so clearly. I think one of the things the world is struggling with right now is redemption, but one

thing I always stress is that people can redeem themselves. People can truly change. One act doesn’t define someone for life. If I learnt anything at The Salvation Army, I think that’s it.’

Although Colin tells me that he is no longer a churchgoing Christian, the years he spent at The Salvation Army were instrumental in shaping his approach to faith and his beliefs about God.

‘God is kindness,’ he says. ‘Christianity is about not judging people, because everyone has a story and everyone’s story is different. The important questions are: How good and how magnanimous are you? How big can your heart be? I believe God is forgiving and has room

for everyone.’

It’s nearly time for Colin to be back on set, but before he heads off to the square, he thanks me for our interview, explaining that The Salvation Army will always be an important part of his story.

‘I was born in The Salvation Army Mothers’ Hospital in Clapton, so it has been there for me since the start,’ he says. ‘I think that, as an organisation, it’s needed now more than ever. It’s proactive, impactful and does extraordinary work. No question about it, the Army has shaped who I am today – and I consider myself lucky to have grown up around the amazingly kind people at Luton Temple. They gave me the gift of music which lasts a lifetime, and I’m forever grateful for it.’

SALVATIONARMYVIDEOUNIT

It was a rich time in my life

Colin reading the Bible for an online Salvation Army carol concert during the Covid-19 restrictions of 2020

BBC/JACK BARNES/KIERON M c CARRON

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’.

Becoming 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

BOO K REVIEW

To the Ocean Floor Kate Nicholas Authentic Media

AGED 58, Kate received news that many dread – and it wasn’t the first time. In her memoir To the Ocean Floor, scheduled to be published next month, Kate Nicholas recounts her second cancer diagnosis seven years after unexpectedly going into remission. She braces herself to go through the emotional, mental and physical turmoil that comes with having the disease.

In describing the difficult details of facing cancer for the first time, Kate also highlights the difference that being surrounded by a community of Christians made to her. After being healed, she made a firm commitment to God, wanting to give her life to him after he had given hers back to her.

She prayed as she entered an MRI scanner

Having previously been a journalist and global communications chief for charity World Vision, Kate initially decided to follow a new path and began the process of applying to become a Church of England priest. Meanwhile a friend’s prompting encouraged her to share the story she had written during her illness about the God she had encountered and come to know. Her first book, Sea Changed, brought her to people’s attention and gave her what she came to realise was a more fitting vocation as a writer, broadcaster and speaker.

Life was hurtling along as she sought to inspire people by writing and speaking about what God had done. However, it came to a halt when she was diagnosed with cancer for a second time – a different, more aggressive cancer, that had spread.

But the book tells of the hope she was able to find again through her faith – now more deeply rooted. She writes powerfully of the glimpses of God she caught everywhere, even in the worst stages of illness, whether through a prayerful nurse, a friend who offered to drive her to chemotherapy appointments or the promises of God that she discovered through reading the Bible and prayer.

On one page, Kate describes how she prayed as she entered an MRI scanner and sensed Jesus lying there with her and saying: ‘This isn’t going to be easy but I am here.’

As a moving account of how God accompanies us through life’s hardest trials, To the Ocean Floor will inspire and bring hope to readers.

Sarah Olowofoyeku

Food, glorious food

QUICK QUIZ

1 2 3 4 5 6

Shakespeare’s Birthplace is a visitor attraction in which town?

Who had a million-selling hit single in 1994 with ‘Saturday Night’?

In the nursery rhyme ‘Hickory Dickory Dock’, which animal ran up the clock?

Which chess piece is positioned in each corner of a chess board?

Which historical figure was nicknamed the Lady with the Lamp?

Which blood vessels carry deoxygenated blood to the heart?

Culinary campaign celebrates best of British

Feature by Emily Bright

DISHING up countless culinary delights, British Food Fortnight begins today (Saturday 16 September). The celebration aims to encourage people to seek out British food when they’re shopping or eating out.

The campaign is designed to coincide with harvest festivals and acts as an umbrella for numerous activities, themed menus, food festivals and meet-the-producer events.

This year’s tagline is ‘Good food available for all’ and people from all walks of life are taking part, including those in the Houses of Parliament, schools, hospitals and prisons. A farm in Essex is hosting a pop-up restaurant while another in Somerset is inviting people to take along their children to learn about harvesting crops and turning them into a meal. The fortnight culminates in a national harvest service in Peterborough.

We need to satisfy our soul

Food always brings people together. It’s used to celebrate, comfort and commiserate. It provides the nourishment we need, not only physically but also emotionally and culturally.

For centuries, food has featured in stories and art to explain and express what it means to be human. One ancient text, the Bible, tells how a man called Jesus – who is described in its pages as the Son of God – used the metaphor of food to highlight what faith in him would bring.

Jesus said: ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty’ (John 6:35 New International Version). He knew that, while food would satisfy the body, we also need something deeper to satisfy our soul: a relationship with him.

In Jesus, we can taste joy, love and peace. A relationship with him is available to us all, regardless of who we are or what we’ve done.

If we rely on Jesus, we will never run out of the spiritual and emotional nourishment we need to face each day. Once we sample his goodness, we will see that he satisfies as nothing else can.

1. Stratford-upon-Avon.

2. Whigfield. 3. The mouse.

4. The rook. 5. Florence Nightingale. 6. The veins.

PUZZLES

Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to

Look up, down, forwards, backwards and diagonally on the grid to find these 20th-century literary figures

SERVES 4

Courgette and potato omelette

INGREDIENTS

1 courgette

2 red onions

1 garlic clove

250g waxy potatoes, boiled

2tbsp olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Smoked paprika

8 large eggs

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6. Trim the courgettes, cut lengthways into quarters, deseed and cut into cubes. Peel and dice the onions and garlic. Peel the potatoes and cut into small pieces. Heat a little olive oil in each of 4 small (approx 15cm) ovenproof cast iron pans and divide the vegetables among them. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, seasoning with salt, pepper and a pinch of paprika. Beat 2 eggs at a time and add to each pan, fry briefly, then put the pans in the oven for 7-8 minutes, until the egg has set. Allow the finished omelettes to cool briefly and serve

Fish finger burger

INGREDIENTS

100g lettuce

Handful cress

1 avocado

1tbsp lemon juice

80g mozzarella

1 beef tomato

500g cod fillet

50g plain flour

2 eggs

120g breadcrumbs

Salt

Vegetable oil

4 rye rolls

4tsp mayonnaise

METHOD

Wash and dry the lettuce. Rinse and drain the cress. Halve the avocado, remove the stone, lift the flesh out of the skin and cut into very thin slices. Immediately brush with the lemon juice to prevent discolouration. Cut the mozzarella into 8 thin slices and thinly slice the tomato. Cut the fish fillet into finger-length strips about 3cm wide. Put the flour in a shallow dish. Beat the eggs in another bowl and spread the breadcrumbs on a large plate. Salt the fish strips, then turn them in the flour, the egg and finally the breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Heat plenty of vegetable oil in a large deep saucepan or deep-fat fryer to 175C and fry the fish fingers in batches for 3-4 minutes each, until crispy and golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on kitchen paper and keep warm in a low oven until all the fish fingers are cooked.

Cut the rye rolls in half, spread the bottom halves with mayonnaise and top with some lettuce. Add half the mozzarella, tomato slices and cress, then place 3 fish fingers on each and top with the avocado, the remaining mozzarella and the lettuce. Put the bun lids on and serve immediately.