The Salvation Army and me

Employees, friends, members, officers, volunteers – we have them all in The Salvation Army! We’ve asked some of them to tell us about themselves. This week…

MAJOR PETER MYLECHREEST Chaplain, THQ

How did you first come into contact with the Army? I was curious about The Salvation Army.

What made you want to become an officer? When I signed the soldier’s covenant I knew that I needed to give my whole life to serving as a Salvation Army officer.

What is the most interesting thing about your role? People. Everyone has a unique story and I have the privilege of listening to many of them.

What is the most frustrating thing about your role? Also people – those who make trivial matters important while overlooking the things that really matter.

What one thing would you change about the Army? No officer, regardless of their rank or position, would be able to serve in a headquarters appointment for more than five years at any one time without returning to serve as a corps, community or centre officer for a minimum of three years. Further appointments at headquarters could follow.

If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play? The Russia House. I’d play Bartholomew ‘Barley’ Scott Blair, who proves himself to be a man of honour. He shows that some things are more important than the games spies play.

What is your favourite kind of holiday? Visiting a place with interesting architecture and access to the countryside.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose? The Rev Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy, known as Woodbine Willie, a chaplain in the First World War. I would ask about his moving and honest poems about the events he witnessed. If hi w T S a c W

‘‘ Everyone has a unique story and I have the privilege of listening to many of them

’’ What is your favourite Bible verse? ‘You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern’ (1 Peter 5:7 JB Phillips). I have found this to be true for more than 50 years.

Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them? James. I’d ask him, ‘As you wrote of the relationship between faith and action, how would you personally respond to the number of people experiencing homelessness on the streets today?’

If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be? Strong, compassionate, practical love.

What do you do in your spare time? Read, go to the theatre, play chess and other board games, go for walks, draw, paint, research my family tree, weed the garden, complete Wasgij jigsaws and, occasionally, write.

If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be? The Teddy Boy look: long, Edwardianstyle jackets with velvet collars, drainpipe trousers, bootlace ties and creepers. But I’d have to wear a wig for the greased hair and quiff!

What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned? Daydream by the Lovin’ Spoonful, released in 1966.

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be? Any way you throw me I shall stand, which is linked to my Manx heritage. Did you have a nickname growing up? Milky.

If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be? My wife, Val!

Which book would you want on a desert island? The Great Divorce by CS Lewis.

If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be? The middle section of Beethoven’s ‘Pastoral Symphony’.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Keep your eyes on Jesus. When we fail, look to him; when we get puffed up, look at him; when others disappoint us, trust in him.

Something interesting people might not know about you is… I have parachuted on my own a couple of times.