Letters

BE DISTINCT OR BECOME EXTINCT I HAVE been interested in the recent correspondence from Polly Fox (Salvationist 17 August) and others on the relevance and style of Army uniform. Is the reluctance of some to support the wearing of uniform connected with the trend to adopt an ethos of ‘church’ rather than that of the Army, which is ‘church plus’?

To go too far in this direction would mean that our officers would, like many Free Church ministers who have abandoned the clerical collar, verge on anonymity. If we are to fulfil our mission, surely we must be as visible as possible. How can a seeker find an answer if they cannot see the one to ask?

I sell the Army papers in the centre of town and, apart from trying to answer questions of a theological nature, I have been asked about such things as how to obtain a Blue Badge for parking, council tax and pensions (I am a retired teacher and not a tax expert), local history, the inevitable way to the nearest public toilet and even once to look after the bicycle of a member of the aristocracy, who was going into the church to finalise arrangements for a wedding. You have to be available to all levels of society. I think, therefore, that a distinctive uniform is required and my present one seems to fit that purpose. If we adopt too casual a dress, such as a tracksuit and baseball cap, I feel that even with the red shield we would blend a little too much into the background. We must be distinct or we will become extinct.

If we must have change for change’s sake, can I plead for us not to follow the example of the postal service, which has dispensed with traditional uniform in favour of shorts or trousers that come just below the knee? That would seem much less practical, particularly in the carolling season.

Peter Grace Cirencester

EVERY week the three children in my Sunday school class (hallelujah for those three little lives!) rush to pick up the latest issue of Kids Alive! and we all sit around the table together and get to work.

We flick through the pages to see what’s inside. Then we go back to the beginning and read the first page about whatever film or event is featured. Next it’s Ed’s Bit, then the Bible story, and we pick up the pace to look for Random Rita before the puzzles, jokes and cartoons. (Patch’s Pals brings a smile to my face each week.) We try to get through as much of the magazine as we can in the time allowed, then the children take it home to finish.

Over the years I’ve used lots of different Scripture Union resources but Kids Alive! seems to hit the spot – the children enjoy it! Thank you and well done to all involved in its production!

Jill Pentre THANK YOU, KIDS ALIVE!

LETTERS Readers’ letters are a popular and well-read section of Salvationist. Many years ago General Frederick Coutts said letters for publication in the Army’s press should be ‘carefully thought out, logically presented and charitably expressed’. Letters may be edited and should ideally be no more than 300 words. Random Rita from ‘Kids Alive!’

APPOINTED Effective 1 October O Major Nigel Schultz, Secretary for Business Administration, Ghana Territory, with the rank of lieut-colonel O Major Judith Schultz, Secretary for Community Projects, Ghana Territory, with the rank of lieut-colonel

Effective 14 October O Lieut-Colonel Wendy Caffull, Under Secretary for Europe, IHQ

LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O YPSM Deborah Moffett and Primary Sgt Jenna Briggs, both Belfast Sydenham

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Golden O Spencer and Beryl Gardner, Staple Hill (11 October) O David and Kathleen Waller, Bolton Citadel (11 October) O Jim and Sheena Williams, Felixstowe (11 October) O Trevor and Sheila Baker, Felixstowe (18 October)

DEDICATED TO GOD O Poppy Rose, daughter of BM Philip and SCL Hannah Wainwright, at Castleford by Majors Marian and Steve Fripp O Caleb, son of SL Jonathan and Danielle Allchin, at Leeds Central by Major Joy Allchin

O George Mark, son of Paul and Stephanie Pippard, at Exeter Temple by Major Lawrie Brown O Emilia Lily, daughter of Warwick and Kate Smith, at Reading Central by Major Richard Welch

RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Commissioner Inger-Lise Clausen (80 on 1 October) O Major Roma Brownsmead (85 on 2 October) O Lieut-Colonel Robert Menary (90 on 2 October) O Lieut-Colonel Anna Gibbons (85 on 3 October) O Commissioner Freda Larsson (80 on 9 October) O Major Margaret Stewart (80 on 11 October)

BEREAVED O Jo Davies, Swindon Citadel, of her father Stephen

PROMOTED TO GLORY O Barbara Robertson, Blackpool South

WHAT’S ON

SOUNDS OF BRASS O Marking the promotion to Glory of Eric Ball (1 October 1989) on 29 September at 8 pm This broadcast can be heard live on select BBC local radio stations or by visiting bbc.co.uk/sounds

ENGAGEMENTS

GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O IHQ (Family Day), Sat 28 Sep O New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory (congress), Mon 30 – Mon 7 Oct O Democratic Republic of Congo, Th 10 – Sun 20 O Asbury University and USA National Headquarters, Mon 21 – Fri 25

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O ICO (welcome to session), Th 10 Oct O ICO (lecture), Tu 15

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O William Booth College (welcome to the new session of cadets), Sat Sun 29 Sep O Warwick (Territorial Leaders Conference), Mon 30 – Th 3 Oct O ICO (welcome to session), Th 10 O William Booth College (Territorial Advisory Council), Fri 11 O Sunderland Millfield, Sat Sun 13 O Cardiff Canton, Sat Sun 20 O Harrogate International Centre (Territorial Officers Councils), Wed 23 – Wed 30

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES) AND COLONEL DEBORAH GRAVES O William Booth College (welcome to the new session of cadets), Sat Sun 29 Sep O Warwick (Territorial Leaders Conference), Mon 30 – Th 3 Oct O William Booth College (Territorial Advisory Council), Fri 11 O Harpenden, Sat Sun 13 O William Booth College (spiritual day), Tu 15 O Harrogate International Centre (Territorial Officers Councils), Wed 23 – Wed 30

Editor’s note: ‘Salvationist apologises to the family of Mary Butcher for incorrectly stating that Dennis married Betty in the tribute published on 14 September. The tribute is published correctly below.’

MARY BUTCHER, READING CENTRAL BORN in Sheffield in 1930, Mary joined the Army after her friend, Betty Wileman, invited her to Sunday school. In 1947 Dennis moved to the area and met Mary at Sheffield Citadel. They married in 1951.

Mary was a songster and served in many roles at the corps, including songster secretary, primary sergeant and singing company leader.

In 1971 she and Dennis moved to Reading with their children, Wendy and Timothy. Mary served for many years in Reading Central Songsters and as songster secretary. She was treasurer for the Central Club for the Retired for ten years, organising holidays and days out, including a trip to Holland.

Mary loved spending time with her five grandchildren, taking them to interesting places. She taught the girls to knit and they taught her to use a computer and mobile phone! Before Mary became ill she spent many hours knitting for her new great-granddaughter.

Although quiet, Mary had a great influence and was a lovely Christian lady. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ – T. B.

AUDREY WHITMORE, DARTFORD BORN in 1917, Audrey became a Salvationist in Leyton, where she worked in a nearby factory during the Second World War. She moved to Swanley after starting a family and linked up with Dartford, becoming active in the corps and community.

Audrey was over-60 club secretary for many years and worked hard, regularly baking dozens of cakes for coffee mornings. She was particularly good with young people, encouraging them and helping them with schoolwork. In

this she was aided by her phenomenal memory, which she kept all her life. A matriarch to her family, her faith was evident to all. Even in her nineties Audrey collected for the Army and the Royal British Legion at her regular spot. She remained involved with her area’s Trefoil Guild – which she helped found – and played darts for the local women’s team.

Audrey left to be with the Lord at the age of 102. Predictably, it was standing room only at the hall and crematorium. Good and faithful servant, well done! – C. M.

VAL WILLIAMS, BRISTOL CITADEL VAL linked up with the Army as a child, after being introduced by a friend.

She was commissioned in 1965 as a member of the Proclaimers of the Faith Session. Although she came out of officership soon after, she continued to serve God by supporting those around her emotionally and practically.

A faithful soldier at Bristol Bedminster and Bristol Citadel, she is fondly remembered for her tireless work, love for others and sense of humour. She is greatly missed by her husband, Roy, and daughters, Jenty and Ruth. – R. W.

Soldiers’ and adherent members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included with tributes.

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