Interest builds in Lego Bible videos
3 January 2026 50p/60c
Whodunnit Rev-elations Vicar joins detective again to solve crimes in Grantchester
Reusing items in style – through the post
What is The Salvation Army?
From the editor’s desk
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.
At this time of year, three questions come to the fore: How long is it before the leftover food in the fridge goes out of date? When is the right time to take down the Christmas decorations? And what should be done with those presents that we didn’t really want? One solution to that final question could be to take them to a charity shop. January is a busy time for shops that support good causes as people look to declutter their homes at the start of a new year. In this week’s War Cry, we speak with Charlene Bent, marketing manager of The Salvation Army’s trading arm, SATCoL. The Salvation Army has hundreds of charity shops across the UK for people to pop into, but Charlene tells us about another way that people can donate their items. ‘At SATCoL, we noticed the shift in consumer habits and wanted to provide convenience for members of the public,’ she says. ‘So, some time ago, we started our Donate by Post service, and we’ve recently seen a 59 per cent year-on-year increase in registrations to use it.’ The scheme provides an online booking service that allows people to find nearby InPost lockers where they can leave their packaged donation. It means that items can be given by those who either don’t live near a Salvation Army charity shop or who can’t get to one during opening hours. ‘We’re trying to divert as many items as possible away from disposal and to give those items a new lease of life,’ Charlene explains. ‘And by selling those items, we can raise funds for The Salvation Army. So we are working to make an environmental and a social impact.’ Because of its Christian ethos, The Salvation Army works tirelessly to help people in need and to care for the planet. This work has gone on for more than 160 years and will continue into this new year and beyond – no question about it.
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 7762
Editor: Andrew Stone, Major Managing Editor: Philip Halcrow Staff Writer: Emily Bright Staff Writer: Claire Brine Staff Writer: Ewan Hall Editorial Assistant: Linda McTurk Graphic Designer: Mark Knight Graphic Designer: Natalie Adkins Email: warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory 1 Champion Park London SE5 8FJ
When you’ve read the War Cry, why not pass it on ➔ ➔ ➔
Tel: 0845 634 0101 Subscriptions: 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1) or email: subscriptions@satcol.org Founders: Catherine and William Booth International leaders: General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham Territorial leaders: Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main Editor-in-Chief: Major Julian Watchorn Published weekly by The Salvation Army © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory ISSN 0043-0226 The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. Printed by CKN Print, Northampton, on sustainably sourced paper
INFO Your local Salvation Army centre
CONTENTS FEATURES
3
You’re collared Crime-solving cleric returns in Grantchester
4
New year, new hope A seasonal message from the co-leader of The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland
6
Building up animation Lego films tell Bible stories
10 Parcel force for good A different way to donate clothing 12 The big quiz of the year
6 10
How many questions can you answer?
FO
REGULARS
14 Puzzles 15 War Cry Kitchen Front-page picture: KUDOS/ITV
2 • WAR CRY • 3 January 2026
4
15
KUDOS/ITV
Alphy looks for clues to solve the crime
What’s it all about, Alphy? Grantchester preaches a message of steadfast faith, says screenwriter TV preview: Grantchester ITV1 and ITVX By Claire Brine
T
he sun is shining. The sky is blue. And the children are busy hunting for Easter eggs, in the first episode of the new series of Grantchester. As villagers gather together for the spring fayre, community spirit is high. There has been a good turnout for the Easter bonnet competition, and the eggand-spoon race is proving just as popular with the grown-ups as with the kids. But the Rev Alphy Kottaram (Rishi Nair) notices that one man doesn’t appear to be having much fun. Holding a placard which reads ‘the end is nigh’, Reg moans to the vicar that the true meaning of Easter has been lost to bonnets and bunnies. ‘Hijacked by the devil incarnate,’ as he bluntly puts it. In an attempt to smooth matters over, Alphy invites Reg to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus by coming to church. But Reg refuses to attend. Later, once the service has come to an end, the congregation hears a gunshot. Reg is found dead outside the church building. Who killed him – and why? As usual, Alphy teams up with DI Geordie Keating (Robson Green) to get to the bottom of
the investigation. Although Grantchester is now in its 10th series – and the parish on its third crime-solving vicar – screenwriter Daisy Coulam explains that there are still plenty of murder mysteries yet to be uncovered in the quaint Cambridgeshire village. Speaking to press ahead of the series launch, she touched on what viewers could expect from the upcoming programmes, revealing that every character is going to be ‘put through the wringer’. Geordie discovers that Alphy ‘maybe isn’t quite the glass half-full guy that he seems to be,’ she said cryptically. ‘There might be something more going on under the surface.’ But, while she wasn’t about to step into spoiler territory, Daisy was quick to point out the value of clinging on to faith in tough times. In her view, that’s the overriding message behind every series. ‘There’s something steadfast about faith,’ she said. ‘Hold fast to what is good. That’s what it’s all about.’ It’s advice worth heeding – and not just for the characters in Grantchester. In
the real world, too, clinging on to the good is important. And when bad times come along, choosing to put our faith in God can bring us a sense of hope and peace. One Bible passage which talks of staying close to God through the ups and downs of life says: ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures for ever’ (Psalm 136:1 New International Version). That can be our experience too. God’s steadfast love has the power to sustain us through everything we face – if we hold on to him. When we turn to God, receive his forgiveness for the things we have done wrong and commit ourselves to following him, we can find strength to face the most difficult times – those that put us ‘through the wringer’. We can learn from God’s goodness towards us how to be good to others. We can experience his calming presence guiding our actions every single day. Whatever lies ahead, God promises to reveal his life-changing love to anyone who’s willing to take a step of faith to seek it. Surely that warrants further investigation. 3 January 2026 • WAR CRY • 3
A time for hope A new year message from Commissioner Jenine Main, co-leader of The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland
A
s the calendar turns and a new year dawns, there’s a sense of possibility and hope in the air. The old year, with its memories and milestones, slips quietly into the past. Before us lies a blank sheet – untouched, unscripted and brimming with opportunity – waiting for new chapters to be written. This is the season when hope can feel most tangible, inviting each of us to imagine what might be different or better in the days ahead. As leaders of The Salvation Army, my husband Commissioner Paul and I are encouraging people to think around the idea of ‘break ground, bring hope’. We believe this will give opportunity for renewal, both within ourselves and in the wider world. Picture a gardener preparing earth for planting. Before fresh seeds can grow, the ground must be broken up and
4 • WAR CRY • 3 January 2026
cleared of stones and weeds. In much the same way, the start of a new year offers us a moment to look honestly at the state of our own hearts. Sometimes life’s pressures and disappointments harden us, leaving behind rocky patches of fear, anxiety, pride, pain or even arrogance. These invisible obstacles can stop hope from taking root. Breaking ground internally means gently digging into these areas and removing the rocks: facing our fears, acknowledging our anxieties and loosening the grip of pride. It’s about making space for new growth, softening our outlook and opening ourselves to kindness, forgiveness and gratitude. Doing these things isn’t always easy but, just as a garden can be transformed, so too can our hearts. Even small acts – such as offering a sincere apology, choosing to forgive or admitting we don’t have all the answers
– can begin to break up the hard ground and prepare us for a season of renewal. Just as important as internal renewal is the courage to step outside our comfort zones. Breaking new ground in life may mean trying something we’ve never done before – whether that’s learning a new skill, travelling to a different place or simply starting a conversation with someone we wouldn’t usually speak to. Sometimes, it’s about mending relationships that have grown distant or strained or reaching out to help someone in need. These practical steps can feel daunting, especially when old habits or past disappointments whisper that it’s safer to stay put. But each time we break new ground by embracing change, welcoming new people into our lives or taking the first step towards reconciliation, we plant seeds of hope – not only for ourselves, but also for
those around us. Our actions can inspire others, foster connection and create spaces where trust and kindness can flourish. Hope isn’t just a feeling; it’s something we nurture through the choices we make. When we break ground internally, we allow hope to grow within us. When we break ground externally, we spread that hope into our communities, families and workplaces. The smallest gesture – a smile, a kind word, a willingness to listen – can make a world of difference. This idea is at the heart of the Christian message: the belief that every day brings the possibility of new beginnings, that no one is ever beyond a fresh start, and that the unearned and generous grace of God meets us wherever we are. You don’t need to be an expert in Scripture or faith to appreciate the
power of hope and renewal. The world may encourage resolutions focused on self-improvement, but God’s Spirit invites us to deeper transformation: a tender, open heart willing to love, forgive and rejoice.
The ground may be hard, but it’s full of promise
I
s your heart open to the seeds God wants to sow in you this year? Perhaps there are old wounds needing healing, or calloused places ready to be softened. Jesus declares: ‘I am making everything new!’ (Revelation 21:5 New International Version). As we stand at the threshold of a new year, let’s resist the temptation to dwell in regret or fear. Instead, let’s grasp the new ground God sets before us with
hope, courage and expectancy. The Lord never gives up on his children, and his invitation to a new life stands ready for all who will receive it. Let’s clear away the obstacles that hold us back, take courageous steps towards new experiences and become people who bring hope wherever we go. The journey won’t always be easy, but every effort to cultivate kindness, build bridges and embrace change has the power to transform both the giver and the receiver. So, as you look at the blank sheet before you, remember: the ground may be hard, but it’s full of promise. You are invited to trust God with your uncertainties and choose to be adventurous in faith. With each act of courage and hope, you are helping to create a future where new life can flourish – for yourself and for the world around you.
3 January 2026 • WAR CRY • 5
BL CK
BUSTERS Animator JOSHUA WHITEHOUSE explains why he is retelling the stories of the Bible through Lego stop-motion videos Interview by Emily Bright
Joshua Whitehouse
The animators’ Lego Jesus 6 • WAR CRY • 3 January 2026
‘E
veryone loves Lego,’ says Joshua Whitehouse, founder and director of Go Chatter Studios, a charity specialising in stop-motion animation. ‘It has such a wide audience. It crosses cultural boundaries as well. And because of its nature as a toy – as well as being something that adults relax with – Lego has this emotional connection to almost anyone that has come across it. It is an incredibly powerful medium for telling stories.’ Lego lends itself to fulfilling Go Chatter Studios’ ambition: to tell the story of the Bible through stop-motion animation, brick by brick. Since the Bournemouth-based Christian charity was established in 2024, it has animated more than a dozen stories from the Bible, including those of David and Goliath, the Nativity, Easter and – most recently – Jesus walking on water. The videos have resonated with people. In less than two years, Go Chatter Studios has amassed 114,000 subscribers on YouTube. Its videos on Adam and Eve and Jonah have received more than 400,000 views each. The charity is now translating its content into Spanish and Portuguese.
‘We’re a crowdfunded project and all of our content is distributed completely for free,’ Josh tells me over a Zoom call from his animation studio. ‘So it has been amazing to see the amount of support that we’ve received from people all around the world, who have been donating towards the creation of our videos, enabling this project to keep going.’ The Lego animations have received positive feedback through online comments too.
Our stories should be hitting viewers in the heart
‘W
e get lots of people saying that they’re a Muslim or an atheist or an agnostic, and that they really love our videos or that a particular video made them cry,’ Josh says. ‘That’s what you want – the stories are something that should be hitting viewers in the heart.’ Having watched all the charity’s content under the guise of essential interview prep – while really just relishing the combination of the Bible, Lego and
Josh animates the story of Jonah
storytelling – I’m inclined to agree that they pack an emotional punch. Josh believes that the video of Jesus healing a paralysed man stands out in terms of ‘emotional connection’. But his favourite story to animate has been that of Jonah and the big fish. ‘Figuring out how to animate the whale, the storm, the ship – all of that was a lot of fun,’ he says. Near Josh, I spot a Lego set, which he reveals that he’s building for an upcoming video about the warrior Gideon. He is grateful that his work combines two of his favourite things. ‘I’ve loved Lego and Jesus my whole life and have been able to combine both in an impactful ministry,’ he says. ‘It is a privilege to
Jesus cooks a meal for his disciples in ‘The Story of Pentecost’
Turn to page 8 f 3 January 2026 • WAR CRY • 7
From page 7
dive deep into Bible stories and to serve God using the skills that he’s given me.’ Josh began making Lego stop-motion animations in 2020, while at school in South Africa. His aim was to provide video content for his mum’s online Sunday school during a Covid lockdown. Within a couple of years, his work was spotted by a Christian organisation, and he began freelancing for them. After finishing his studies, Josh moved to the UK to work for the organisation full-time. But he realised that producing the stop-motion animations needed the support of charitable status. Go Chatter Studios was created in 2024, specifically to tell Bible stories through Lego. Its videos, posted on the Go Chatter Studios YouTube channel, can be accessed by anyone, but they
were originally designed as a resource for churches, schools, families and individuals who wanted to explore faith further. It’s clear that the charity takes the authenticity of its storytelling seriously.
The whole Bible points towards Jesus
‘T
he most important thing for us is that everything we do is built on the Bible,’ says Josh. ‘The first step of our whole animation process is diving into the Bible. We have a skilled scriptwriter, Rachael Hood, who narrates our animations. She will go through the Bible passages and turn
Josh animates ‘The Story of Pentecost’
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them into a beautiful script.’ Each video not only tells a specific story but also explains how it fits into the overarching narrative of the Bible – how God sent his Son, Jesus, to save humanity. ‘We see the whole Bible as pointing towards Jesus,’ says Josh. ‘We don’t want to be preaching with our animations, but we do want to be pointing towards the deeper meaning in all the stories that we’re telling.’ The next stage of storytelling – filming the stop-motion animation – is particularly time-consuming. Josh explains: ‘You take a photo of the Lego character with the camera, move them by a tiny amount, take another photo, then repeat that process. ‘If you’ve got multiple characters in a scene, you have to move every single one, and then you take the photo. Once you stitch all those photos together and play them, it looks like an animation, so the characters come to life on-screen. That’s why it’s called stop-motion, because you have to stop to adjust the characters each time.’ For Josh and his colleague Sophia Bates, animating each video takes patience and dedication. ‘It does take a long time to do,’ admits Josh. ‘Especially when you’re animating, say, six or seven characters in one scene. On average, it takes an hour to make one second of the final videos. ‘Some clips have taken even longer. In one of my favourite clips of Jesus and his disciples walking up a hill, there were about nine characters in that five-second scene, and that took eight hours solid to animate, not including the setup of the scene or the building of the Lego sets.’ As we talk, it is obvious that Josh’s motivation is rooted
Making the video of ‘The Good Samaritan’
squarely in his Christian faith. Life was brought into sharp focus for him after a hospital scare back in 2022, while he was still living in South Africa. ‘I almost lost my life to malaria,’ he says. ‘That was a wake-up call for me. I was 17 at the time. The experience motivated me to start living every day for God and use the skills that he’d given me for his glory. ‘I realised, OK, I don’t know how
The set for ‘Jonah’
much longer I’ve got left, I’ll give everything I have back to God. I got baptised shortly after coming out of hospital. It wasn’t much longer before I then moved to the UK and started this job full-time.’ Josh believes that God has continued to guide and help him through his life. ‘There have been a lot of times when I’ve had no idea where he’s taking me or why he’s putting me through
something,’ he says. ‘But, because of the experiences I’ve had, like malaria, I’ve been able to learn the meaning of Romans 8:28, a Bible verse which says: “In all things, God works for the good of those who love him.” ‘That’s one of my favourite Bible verses, because I’ve seen it to be so true in my life. I’m able to look back and see exactly how God has been working, even through the toughest times.’
Jesus walking on water
3 January 2026 • WAR CRY • 9
Wear to go Salvation Army fashions a new way to donate clothing Feature by Philip Halcrow
A
SATCoL promoted Donate by Post with a photo shoot in which a model wore donated clothes
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t the beginning of every year, there is a trend. ‘We see a significant uplift in donations in January,’ says Charlene Bent, marketing manager of The Salvation Army’s trading arm, SATCoL, which promotes the reuse, repurposing and recycling of textiles and other items. ‘Some people declutter their homes for the new year, and there are also Christmas items that are passed on to us. We hope that the increase in donations will be reflected in our service which gives people the chance to donate things by post.’ All year round, SATCoL works to lessen the negative impact made on the planet by the disposal of unwanted items and to raise funds for The Salvation Army’s community work. For many years, SATCoL’s 250-plus shops have been giving customers the opportunity to donate and buy pre-loved clothing and accessories. Recently, however, people have also been buying into a new way of donating items to The Salvation Army. ‘The way people shop
SATCOL
Influential voices in fashion Laura Puddy, Besma Whayeb and Charity Shop Girl went on the streets to tell people about the service
has changed,’ explains Charlene. ‘Ecommerce has become a huge part of the way we shop for clothing, accessories and handbags. We are often out and about using services connected to these ecommerce platforms – for instance, if we need to return an item that doesn’t fit, we could be using a locker. ‘At SATCoL, we noticed the shift in consumer habits and wanted to provide convenience for members of the public. So, some time ago, we started our Donate by Post service, and we’ve recently seen a 59 per cent year-on-year increase in registrations to use it.’ The service – which is run in partnership with parcel business InPost – offers people the opportunity to book a free donation by visiting satcol.org and clicking on a Donate by Post button on the home page. After filling in an online form about themselves and the items they want to donate, users are provided with a map showing the locations of InPost lockers near to their address. The site then generates a QR code that they can use to open a locker in which to leave their packaged donation. InPost collects the items for The Salvation Army. ‘We’re looking for items – clothing, handbags, accessories and footwear –
that are in a resaleable condition,’ says Charlene. ‘We’re trying to divert as many items as possible away from disposal and to give those items a new lease of life. By receiving people’s donations, it provides us with an opportunity to restock our stores with really good-quality products.
There’s life still in the items we receive
‘A
nd by selling those items, we can raise funds for The Salvation Army. So we are working to make an environmental and a social impact.’ Over the past few months, SATCoL has been helped in spreading the word about Donate by Post by This Morning fashion presenter Laura Puddy and influencers Besma Whayeb and Jen Graham aka Charity Shop Girl. They went on to the streets of Birmingham, London and Liverpool respectively to make online videos in which they told people about the service. And, into the bargain, sustainable stylist and Channel 4 presenter Sabrina Grant promoted Donate by Post with a step-by-step guide on Instagram.
‘We also collaborated with a photographer called Catherine Harbour, who’s very well known in the fashion industry,’ says Charlene. ‘We worked with her to create beautiful assets that we could use across social media, press and part of our advertising campaign. ‘The photo shoot shows the power of lasting change through the reuse and repurposing of textiles. Garments worn in the shoot by the model had been donated to The Salvation Army. ‘We wanted to show that there’s life still in the items we receive. And if we can encourage it, second-hand shopping will have less of an impact on the planet.’ SATCoL, which diverts tens of thousands of tonnes of textiles to good uses every year, hopes that Donate by Post will play its part in its overall mission – to reduce waste and to raise funds for The Salvation Army’s work such as providing accommodation for people experiencing homelessness, helping people find employment and supporting survivors of modern slavery. ‘We’re owned by The Salvation Army,’ says Charlene, ‘so serving the community is at the heart of everything we do.’
l For more information visit satcol.org
3 January 2026 • WAR CRY • 11
As 2026 commences, we take a look back with these quiz questions on topics covered in the War Cry in 2025. Why not have a go and see how many you can answer correctly by yourself? Or try it out with friends and family! 3 2
1 Which British Olympic rower took part in last year’s series of ITV’s Dancing on Ice?
Events and TV programmes during the year marked the 250th anniversary of the birth of which author, whose books include Emma and Pride and Prejudice?
4 Which daytime antiques and collectibles TV programme celebrated its 25th birthday in March?
5 To mark the 40th anniversary of EastEnders, we interviewed actress Gillian Wright. Which character does she play in the soap?
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eviewed In February, we pr -com m ro a the return of née Re g rin ar st franchise s wa the Zellweger. What t film? name of this lates
6 On 12 April, the UN held its annual International Day of Human Space Flight – the date marking the achievement of which Soviet cosmonaut in becoming the first human in space?
WAR
BIG Q
8 In the spring, we interviewed a Salvation Army charity runner who was about to take part in the London Marathon. On which road does the marathon finish?
OF THE
7
Throughout the year, we have run our Browsing the Bible series. Name the first four books of the New Testament.
10 National Gardening Week took place in April. What is the common name of the flower Narcissus pseudonarcissus, often associated with spring?
12 • WAR CRY • 3 January 2026
In May, we previewed the British Book awards. Which author and illustrator team created Jonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin, which won the children’s illustrated category?
11 In which country was the Eurovision Song Contest held?
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During the summer, we previewed the Le Mans 24 Hours race, which features cars such as the Mustang – a vehicle built by which company?
Long-run ning BBC 1 sitcom No t Going O ut began its latest seri es in the summ er, with w hich actress c ontinuing in her role a s Lee Ma ck’s wife, Luc y?
15 14 Ahead of the Women’s Euro 2025 tournament, we spoke to footballer-turnedcontent creator Charlotte Lynch. Which team went on to win the tournament?
R CRY
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QUIZ
E YEAR 17
We regularly feature sudokus in the War Cry. How many unique numbers are used to solve the puzzle?
Superman returned to cinemas, building on the many portrayals of the superhero and his reporter alter ego, who is known by what name?
During the summer, we explored what visitors could enjoy at The Salvation Army’s Strawberry Field, formerly a children’s home and now a Beatlesthemed attraction. Which member of the Beatles, who used to play in its grounds as a child, wrote the song ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’?
19 In the run-up to Christmas, Salvation Army bands could be heard carolling in the streets. Which carol has the final line: ‘And fit us for Heaven to live with thee there’?
20 Last year, marked the 35th anniversary of a Christmas film starring Macaulay Culkin as an eight-year-old left to defend his home. What is the film?
18
ANSWERS 1. Sir Steve Redgrave. 2. Jane Austen. 3. Bridget Jones: Mad about the Boy. 4. Bargain Hunt. 5. Jean Slater. 6. Yuri Gagarin. 7. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. 8. The Mall. 9. Daffodil. 10. Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. 11. Switzerland. 12. Sally Bretton. 13. Ford. 14. England. 15. Clark Kent. 16. John Lennon. 17. Nine. 18. Victor Hugo. 19. ‘Away in a Manger’. 20. Home Alone.
As Les Misérables celebrated its 40th anniversary in the West End, we interviewed cast member Shan Ako. Who wrote the novel which inspired the musical?
3 January 2026 • WAR CRY • 13
PUZZLES Quick CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Defunct (7) 5. Pool (5) 7. Sure (7) 8. Precise (5) 10. Attic (4) 11. Private (8) 13. Purchasing (6) 14. Kebab pin (6) 17. Goading (8) 19. Outburst (4) 21. Long for (5) 22. Mocked (7) 23. Bay (5) 24. Deferred (7) DOWN 2. Frugal (7) 3. Close by (4) 4. Underground passage (6) 5. Memento (8) 6. Teach (5) 7. Star (9) 9. Put up with (9) 12. Intuition (8) 15. Rich (7)
SUDOKU
Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9
1 9 6 7 9 3 4 7 1 4 8 2 3 6 1 8 7 2 1 3 5 9 3
6 5 1 4 8 6 7
W RDSEARCH
16. Combined (6) 18. Creep (5) 20. Replete (4)
M O B HONEYC
Look up, down, forwards, backwards and diagonally on the grid to find these words associated with hope
UDQ I CGGBKRGQF J HZ P A J Z ENCOURAGEMEN T CHH L X Y S H N N T S BWC I C I K F R Y Z V Z I DH F P ZN J L RA V SH HRXHCR E L I ANCEMF E Y J K FWJ QE E F RD T YBBGZ PO L L MM J A S U A L E I N D M K V W MP T B RMS T TMT N E B B J MH S K I Z G S YM I I S K C N B D CW I I J C A Q D F OWS Z X E CM V L MWW C F T N N N M Q O T O A E N Z I Q D Y Z F N J WM T Q K L Q H Z N T PMR RWT G R D J U Y A V L BW P GWN J Q Z H Q C N X T A PWC D O R P P R OM I S E I I S P N U J M WG Z X F F Y F Z B S B UWO I J R Z F T DWK Q G U E V H R H V U N X T U E Z Y Y Z J V R T E T T J F WH
Each solution starts on the coloured cell and reads clockwise round the number 1. Donkey friend of Winnie-the-Pooh 2. Solicitor 3. Scandinavian country 4. In abundance 5. Inhabitants of Italian capital 6. Red fruit used in salads
ANSWERS 1 7 3 5 2 4 9 8 6
2 6 4 1 9 8 3 7 5
9 5 8 3 7 6 2 4 1
6 9 2 4 3 7 1 5 8
3 8 1 9 6 5 7 2 4
5 4 7 8 1 2 6 3 9
8 2 6 7 4 9 5 1 3
7 3 5 6 8 1 4 9 2
4 1 9 2 5 3 8 6 7
HONEYCOMB 1. Eeyore. 2. Lawyer. 3. Norway. 4. Galore. 5. Romans. 6. Tomato. QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS: 1. Extinct. 5. Kitty. 7. Certain. 8. Exact. 10. Loft. 11. Personal. 13. Buying. 14. Skewer. 17. Inciting. 19. Rant. 21. Yearn. 22. Taunted. 23. Inlet. 24. Delayed. DOWN: 2. Thrifty. 3. Near. 4. Tunnel. 5. Keepsake. 6. Train. 7. Celebrity. 9. Tolerated. 12. Instinct. 15. Wealthy. 16. United. 18. Crawl. 20. Full.
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AMBITION ASPIRATION ASSURANCE BELIEF CONFIDENCE DESIRE DREAM ENCOURAGEMENT
FAITH JOY OPTIMISM PATIENCE PEACE PROMISE RELIANCE TRUST
SERVES 4
Coldwater prawn and turmeric soup INGREDIENTS
METHOD
340g frozen MSCcertified coldwater prawns
Thaw the prawns in the fridge overnight. Drain well, then place in a bowl lined with a paper towel and keep refrigerated while preparing the soup base.
10g fresh garlic, minced 10g ground turmeric
Put the garlic, turmeric, shallots, ginger and coconut oil in a blender and whizz to make a paste.
30g shallots, minced
Heat a large pan over a medium heat. Add 10g fresh ginger, grated the paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and translucent but 20g coconut oil not browned. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. 900ml ramen broth 225g vermicelli noodles Meanwhile, cook the vermicelli noodles according to the packet instructions. Drain and 200g pak choi, rinse thoroughly with cold water. Divide evenly washed, leaves between 4 bowls. separated Add the pak choi and chilled prawns to the Salt and pepper, to broth and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, taste until the pak choi is tender and the prawns are warmed through. Add the salt and pepper, to 1 lime, quartered, taste. and fresh coriander, chopped, to garnish Ladle the soup into the bowls over the vermicelli noodles. Garnish with lime wedges and chopped coriander, to serve.
SERVES 2
Garlic chilli shrimp spaghetti INGREDIENTS
METHOD
200g spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti in salted water according to the packet instructions. Reserve 100ml pasta water, before draining.
3tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve 3-4 garlic cloves, finely sliced 1tsp dried chilli flakes, plus extra to serve 10-12 cherry tomatoes, halved 150g MSC-certified red shrimp ½ lemon, zest and juice Flat-leaf parsley, chopped Salt and pepper
While the pasta cooks, heat the oil in a large pan. Gently fry the garlic, until golden. Add the chilli flakes and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the shrimp and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Simmer for 1 minute. Toss in the drained pasta, lemon zest and juice and a handful of parsley. Season well with salt and pepper. Divide the dish between 2 bowls. Drizzle with the extra oil and scatter over more chilli flakes, to serve.
Coldwater prawn and turmeric soup by Charlotte Langley. Garlic chilli shrimp spaghetti by James Strawbridge. Recipes reprinted courtesy of the Marine Stewardship Council. For more information visit msc.org
3 January 2026 • WAR CRY • 15
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (New Living Translation)