Unsung heroes

Violet Leiper

Violet is an inspirational, wise and caring woman who is always willing to open people up to Jesus’ love. She has been with the corps for many years and always looks out for people in it. God bless her!

Louise Ouston

At the age of 88, Bandmaster Brian continues to lead the band faithfully and with great skill. Despite his advancing years, he has always been extremely forward-thinking and receptive to change in our church and has made the band a more inclusive Christian fellowship in recent years.

Brian remains an active member of our YP band and continues to teach the learners enthusiastically. He is also respected in the community, working as a music teacher at the local high school into his 70s.

He and his wife, Hilda, have been hugely interested in and encouraging of the children in our church. Brian’s kindness, generosity and faithfulness really reflect God’s love. Brian never seeks the limelight but speaks with wisdom and calm assuredness. He continues to play a significant part in the spiritual lives of so many people, through his own great devotion to God.

Assistant Corps Sergeant-Major Ross Floyd

Avril started our Cameo group in August 2021. She is a great evangelist. Starting with a home league of eight people, she changed the name and grew the group to around 40. She has also helped in starting our winter Warm Welcome programme, which was so successful that we now run it throughout the year, two days a week.

The great work you have done in our new hall is a shining example of age being no barrier to doing something amazing!

Corps officer Major Richard Welch

You are truly inspirational in your faith and commitment to the Lord and to the corps and the love you show to everyone you encounter. You’re always doing something, whether it’s arranging leaders for your Sunday afternoon meetings or your weekly lunch club and food bank where people can find friendship, care and a listening ear.

You’re always so warm and welcoming – and Marilyn, your talent for embroidery is unrivalled! Thank you and may God richly bless you for all you do in his service and in keeping the corps running.

Lyn Woods (Beccles)

Hilary Sims

There are so many unsung heroes in every corps who so often do not know the profound effects their thoughts and actions have had on others. I would like to mention Hilary Sims, a lifelong Salvationist, formerly of Staple Hill.

I struggled for many years with alcoholism. Hilary constantly reached out to me, gave positivity and hope when I had none and showed me how God and the work of the Army could help me. It changed my life. I will never be able to thank Hilary enough for her unwavering thought and patience.

Through her faith, my own was restored and my life has been completely transformed. On the date of this magazine issue, I will be 10 years sober. At my soldier’s enrolment ceremony in 2017, we sang ‘I Believe That God the Father’ (SASB34),which contains the line ‘others may reject the weakling, I believe they can be strong’. This truly represents Hilary’s actions, sharing of faith and influence, for which I shall be eternally grateful.

Becky Gardner (Staple Hill)

Cameo Leader Barbara Fayers

The corps is incredibly blessed to have Barbara who runs our coffee morning and Cameo club. She has given us time to build friendships and exchange tips and information, while being waited on with cups of tea and coffee, homemade cake, sandwiches, beans on toast and soup.

The practical advice, quiet prayer support and thoughtful Scripture she shares with us – and the Christmas carol concerts – are such a blessing. Her witness and love for the Lord shine through in her actions and all the ladies who attend Cameo would love to nominate her as our unsung hero.

Carolyn Carey

Barrie is almost 91 and still active in the corps, playing tuba in our band. Until recently Barrie sold the War Cry in the high street, always ready to have a chat.

Recently Barrie has had health challenges and his lovely wife, Avery, now receives nursing care. Despite this, Barrie still does what he can and is ready to tell anyone who will listen – including staff at the hospital – that he is in The Salvation Army. For a few weeks Barrie was unable to attend meetings, yet had conversations with his carers about what he was reading in the Bible. 

Barrie was instrumental in inviting a couple from our Memory Lane Café to meetings, who now attend regularly. Following a recent fall, when he hurt himself quite badly, Barrie was at Sunday worship the next day when others may have understandably rested at home. Barrie is humble, never late, never misses meetings or band practices, encourages young and old alike and is always ready to share his faith. He is an inspiration to me and so many.

Corps officer Major Annette Guest

Robert is a well-known figure in Buckfastleigh, Ashburton and the surrounding area, regularly selling 400 War Cry and 10 Kids Alive! in all weathers. When he turned 80 in August this year, some of the band went to play in his road on the Sunday afternoon.

Letters had already been sent to his neighbours that this was to celebrate Robert’s birthday, but Robert himself was unaware until the band struck up with ‘Happy Birthday to You’ – a complete surprise! Cake and fruit juice were shared. It felt like a real community event.

Corps officer Major Nigel Byrne

Chrissy is the backbone of the corps. A soldier for many years, and a true prayer warrior. She never forgets a birthday, even when members move away. Each card has a handwritten prayer chosen specially for the recipient.

At random times throughout the year, a card will turn up on your doormat, with a prayer especially for you. Washing machine broken down? War or famine in foreign lands? Chrissy will have a prayer for that!

We are so grateful that God blessed us with Chrissy.

Linda Daubney

Brenda Square

Brenda has been a lifelong soldier at the corps. She has in past years run the parent-and-toddler group in a caring Christian way, run tabletop sales and other fundraising activities, and has always been in the background supporting and encouraging others.

In recent years, although battling with cancer, she has taken over running the crafts group and raised money by having her head shaved. She is a stalwart who has a strong faith that she is always ready to share with others.

Corps Treasurer Pauline Radford

Major Joan Clark is the epitome of age is just a number. She is a genuinely supportive and pastoral person. Recently she noticed someone wasn’t looking after themselves and quietly sent a card to affirm, encourage and offer support.

She was also recently recognised by Bexley borough as an outstanding long-service contributor to the community. Major Joan has a smile to light up a room. Her passion and dedication for Jesus never waver. She is beloved by all who know her.

The reason I particularly see her as an unsung hero is because she doesn’t fight change, she approaches it with an open mind and this has been significant as the corps began to welcome children for the first time in many years. Her motto is ‘Joy’: Jesus first, others second and yourself last. She is a legend and is loved beyond belief.

Corps officer Captain Katy Shubotham

Brian is our herald, he’s been heralding for seven years, and can be seen twice a week selling the Army papers with a cheerful smile and a heart full of love for Jesus.

Corps officer Captain Claire Durrant

Major Ruth has the gift of intercession and comes alongside our fellowship offering a word of encouragement, a promise of prayer and displays the characteristics of Jesus to us all.

Corps officer Captain Claire Durrant