Felixstowe Archive

The year started normally for the corps unaware of the events that were to follow later in the year.   It became apparent Major Stephanie's father's health was giving cause for concern and after a visit home to America, that Majors Bill & Stephanie would be leaving us in May and returning home.  It was determined we would be without officers until July 2020 and CSM John Ellitson assisted by the corps would take up the mantle.   January saw Neil Winton stand down as Songster Leader after 24 years and also standing down was Annette Scott as Deputy Songster Leader.   Simon Scott also stood down as Bandmaster.  March was a busy month with the YP weekend and Mothering Sunday.   In April we celebrated Easter at the hall and at the Triangle with CTIF.    We were encouraged to bring in plants that were then replanted outside in a 'Garden of Remembrance'.    May saw Majors Bill & Stephanie leave us to travel home after such a short time with us. A leaving service and tea were held for them.   We hosted a Community Fayre in the main & community halls in June. The many stalls and entertainment brought in many new people to the Salvation Army.    We hosted the Orwell Connections choir with the funds raised going towards the Big Collection.    Junior Soldiers Kathryn Idehen, Isabella Scott & Oliver Beaumont were enrolled in July.   The International College also joined us for a Sunday Morning Service.  Captains Mark & Emma Scott, guest preachers, took a Sunday Service in August as part of the Holy Habits series.   September was a very busy month as usual with the Big Collection taking centre stage.   Ruth Beattie, Youth Specialist from DHQ, as a guest preacher, took a Sunday Service.     Kevin Gray was commissioned as Songster Leader.    We had a surprise visit from Davide Capuano from Italy, one of Essentials students from 2016.   Harvest celebrations were to the fore in October with the main Harvest Festival, Explorers Festival and Harvest of the Sea, with the Fisherman's Mission from Lowestoft.   Connor Jessup was enrolled as a Junior Musician and Clare Jessup as a Songster.   In November we had the Shoebox Appeal.   December proved to be the busiest month of the year.   The ever popular Christmas Tree Festival started off the month.   The Band & Songsters had a busy carolling month that included Trimley St Mary Church, Waitrose, Hamilton Road and many other venues. The YP Band was also out in town. We had a full house for the Carol Service and we hosted many people for the Christmas Day lunch. Major Helen Schofield, from THQ, was the guest preacher.    Celebrating notable dates were: Les Bradley, 80th(June), Ray Versey, 90th(Oct), Bram & Maureen Skuse, Diamond Anniversary(March), Jim & Sheena Williams, Golden Anniversary(Oct), Trevor & Sheila Baker, Golden Anniversar (Oct). Clive Harrold celebrated 71 continuous years with the Band (Dec 16th)and 70 years with the Songsters(Dec 20th).  Promoted to Glory were: Major Jack Lawrance (Jan), Frances Scott(June), Brigadier Lillian Day(Aug), Major Gillian Andrews and Elsie Bewers(Nov).