High Sheriff awards for Salvation Army officers

The High Sheriff of Bedfordshire has acknowledged the work of The Salvation Army in Dunstable and Luton during the pandemic with awards for the corps (churches) and officer at Luton.

The High Sheriff commended and recognised the care and dedication of the officers and corps at Dunstable, thanking them for, ‘the incredible support that you provide’.

The corps is led by Majors Stephen and Lindsay Brevitt, who said: “We have been pleased to be able to continue to serve our community throughout the pandemic lockdowns.  Headed up by our Community team leader, Jim Dawson, we have continued to hold our drop-in sessions (four per week) where people can receive food, some clothing, a shower, advice, sign-posting to other agencies etc. 

“I must also pay tribute to the overwhelming generosity of our local community who have donated food, money, Christmas gifts and much more besides.  We could not have done it without them!”

The Corps At Dunstable works in conjunction with the local Trussell Trust food bank meaning they could deliver food to people who needed to isolate and also collected and delivered prescription medication for those not able to get out.

The Salvation Army corps at Luton was twice-awarded for its community work by the High Sheriff, during the pandemic, distributing over 10,000 food parcels, toys to children at Christmas, hot meals, and outreach to older people, as well as the lonely and vulnerable in the town. Over 1000 children received toys through The Salvation Army toy appeal, donated through an Amazon wish list.

Major Ralph Walker leader of Luton Corps was also awarded the Citizenship award by the Sheriff in March 2021 for all his work during the pandemic in serving the local people of Luton.

Major Ralph Walker said: “It was a real honour to receive this award and to be able to make such a difference to thousands of lives. Luton Salvation Army was here before the Pandemic doing exactly the same then as they are doing now, and it will continue to help and serve the community of Luton for years and years to come. Nobody should go hungry or go without the basic needs we all need to survive. If you need us, we will be there for you.”

The High Sheriff award was given to the corps on 6 April 2021 and the two awards for Luton were in June 2020 and January 2021. The Citizenship award was presented to Major Ralph Walker in March 2021 via a zoom call by then High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Mrs Susan Lousada.