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On a rather dull and damp May Day Bank Holiday Monday I decided to venture out into the Derbyshire Dales (partly because my new fleet car is arriving earlier than anticipated and I had some fuel to use up). It was an excellent day, I just set the SatNav for a village in the Dales and then just went where I felt like – it was all a bit random and serendipitous! In true English fashion I took a flask of coffee with me, although I did end up in Ashbourne having a cappuccino after some chips! Lunch was an excellent salmon roll and salad for only £1.40 in Hartington Village Hall, and while there I dropped into a flower festival in the village church. Hartington also has an excellent cheese shop, and temptation got the better of me! The highlight of the day was a visit to Dovedale, somewhere I hadn’t been back to since a school outing many years ago. Health and safety legislation has increased since those days, and so the famous stepping stones are now higher and flatter! Check out my complete photoset here or just the best ones here.

Yesterday (on the last day of my spring holiday) I travelled up Middlesbrough to see the new appointment I’ll be taking up at the end of July 2012. I met the officers I’m taking over from, and shared lunch with them in what will be my new home. I also had the chance to see round the hall in the centre of the town. The photo shows the main worship hall. I also met one of the local officers, and we had a good chat about the vision the corps has for future. As a Salvation Army Officer I’m given changes of appointment by my leaders, following discussions with the corps and conversations with me. Following this process, I discovered where I was going in an early morning email back in February 2012. I’m already looking forward to this new opportunity for Christian leadership, witness and ministry, and count it a privilege to serve God in this way. I’m also grateful for the trust the Salvation Army has placed in me for the new responsibility.