'I'll be back' says Salvation Army General

THE first Salvation Army General to visit Alderney has promised to give the island a special mention in his memoirs.

General Shaw Clifton and his wife, Commissioner Helen Clifton, took a tour of the Channel Islands at the weekend. They visited Jersey and Alderney before taking part in the Liberation Day celebrations in Guernsey. While in the island they had coffee at the Belle Vue before attending a special service at the Catholic Church.

Speaking at a special lunch at the Salvation Army Hall in High Street, General Clifton said islanders had been most welcoming.

'We've come on a beautiful day with glorious blue sky. Alderney has landscapes to die for and the people here have a most welcoming spirit,' he said.

'I'm really delighted to be the first general to come to Alderney. That's a real blessing and I promise the island will get a special mention in my memoirs.'

Visiting Alderney meant a maiden trip in a Trislander for General Clifton and his entourage – something that took a bit of getting used to.

'After the first five minutes the flight was very pleasant,' he said. 'I do a lot of travelling, but I'm used to bigger planes. The flight was fun in the end and the young pilot did a great job. It was lovely to see Alderney from the air, in the sunshine.'

General Clifton went on to praise local Salvation Army Territorial Envoy John Charlton and his wife, Kath.

'The Envoy and his good lady are doing a tremendous job here. It's a spiritual ministry and they are reaching out to people with special needs with teaching and practical methods.

'I also think it's great we're in a building that used to be a Methodist building. The Methodist Church and Salvation Army have strong historical connections.

'I'm encouraged by what I see in Alderney. There is openness about the people here and they have a nice spirit of encouragement.'

General Clifton said he'd like to return to the island in future.

'To come back one day, for a nice relaxing holiday, would be a delight. The next stay would have to be longer, though.'

Mr Charlton said that local members had taken to General Clifton.

'He's acknowledged that it is the first time in 129 years, since the Salvation Army came to Alderney in 1881, that a serving general has visited the island,' he said.

'It has been very encouraging. He spoke really well at the meeting and people seem to have warmed to him.'