February 2008

Assistant Band Sergeant Heather Sheldon has been installed as an Envoy by the divisional commander Major Mike Highton.

Heather, who left the police force earlier this year, tells of the time early in her police career when she became aware of her calling "I was driving my police car in Leigh on Sea and I became aware of a calling to be a Salvation Army Officer. I thought it was weird because I had no link with The Salvation Army. In fact I was not even a Christian."

Heather had originally expected to be commissioned as a 'new-style' Lieutenant, but during her preparations, the Army announced that no more people will be given the rank of Lieutenant as it was going to be returned to its previous use of being for the first five years of residentially-trained officers' service. The rank of auxiliary captain has not been available for some years so the only option was to be an envoy.

Heather has been appointed as chaplain to the Hadleigh Employment Training Centre. She is not new to chaplaincy work as she has been working there for the last four and a half years as part of the chaplaincy team on a part-time basis. She is now the the only chaplain and is full time. She is also chaplain to the mayor of Castle Point, Cllr Mrs Beverley Egan.

Divisional Command Major Mike Highton and CO Major Noel Wright flank Envoy Heather Sheldon at her installation. Former police colleague Clifton Pell holds the flag.

Chaplain to the Hadleigh Employment Training Centre and the Mayor Envoy Heather Sheldon is flanked by Shelley Carter, manager of the training centre and Cllr Beverley Egan, mayor of Castle Point.

In her office at the training centre, Heather listens to a trainee talking about football - all in the course of duty!

Heather chats to a trainee in the IT suite at the Training Centre

In the woodworking room a trainee shows Heather how she is sanding a Bible paperweight ready for sale.

Heather shows an interest in the work of a horticulture trainee

Relaxing with trainees at a tea break