Salvationists honoured by the Queen at Maundy service

[Retired Major Ena Deakin and Bandsman Alf Wileman] 

Two Salvationists are among 178 local unsung heroes to receive Maundy money from the Queen at the special Royal Maundy service at Sheffield Church of England Cathedral today, 2 April 2015.

Retired Major Ena Deakin and Alf Wileman were nominated after the Dean of Sheffield invited local church leaders to put forward members who are over 70 years old and who, they believed, had made a significant contribution to the community and church.

They will be presented with the specially minted Maundy Money by the Queen in front of a congregation of more than 1000. It is the first time this service has been held in South Yorkshire.

The Salvation Army’s Divisional Commander for Yorkshire, Lt. Colonel Mike Highton said: “We’re delighted that both Major Ena and Alf’s faithfulness to God and The Salvation Army has been recognised.”

Major Ena, 87, became a Salvation Army Officer in 1947 and during her time in service was a Divisional Commander. However, despite retiring in 1984 she has continued to work hard contributing to the community in Sheffield both through leading services, and playing a key role in supporting the church and charity’s emergency food provision in the city.

Alf Wileman, has made a significant contribution to the community and church in Sheffield. He’s been a member of The Salvation Army’s Sheffield band for nearly 70 years and has spent many years mentoring young people through his musical talent and spiritual guidance as the Junior Band Leader at Sheffield Citadel and also as a leader at the Divisional Music School for more than 20 years. Despite being 87 Alf continues to inspire young people and visits local schools to share his experience as an evacuee during the Second World War.

The British monarch’s Maundy Thursday service has been held in England since the 12th Century, to mark Jesus washing his disciples’ feet.

This year The Salvation Army is celebrating 150 years of transforming lives and it is still at the heart of every community today, supporting those in need.