Watford’s Salvation Army leaders honoured with award

Watford’s Salvation Army leaders were presented with a prestigious award from the town’s elected mayor earlier this month ahead of their departure to lead a new church in the Outer Hebrides.

Captain Mark and Grace Scoulding received a Mayor’s Community Award from Peter Taylor in recognition of their exceptional dedication and lasting impact on local schools and families.

Mark and Grace first approached the Mayor with a clear vision of supporting and uplifting local children through meaningful engagement with schools. Since then, the couple have worked closely with the Inclusive Multi Academy Trust schools: Beechfield, Cherry Tree and Laurance Haines. 

The Scouldings have worked hand-in-hand with these schools, helping create a strong sense of community, responsibility, and care. They have encouraged children to grow food, chaired governor meetings, and provided hands-on support for families in need. 

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said Mark and Grace were thoroughly deserving of the honour.

He said: “I was delighted that I could present Captain Mark and Grace Scoulding with this community award. They have made such a positive difference to our community during their time in Watford. Time and again they have gone out of their way to help others. They’ve been a massive help to local schools, inspiring children to grow their own food, chairing governor meetings with dedication, and offering practical support to families in need. From all of us in Watford, we wish them the very best in their new adventure in Scotland. They will be greatly missed!”

Mark said he and Grace have been honoured to serve Watford for nearly a decade.

He said: “Since the pandemic, through community partnership, we have been privileged to distribute over 42,000 meals to struggling families, more than 7,000 gifts for children to open on Christmas morning, and 600 children have graduated through our allotment project. Watford has been our home for nearly nine years, and we will miss this wonderful town.”

Mark and Grace Scoulding will become leaders of The Salvation Army in Stornoway at 14 August.

Captains Jonathan and Lee Raggett will become the new leaders of Watford Salvation Army later in the summer. For more on the church and charity in the town, go to www.salvationarmy.org.uk/watford