Ipswich Salvation Army salutes commanding officer Andrew Jarrold as he retires after five years

The leader of Ipswich’s Salvation Army has reflected on his time with the charity as he retires after almost five years.

Major Andrew Jarrold, commanding officer, has been in the town since July 2020, towards the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The period was fraught with challenges but he leaves with a ‘deep appreciation’, he said.

Friends, colleagues and community leaders joined Mr Jarrold at the Salvation Army’s Prior Centre, in Queen’s Way, to celebrate his retirement.

Mr Jarrold said: “Serving the people of Ipswich has been a great honour. I witnessed so much kindness and resilience during the biggest challenge we’ve faced in recent years and I leave with a heart full of memories and deep appreciation.

“After lockdown lifted, I wanted to reach out to the local community to let them know we were open again and ready to help.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside such a dedicated team and look forward to the continued impact of our work in the Ipswich community.”

Under Mr Jarrold’s leadership, the Salvation Army introduced new services such as a toddler group and emergency food provision.

It also formed ecumenical links with other churches and worked to develop engagement and diversity.

At the celebration, tribute was paid to Mr Jarrold’s service and his impact what impacts his time in the town had.

He said he would look back fondly at his time in Ipswich.

Mr Jarrold added: “God has really blessed us at Ipswich and the dedication and commitment of people, volunteers and the various teams across the three centres have also been a real blessing.

“I would also like to thank Major Jo Todd, associate officer, for all her help and wisdom over her time as part of the Ipswich Salvation Army team.”

Shamila Waddle, Priory Centre manager, paid warm tributes to Andrew.

She said: “Andrew has made remarkable contributions as the commanding officer for Ipswich and his leadership has been both inspiring and transformative.

“His legacy of compassion, humour and forward-thinking ideas will undoubtedly continue to shape Ipswich Salvation Army for years to come”.