SALE Salvation Army Citadel has welcomed two new Commanding Officers.

They are Major Graham Mizon and his wife of 38 years, Major Dawn Mizon.

They met when training at William Booth College in London.

Graham said: “At the time we were married, officers had to marry other officers but that is not the case now.”

For five years before moving to Sale, the couple ran a Salvation Army Church in Oxford Street, London.

“It was very busy and very different from Sale,” said Graham.

Dawn explained how before that they were at divisional headquarters in London.

Prior to doing similar work in Edinburgh, they worked at an army citadel near Sydney.

“It’s a shame we had to work, really!” joked Graham explaining that Australia was just one of 126 countries worldwide with a Salvation Army presence.

Although they conduct 200-strong Sunday services accompanied by a band, the pair also help with, among other organisations, Young in heart, a weekly club for seniors and baby massage, baby song and a parent and toddler group.

“Our new Sale charity shop is very welcoming.

“We are very practical,” said Graham, 63.

“We want to work shoulder to shoulder with other faith groups and those of no faith,” said Dawn, 61.

Graham originates from Oldham and his first job was at Sherratt and Hughes, the former bookshop in St Anne’s Square.

“I’ll spend my final working life in my home town. Dawn comes from Droitwich in Worcestershire so it will be new for her,” he said.