The reach of #SalisburysGotTalent

During his Inauguration address, Bishop Stephen gave away '10,000' talents, with a mandate to invest it into changing lives around us pound by pound. Since that day, a steady flow of stories of generosity and creativity for God's Kingdom have popped up – even from 89 year-old Della Jones MBE: 

"I brought home the £10 full of bright ideas of what I could spend it on? Even buying produce at my Church's harvest auction to make preserves that I could sell. But after much deliberation I decided, taking into account that I shall be 90 years old on St. Swithin's Day, to return my gift aid envelope with £20 thereby sensibly more than doubling my talent challenge but still within my present capabilities. I regret that it wasn't more but at least I tried." 

Della made a wonderful effort with her talent, as did this young lady and her brother: 

Ashley Liddington, on Twitter, said: 

"Little lady was so proud to put her donations into the food bank bin today at St Philips West Howe, Her and her brother used their 10 talents to bless others thanks to @bishopsarum and the @DioSalisbury" 

One of the more unusual stories we have heard is from Susie Lamb, who managed to increase her talent sixfold. Susie sells moth cocoons, that she rears from eggs, to fellow enthusiasts – this time, she used the £10 to pay for postage and then donated her profits to the Sudan Link. 

The Revd John and Anne Rees decided to buy food for the first Staverton School Breakfast Church on 3 July. 

Another person present bought 10 paperback books from their church bookstall, proceeds going to church funds. The book sellers were absolutely delighted, as sales have been very quiet post Covid. The books will now be given to the local hospital bookshop and sold for £1.50 each, generating a further £15, this time for the hospital stars appeal - £10 multiplied into £25 for not one, but two great causes. 

Again multiplying their money, someone decided to price match their talent, gifting £10 to the Leprosy Mission, and £10 to a friend struggling financially – who was then also inspired to give to someone else! 

A golf player rallied the members of the club he plays at to give with him. Many of the group have been affected by cancer, and by relating the story of #SalisburysGotTalent, the player managed to persuade them to donate too – what started as a £10 note, ended up as £130 given to Cancer UK. 

Bishop Stephen said,

“The response to the call to use our Talents has been incredible. Every day I am hearing of generosity, new initiatives, and acts of kindness. It’s clear to me that Salisbury Diocese really has got talent!” 

Were you there? Let us know how you've decided to use your talent. If not, you can still watch the address here, and perhaps be inspired to join in with £10 of your own.