NEW HORIZONS 2012 Hundreds enjoy praise, worship and fun Bognor Regis A HECTIC week of praise, worship and fun ended with an impressive worship meeting and gala, marking the end of the New Horizons holiday camp. For some people the week was the end of an era as the camp will relocate to Butlin’s Skegness next year – but this poignancy fuelled the delegates’ enthusiasm to make this camp one to remember. Territorial leaders Commissioners André and Silvia Cox impressed the delegates with their honesty in the Hart to Heart session – a chat-show style interview led by Special Events Manager Mel Hart (THQ). The Territorial Commander admitted he didn’t expect the delegates to be ‘such a feisty lot’ while Commissioner Silvia Cox praised the territory and said: ‘You have everything!’ She continued: ‘You have the resources, the finance, you have all the gifts – and you have a Mel (Hart)!’ Mel also interviewed new soldier Martin Wightman (Tavistock), who attended the event as a staff member for the first time, and Justin Reeves, Editor of Kids Alive!, who discussed the pressures of producing the weekly children’s comic. Justin, accompanied by Kids Alive! mascot Patch the Dog, launched the balloon race. Two hundred and forty-two balloons were launched into the air, and, at the time of going to press, a tag from a balloon had already been returned from France. Meanwhile the children rehearsed their segment for the evening worship meeting. During the week the children explored the theme Fruit Of The Spirit through Bible stories and trying new fruit! Powerful, joyful singing signalled the start of the evening worship meeting as the colours of the ‘New Horizons Corps’ were brought out. In response to the Bible study theme explored throughout the week, Aim Higher, the congregation sang ‘Climbing Up The Golden Stair’ and Territorial Lay Evangelists Jenny and Mike Clark led the congregation in prayer and song. The children took centre stage to sing ‘I’m Gonna Jump Up And Down’, encouraging the congregation to join in – actions and all. Lieut-Colonel Ian Barr (THQ) addressed the congregation, referring to them as ‘the very large temporary corps that is here every year’. He took the opportunity to thank Mel Hart for making the week possible, referring to Mel as ‘a friend, a pastor and someone to rely on’. The congregation responded enthusiastically in applause. The staff then joined forces to sing ‘Let A Little Sunshine In Your Heart’. New Horizons Chaplains Major Kevin and Captain Catherine Rand (Norton) led a time of reflection to remember and pray for issues outside the camp and for the worldwide Salvation Army. This time of reflection ended
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with prayers for the ‘New Horizons Corps’, delegates’ own corps and the new ‘Skegness Corps’. Keith Turton and Claire Brine (both THQ) offered a powerful and moving drama presentation reminding the congregation that Jesus never forces anyone to follow him – everyone can make their own choice. This was followed by offerings from the New Horizons Band, led by Kevin Ashman (THQ) and assisted by Jason Jenkins (Llanelli). The TC gave a powerful message and stated: ‘Some Christians know more about what is going on in EastEnders. We know our TV schedule better than our Bible. Every generation needs to experience spiritual revival. It will happen only if we open our hearts and our lives to God.’ Then he read from Romans 12 and concluded: ‘The power of God to enable transformation is right here tonight.’ A glory march signalled the end of the meeting. The New Horizons Band opened the gala with the march ‘Bognor Regis’, written by Leslie Condon 40 years ago. To mark the occasion, his daughter Dot Condon-Howard (Waterbeach) conducted the piece. A photo flashback revealed some key moments during the week, including a visit from Colonels David (CS) and Sylvia Hinton and guest music sections. The choral group warmed up with ‘This Old Man’ before performing ‘I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing’, led by Ann Howlett-Foster (Cambridge). The drama group, led by Claire, presented a humorous sketch about Jonah. The delegates reacted well to an exuberant timbrel cabaret, led by Jonathan Searle (Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh), and talent show winner Kath Thornhill (Kidderminster) offered ‘Holy City’, followed by the band playing ‘Shalom’. Delegates then enjoyed a singalong as their last opportunity to enjoy each other’s company before returning home the next morning. – L. B. Team member Claire Brine speaks about some of the week’s activities IT was a joy to welcome Jonathan Searle and Ann Howlett-Foster to the entertainments team this year – and a relief that they were willing to make the guests laugh by dressing up in funny costumes and performing silly songs. They joined long-standing team members Keith Turton, Captain Mark Waghorn (Shoeburyness) and myself and musicians Territorial Envoy Ian Browning (Pontypool), Mike and Jenny Clark (THQ) and Callum White (Birmingham Citadel). On opening night the guests enjoyed the New Horizons Olympics, with events including the cocktail stick javelin and table swimming. Staff were paired up with guests to compete for medals, while the remaining audience cheered on from their comfy chairs in the auditorium. Saturday night’s entertainment was a
premature celebration of Christmas, complete with festive singing, mince pies, a visit from Santa and even a special Queen’s Speech (presented by Ann). The entertainments team were given a rest on Monday night as guests took to the stage for a talent show. The evening was full of music and laughter, and Cath Thornhill won first prize for her vocal solo. Everyone was invited to take a trip down memory lane on Tuesday, as the entertainments team presented songs and sketches about school days gone by. As head teacher, Keith Turton led audience participation games, including a spelling bee, while naughty pupils Captain Waghorn and Jonathan sang solos about their hardships as schoolchildren. Another popular night was Wednesday’s The Wizard Of Oz presentation. ‘Dorothy’ overcame the Wicked Witch to lead her misfit companions to Oz, where the Wizard taught them all about the importance of spreading happiness. Some of the congregation also took part in the fun by dressing up as their favourite characters from the film. As well as several Dorothys and witches, guests also turned up in home-made costumes created especially for the occasion, including a yellow brick road and a tornado. John Davie (Maidenhead), a delegate attending for the first time, recounts a week of fun, frolics and thoughtprovoking moments A HIGHLIGHT for me was the Christian fellowship – if you didn’t know people you soon made friends as everyone was so welcoming. It’s always astonishing to find links and discuss your faith with fellow Salvationists. Another highlight was the Bible studies. We had some great Bible study leaders all from THQ, including Colonel David Hinton, Lieut-Colonel Ian Barr, Majors Drew McCombe and Val Mylechreest, Captain Peter Renshaw and Commissioner Silvia Cox. The commissioner particularly led a very animated Bible study on the theme Aim Higher. I had time to see all the music sections – they were very good. Boscombe Songsters were featured on Saturday evening. In a New Horizons first, Maidenhead Band and timbrelists played in the Skyline Pavilion. On Monday Anna Lamplough (Birmingham Citadel) and friends entertained the delegates and on Tuesday we sat back and enjoyed an evening with Bandmaster Richard Phillips (piano, Kettering). After the performance from the entertainments team, the International Staff Songsters visited on Wednesday. I’m very glad I went. I booked only two weeks before the event, but it was terrific and was a great spiritual experience for me – I certainly recommend it to others. See photo feature on pages 6 and 7
SALVATIONIST 6 October 2012
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