NEWS
Exhilarating anniversary weekend Upper Norwood COMMISSIONERS Robert and Janet Street (IHQ) led 125th corps anniversary celebrations. When Commissioner Robert Street invited people to give testimonies, seven past and present soldiers responded, discussing significance of the corps as their spiritual home. After 20 minutes of personal testimony the commissioner remarked: ‘By the way, I’ve lost control of the meeting!’ This feeling of spiritual exhilaration surged through the corps after a week of celebrations, which included a corps dinner, a public exhibition of corps history, an open house to the weekly activities – where a 91-year-old woman conducted the band – and the four B-P sections partying together. The weekend events started with a full house for the Saturday reunion festival that included two new compositions: ‘The Challenge Of The Future’ by Peter Cooke and the march ‘Upper Norwood 125’ by Lieutenant Nicholas Samuel (Thurso). After Sunday worship the corps went to Crystal Palace Park for a picnic and a praise in the park service, which included drama, the songsters and the band. The timbrelists played a starring role, drawing children and parents to enter the challenge to learn to play the timbrel (see picture). – P. E. Corps members from Harlow relax after abseiling down the 110 ft tall Veolia water tower; they raised £500 towards buying new advertising boards for the corps and community centre
salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
Community band attracts a large response Morriston A COMMUNITY band consisting of past and present corps members was formed to encourage people to return to the Army. Bandmaster Lyndon Kervin hoped that those who do not normally go to the Army would be more comfortable in an informal setting. With the help of Band Secretary Derek Brown, the idea was amply rewarded with a very large band. The musicians offered a programme including swing and film music with pieces from The Great Escape and Saving Private Ryan, contrasting with ‘The Pearl’ and ‘Sing Hosanna’. – D. M. Sleaford: A songs of praise service at St Denys church was held outdoors. Corps officer Major Joy Caddy led the service, with hymns selected by different groups and organisations to represent the totality of village life. The Rev Sandra Benham led prayers. – N. M.
SALVATIONIST 9 June 2012
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