The Salvation Army Chatham

They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them

In common with many Salvation Army bands throughout the UK our own band once again took part in one of no less than six official Remembrance Sunday services within the Medway Council area. The reason for so many different events goes back to the days when each of the towns now forming Medway was a separate administration and also stems from the strong Naval and Military influence which has been present for hundreds of years. The Royal Engineers have a barracks (Brompton) in Gillingham and there was a Royal Navy base and dockyard for over 400 years until it was closed in March 1984.

Main Gate and Officers Mess, HMS Pembroke

Postcard from the past

Our Band took part in the service held at Victoria Gardens from where one can look across the River Medway to the site of the old Historic Dockyard. Suitable music was provided before the service began and the band accompanied the traditional Remembrance Day hymns including ‘O God, our help in ages past’, ‘O Valiant Heart’ and ‘Abide with me’. ‘Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’ were sounded by Bandsman Jeremy Davis to begin and end the two minute silence. Councillor Paul Godwin represented Medway Council and Member of Parliament Jonathan Shaw was also present along with others from many voluntary organisations. The presence of several hundred people indicated the interest still shown in this event. The service was led by Rev Brian Adams

The memorial and views of the River Medway which is the inspiration for our corps ‘vision’.

Rev Brian Adams, lowering of flags and some of the wreaths

Bandmaster Carl Woodman and parts of the Band

The laying of wreaths

Chatham Citadel Band has a long association with military musicians. Three of the current band are at present also playing in military bands (absent on military duty today) and no less than six former military musicians currently either play in the band or worship regularly at the corps. Reference is made in our History section to our association with the Armed Services.

For many centuries countless thousands of men and women have sacrificed their lives for their Faith and their Country. Only one man ever sacrificed his life for the whole world, that all men might be free of sin and live in peace with each other. That man was Jesus Christ.

HE shall not grow old as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary HIM nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember HIM

YES, EVERY DAY!