Battle for the Bull Centre
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As can be seen in the video Chatham Band, with flags waving and timbrels playing, led the march to the open-air meeting in Dartford last Saturday to celebrate the Battle for the Bull Centre. This event was arranged to acknowledge the occasion, one hundred years ago, when three Salvationists were sent to prison for preaching in the streets. (If you would like to read a full account of the events of 1908 please click here)
Captain Andrew Bale, the Corps Officer, carried out a huge amount of research in order to recognise the defiance of the stalwarts of 1908. The Band and the current Dartford Salvationists left the Hall in Hythe Street to march around the town to One Bell Corner, near to where the arrests took place, in order to re-enact the happenings of that time (not the going to prison, of course).
On the march
Upon arrival at the venue a large crowd gathered to witness the occasion as the Salvationist were joined by the Mayor of Dartford, Councillor Ian Armitt with his wife Lynne. The photograph shows Mayor Armitt with his wife and Captain Andrew Bale.
For the next hour the Christian gospel was preached, just as it was 100 years ago, and a number of the songs used were based on the style of that era. The Band accompanied the singing (ably assisted by the Mayor) and included appropriate music including helping the timbrel players (aged 8 to 91years) to demonstrate their skills.
Salvationist who gathered around engaged with the crowd to bring the message of salvation and Captain Bale re-enacted the historic event using the medium of a Punch and Judy Show. Following the service the company marched back to the Hall for a well earned tea.
A moving connection with the past was the presence of two grandaughters of prisoners Ensign & Mrs Roy who had travelled from Wallasey, in the Wirral, to be present for the celebration. Rita Cowley is seen on the left and Margaret Moore on the right.
living relatives
The evening festival brought together music old and new and was blessed with a full hall. Two of the congregational songs were sung to the old music hall tunes (a number of these were used by the ‘Army’ in those days) of ‘Daisy Bell’ and ‘After the Ball was over’ and the congregation joined together in conclusion to sing “I’ll go in the strength of the Lord”, a rousing song of commitment to the future.
Music from the Band included ‘Travelling Along – Adrian Horwood, Euphonium’, Make me a channel of your peace’, ‘Love so amazing’, The Phoenician’, My all is on the Altar’ and ‘Task Force’. Dartford sections brought ‘Deeds of Valour’ (timbrels), ‘The way its gonna be’ (Young People’s Singing Company) and ‘Here am I, my Lord’ (singing group).
Lt. Col. Joy Steadman-Allen, who is the earliest surviving CO at Dartford (she was the officer in 1951) gave a brief history of her days at the corps and stirred many memories. Five people knelt at the mercy seat in rededication following Captain Bale’s appeal which included a re-enactment of one of William Booth’s sermons. Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Council, requested permission to address the congregation and said that he had been so moved by what he had seen and heard during the evening that ‘I have reset my spiritual compass to God’. (and may you follow His direction well, Jeremy). During the singing of the final song Mayor Ian Armitt joned the flag led ‘Glory’ march around the Hall echoing the way the ‘Army’ did things 100 years ago.
This was a hard-working day for the Band but one which wiil be remembered as a significant step along the road of future development at Dartford. Readers wishing to know more about the events of 1908 should click here.
Below are some pictures taken during the evening.
Jeremy Kite resets his compass
Mayor Ian Armitt joins ‘Glory’ march
Anyone wishing to contact Dartford Corps can click here. Your details will be forwarded to Captain Andrew Bale. Alternatively please contact Andrew direct at 01322 288434. The Hall address is 66, Hythe Street, Dartford, DA1 1BX