60 Years in the Band
The following Press Release has been sent to Local Media this week regarding Peter Wood.
Peter Wood
60 YEARS A SALVATION ARMY BANDSMAN
Medway resident Peter Wood has celebrated 60 years as a member of Chatham’s Senior Salvation Army Band. His dedication was recognized publicly during morning service on Sunday (24 May) by Major Drew McCombe. Members of the band, led by Bandmaster Carl Woodman, also showed their appreciation during Band rehearsal on Tuesday evening (26 May).
Peter John Wood was born in September 1933 and, as a young person, became a member of the Young People’s Band of Chatham Salvation Army. As a teenager he joined the Senior Band of which he is still a member 60 years later.
At the time his father, Jim Wood, was playing tuba in the Chatham Band and Peter joined him to play trombone. During the ensuing years he has played several different instruments and now plays tenor horn.
His first employment found him working in London as a civil servant for Customs and Excise. In 1951 he was called up for National Service and joined the Royal Air Force. During his two years service he spent some time in the Suez Canal Zone and Egypt where he linked up with other Salvationist bandsmen.
On discharge from the RAF, Peter went to work at the Kent Oil Refinery, Isle of Grain, for BP. He worked his way up over the years into higher level management and was one of the last people working at the Oil Refinery before it closed. After he retired, Peter took on the job of BP Pensioner Liaison Manager and was glad to be able to visit the BP Pensioners to give advice, at the same time showing his Christian values through his keen concern for their welfare and that of their families.
Peter has always been a member of Chatham’s Salvation Army church and although his main interest has been playing with the band, he also spent a considerable number of years with his wife Catherine serving as leaders with the Baden Powell sections (Scouts, Guides, etc.). Peter served as Group Scout Leader.
Peter has been a loyal and dedicated bandsman and was Band Secretary for a period of just over 11 years. He has always maintained a strong Christian faith.
where it all began
Peter says: I have enjoyed my service in the band. The “Army’s” music always gives me a thrill and a great lift.
The following pictures were taken at the presentation made by Bandmaster Carl Woodman which was attended by past and present members of the band together with Peter’s wife Cathy and members of the family.
