2010 to 2020
2010
Just as in the Gospels two or more historians are better than one. In addition to the “Official” Corps History Book, additional details have been provided by Peter Wood.
JANUARY
16
Visit of Territorial Commanders Commissioners John and Elizabeth Matear to dedicate the new Foyer Coffee Lounge, followed by an evening of celebration.
17
Territorial Commanders leading the meetings
23
A new venture. It was decided to hold a Fellowship Meal, with all the corps invited, at The Prince Charles Hotel, Old Brompton to launch the ‘Give to Grow’ programme. A large number attended, enjoyed a wonderful meal served in pleasant surroundings and listened with interest to the presentation, introduced by Songster Leader Adrian Horwood, on plans for growth.
24
Meetings led by Majors Drew and Beverley McCombe introducing ‘Give to Grow’.
31
Commitment and Covenant Day meetings led by Cadets David and Jennifer Gosling.
FEBRUARY
7
Meetings again led by Cadets David & Jennifer Gosling of ‘Prayer Warriors’ Session
12
‘Hot Potato’ informal meeting to discuss ‘Hot’ subjects of the day.
17
An informal reunion/get-together was held in the YP Hall with members of the Gospel Choir Fellowship met together to see, over a cup of tea and cakes, dvd. snippets and pick up their copies of the Carol Concert DVD.
19
Number One on our Roll Mrs Dorothy Read is 101 years young today.
20
Band gave a concert at Otham Village Hall in aid of St.Nicholas Church funds.
21
Laura Buchan was enrolled as a Junior Soldier by Major Drew McCombe.
22
The Foyer Coffee Shop, manned by Margaret and David Sutton, opened its doors to the public for the first time. Although a slow start, a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere has been created to encourage further use.
24
Kidz Club outreach held its first event in the foyer of “Endeavour House”, the Army’s venture in Shipwright estate, Chatham.
The 6th Corps ‘Christianity for Life’ course commenced with 14 people participating.
28
Erin Burdett commissioned a Singing Company Member, also Paula Butteriss-Dean and Gina Castle were commissioned Songsters by Cadet David Gosling.
MARCH
2
First ‘Prayer and Praise” Meeting for youngsters aged 7 to 16 years old. Great songs aided by the KAOS Worship Group.
13
The Fellowship Team organised a ‘Mr & Mrs’ Quiz evening in aid of the corps Building Fund
which raised £216.00.
14
Mothers Day Meetings.
21
Meetings led by Cadets David & Jennifer Gosling their last training weekend at Chatham.
26
The next K.A.O.S. (Kids Alive) Outreach was held at our hall with YPSM Tracy Wood and YP workers arranging a relaxing informal evening especially for unconnected children.
28
Palm Sunday Meetings led by Majors Drew & Beverley McCombe.
30
Holy Week meetings today held by Band and Songsters playing and singing Easter Music under the title ‘On Calvary’s Track’
APRIL
1
Major Richard Mingay led today’s Holy Week Meeting
2
Good Friday Meeting followed by united churches procession and Witness in the town centre
4
Easter Day Meetings with the theme “Victory of the Risen Christ” led by our Majors Drew & Beverley McCombe.
Several of our young people attended the Divisional Children’s Camp at Robertsbridge.
17
A fun evening of ‘Line Dancing’
22
Lt. Col. Ray Steadman-Allen led an open Songster Practise with present, and former songsters together with other interested persons.
24
Evening festival given by Chelmsford Songsters (Leader Jo Mackintosh) with Chatham Band supporting.
25
Meetings led by Major Andy Cox (DHQ), Divisional Director for Evangelism. He also joined with the band on St. George’s Day parade to Rochester Cathedral for the Annual Scout and Cubs service.
30
Kids Alive outreach continues – ‘Prayer and Praise’ meeting with Worship Group.
MAY
9
Sunday evening meeting under the title ‘Inspirations’ was presented by Richard Phillips at the piano.
15
Evening Festival given by Kettering Band under Bandmaster Richard Phillips
16
Evening meeting held at the corps with the congregation from Emmaus Church Centre joining us.
Rev Brian Adams gave the address.
JUNE
5
Songsters give a programme of music and song at Gillingham Methodist Church in aid of church funds.
6
Morning meeting included the dedication of Benjamin Matthew Craik, son of Richard and Claire.
12
The Fellowship Group, leader Sam Wood, organised a Sponsored Walk/Run at Manor Park Country Park at West Malling. Nearly 40 people took part, cheered on by others, and over £1650 was raised.
27
Enrolment of Fiona Pennington as a Junior Soldier and the commissioning of Chloe Sales-Butteriss as a Junior Musician (Singing Company), both ceremonies conducted by Major Drew McCombe. Band and Songsters again took part in the annual Service of Remembrance at Medway Crematorium in glorious sunshine.
JULY
4
Sunday evening meeting united with Emmaus Centre at Emmaus, Clover Street
11
Junior Soldiers Day of Renewal (10am) led by Divisional Children’s Officer Kathy Doncaster.
14
The Ladies Fellowship and friends enjoyed a trip on the River Medway on the “Kentish Lady”. A lovely evening with drinks and refreshments provided.
18
Renier and Chrismarie Mouton were recognised as Adherent Members and elder son, Renzo (nearly 3) was added to the Cradle Roll. Younger son Rico (1 year) was also dedicated to God by Major Drew McCombe.No 6 pm. Meeting to allow corps folks to visit the Divisional Fiesta Field Day at Bletchingley. Our own Gospel Community Choir joined with Hythe Gospel Choir and took part in this event.
22
‘Open’ Songster Practice for anyone interested in singing and sharing with the songsters.
24
Young People’s Outing to Joss Bay was well supported with about 85 people attending
25
Meetings led by Majors Michael and Elizabeth Lloyd,formerly out of Chatham and now stationed at Tunbridge Wells. In the afternoon a special service was held when Valerie and Vic Smith renewed their wedding vows. Thirty four years ago the couple were married in a local Register Office but now Val has become a Christian and wanted to renew her vows in church and with Christian friends present. Major Drew McCombe conducted the ceremony and was assisted by Theresa Tranah, Ray Knapman, Sarah Lockwood and Jean Jones.
28
The Thanksgiving Service for the life of Rachael Mills, 40, was conducted by Major Drew McCombe.
AUGUST
8
With the Commanding Officers on Furlough the Morning |Meeting was led by Ruth Hardy and the evening meeting by Lt. Colonels Michael and Martha Pressland
22
29 Officers and staff from The Salvation Army’s International College for Officers led the meetings bringing a new insight to army work throughout other parts of the world.
29
Divisional Leaders Lt. Colonels Anthony and Gillian Cotterill led the morning meeting as our CO’s were attending their daughter Catherine’s wedding in the South Wales.
SEPTEMBER
5
Major Drew McCombe led Morning Meeting and Evening Meeting was led by Major Mark Herbert, Territorial Candidates Director for the UK and N.I.
12
Evening Service joint with Emmaus Centre at our corps hall.
26
Morning meeting led by CO. Major Drew McCombe and the evening meeting led by Paul and Wendy Scoulding,
OCTOBER
2
High Tea was provided by the young people for about 80 Corps Folks as part of the Harvest Weekend celebrations, raising £190 for the Corps Building Fund and our Mission Partner programme. This was followed by a well-organised and attended evening of Line Dancing, which raised a further £350.
3
Harvest Sunday, with gifts presented by the children, and Jessica Scott was recognised as an Adherent of the Salvation Army by Major Drew McCombe in a short ceremony of acceptance.
4
Launch of ‘mainly music’ By Verna Smith and helpers.‘Mummy and Me’ is primarily for parents with first babies, although siblings born before the first child is 2 are able to attend. The group meets each Friday from 10am – 12noon except during the main school holidays.
‘mainly music’ is for parents with children up to 5 years and is an internationally recognised programme with its headquarters in Melbourne, Australia. The group meets each Monday during school terms from 10am -12noon
10
YP Annual prize-giving, led by the young people and YPSM Tracy Wood. The hall was well-filled with parents, families and friends including the BP Sections.
17
In a departure from the normal Sunday evening format we were treated to a programme of ‘Gospel Swing’ music given by the Band.
NOVEMBER
14
Evening Meeting united with the Emmaus Centre at their church
21
Martin Davis was enrolled as a Senior Soldier in the morning meeting. Michael Gibbs made a fresh commitment as part of his joint membership of the church and the army.
28th
3pm-9 pm. Special prayer event for the Corps Christmas Programme
DECEMBER
5
The morning meeting included a special toy service for donation to Christmas Gifts for the underprivileged, and the dedication of Liam, Lewis, Leon, and Sherrie-May, the family of Richard and Jo Medhurst, attracted to the ‘army’ through the corps outreach of ‘Mummy and Me’ and ‘mainly music’.
8
The band again featured at the NHS Volunteers Annual Christmas Service at Rochester Cathedral.
11/12
The first Medway Towns Annual Christmas Carol Service to be held in our own hall. With increasing costs and diminishing audiences at the Central Theatre it was decided to hold the event in our own hall his year. The production, called “On a Starry Night”, was enjoyed by capacity audiences, on Saturday at 6pm and Sunday at 4 pm. Band, Songsters, YP Singing Company and YP Band all took part as usual also with a drama group presentation. Collections were taken which raised nearly £700.
13
The Parent and Toddler Group “mainly music” held their Christmas Nativity party.
19
KAOS Carol Service featuring mainly the Young People did not take place on Sunday Morning as Heavy snow and lack of parking facilities meant that access to the hall was considered unsafe. The usual Corps Carol Service in the evening was held as conditions had imporoved a little.
25
Our only Christmas Day meeting was led by Major Drew McCombe on the theme of ‘Word became Flesh’ and was well attended considering the weather conditions.
26
On Sunday there was just one meeting (morning), this time led by Major Beverley, and the engagement of Vanessa Robinson to Ryan Cripps was announced.
2011
JANUARY
2
Sunday Morning Meeting Only.
29
Young People’s Singing Company made recordings for a CD, at Troytown Primary School, Rochester to be produced as a joint venture with Kettering Young People’s Band.
FEBRUARY
4
First ‘Prayer and Praise’ meeting of the New Year for the 7 to 13 year olds – now to become a fortnightly event.
19
Number One on the Corps Roll, Mrs Dorothy Read, is 102 years of age today
26/27
Weekend visit of The International Staff Band. Saturday afternoon Open Air Witness was cancelled due to heavy rain, but this did not deter a large crowd who enjoyed the Saturday Evening festival. Sunday weather improved and the congregation enjoyed the Gospel presented by the band and were able to join in a march of witness and Open Air Service in the town centre, where people gathered to listen to both music and message.
MARCH
5
The Sutton and Woodhouse families organised a Charity event in aid of Childrens’ Liver Disease.
13
Don and Trish Hall, who came to the corps via the Christian Mororcyclists Bikers Association, were enrolled as Soldiers of The Salvation Army
APRIL
3
Mother’s Day Meetings led by Major Beverley McCombe (CO). Prayers were led by the Castle family, Vanessa Robinson, (Asst. YPSM) spoke about her family experience and Gina Duhig, a recent new soldier, about the way her family had helped her come to a knowledge of God.
The Baden Powell Sections were on ‘Church Parade’ at the corps sharing this service.
9
It was ‘Dads’ day at the Parent and Toddler Group, an activity for Dads and their children under 5 years old.
17
Candidate for officership, Mark Scoulding, led the evening meeting.
19
A programme of Easter Meditation began on this Tuesday with a programme of music presented by the Band and Songsters.
21
A meeting entitled ‘Worship and the Word’ was led by Major Mark Rose from the William Booth Training College.
22
Major Noel Wright, Assistant Territorial Evangelism Secretary, and Major Mrs Marion Wright led Good Friday Meetings. The theme of the day’s meetings was ‘For Me Instead of Me’. The morning meeting was followed by a Chatham United Churches walk of Witness through the town centre, stopping on the way for a Scripture Reading and testimony at various points en route. Music was provided by the corps band.
APRIL
24
Easter Sunday Meetings were again led by Major Noel and Marion Wright.
25
The corps Fellowship Purpose Group organised a picnic and games for all those interested, at Manor Farm Country Park, West Malling, it was well attended.
30
“Roots” weekend at Stockport was attended by some corps members.
MAY
1
Sunday Morning included the Dedication of baby Hannah Slater by Major Drew McCombe, with many family members and friends sharing in the occasion.
2
Another Fellowship Group event at Manor Farm Country Park, W. Malling taking advantage of the extra holiday allowed by the Royal Wedding.
3
Davis Estate Home League celebrated 46 years since the outpost began in the front room of the home of Rose and Frank Reynolds. They had a celebration dinner which featured many of the long-term members.
7
Chatham Band gave a festival of music at Gillingham Methodist Church as part of the churches fund-raising event
8
Major Drew conducted the dedication ceremony of Hollie Ellen Ann Powley. Daughter of former YP Singing Company member Julie Powley (Nee Langley). Members of both Powley and Langley families with friends were present.
Worshippers from the Emmaus Centre joined us for the evening meeting, led by Reverend Brian Adams.
21/22
The Songster Brigade were ‘specialling’ at Tunbridge Wells SA Corps. Both leading the meetings and sharing music with the folks there. Local Leaders are Majors Michael and Elizabeth Lloyd, both originally from Chatham
JUNE
5
Many of our corps folks were in London to witness and support the ISB 120 celebrations, where the ISB and 7 other Staff Bands from around the world marched up The Mall to Buckingham Palace where a programme of band music was presented. Each Staff Band in turn marched out of the palace to the applause of the crowd of thousands congregated in the Mall and surrounding areas.
12
Reading Central Songster Brigade led the meetings for the day at 10 am and 4 pm. Theme for the meetings was ‘Pentecost’ as it was Pentecost Sunday. Good congregations enjoyed the music and ministry of the Reading comrades and their Christian enthusiasm.
18
London Central Fellowship Band and Chatham Songsters presented a Partnership Festival at Chatham with a good programme of lively and light-hearted music together proficient soloists, as well as more contemplative items. £350 was raised for the Corps Building Scheme.
19 Sunday Morning featured the Junior Soldiers Day of Renewal, where the young people renewed their promises and re-signed their covenant.
26
Both meetings were conducted by Second Year Cadets Steve and Melanie Scoulding (from Chatham), assisted by their son Candidate Mark Scoulding, who enters ‘training’ this year. Their last weekend meetings conducted by them before their ‘Commissioning’ on 9th July.Theme of the meetings was ‘Love in Action’
Sunday Afternoon the Band and Songsters took part at the Annual Service of Remembrance at the Medway Crematorium
JULY
2
An evening of Line Dancing in the YP. Hall organised by Shirley Tye.£127.00 raised for the Building Fund.
3
Band was away conducting meetings and outdoor events at Ramsgate, including an Open-Air session in Ramsgate Harbour area. Chatham BP sections were on Church Parade in the Sunday Morning meeting. Rachel Horwood was commissioned as Young People’s Singing Company Leader and Sam Wood as Asst. Junior Soldier Sergeant.
10
Another era in the life of Chatham Salvation Army corps has come to an end. Majors Drew and Beverley McCombe said their goodbyes as they move to new appointments at Territorial Headquarters. The morning meeting was devoted to this and featured music and tributes from YP and senior orps alike. A large crowd took part in this meeting. During the afternoon large numbers of corps members and friends gathered at Luton Recreation Ground for a time of fellowship which included many games and activities, including cricket, and a faith tea. The weather was kind (always a risk in the UK) and this was an excellent opportunity for people to offer their thanks and best wishes in a more extended way than is possible at the exit door of the hall.
17
Lt.Colonels Ray and Joy Steadman-Allen conducted the morning meeting. There was only one meeting to allow attendance at the Divisional Fiesta Day at Bletchingley.
23
KAOS and Sunday School outing to Joss Bay (Margate). A coach was organised by YPSM Tracy Wood while many others made their own way to the beach by car.
24
Morning meeting conducted by Ruth Hardy, as we await the arrival of our new Commanding Officers. Evening meeting was a joint service at The Emmaus Centre.
31
Welcome Sunday and installation of new Commanding Officers Majors Alec and Andrea Still, conducted by Lt. Colonel Gill Cotterill (DHQ). Major Andrea also has an appointment at Territorial Headquarters.
AUGUST
5
Young People’s ‘Prayer and Praise’ meeting.
8
This weekend a number of our Young People attended the Divisional Summer Camp at Vinehall, Robertsbridge.
31ST Lt. Colonel Lawrence Sutton Promoted to Glory after a long and distinguished career in the worldwide Salvation Army.
SEPTEMBER
4
Divisional Candidates Farewell at Maidstone Corps, which included our own Mark Scoulding who enters the William Booth College this session. Ruth Hardy now takes over the leadership of the Youth Group
7
Helen Gallagher was guest speaker at the meeting of the Service and Ministry Purpose Group which signalled our involvement with the new Medway Foodbank. A basket was placed in the foyer of the hall in which could be placed ‘in date’ tins or non perishable foods. This project is to meet short-term crisis needs.
17
A festival to celebrate the 89th birthday of Lt. Colonel Ray Steadman-Allen was held at Maidstone Corps. South London Fellowship Band and Chatham Songsters took part. Principal Trombonist of Black Dyke Band Brett Baker was guest soloist. The event was also a fund-raiser for Joy Steadman-Allen’s ‘Parkinson’s Project’
22
Councillor David Brake was Mayor of Medway for 2010-2011. The Salvation Army in Chatham was one of the several charities selected by him for support during his term as Mayor.
25
It’s been a busy week with all those possible carrying out the Annual Door-to-door Appeal collection. Culminating in our Sunday Morning meeting led by Majors Alec and Andrea Still. In the evening we were joined by Reverend Brian Adams with his congregation from Emmaus Church Centre
OCTOBER
2
Harvest Sunday. Café Church took place at 4 pm. Organised by the Fellowship Group.
9
This week was the YP Annual Prizegiving when the children of KAOS presented individual musical items in the morning meeting organised by YPSM Tracy Wood.
13
Commencement of the new Book Club meeting each month in Costa Coffe on Chatham High Street.
21
Once again the ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ was supported by the Parent and Toddler Group raising money for MacMillan Cancer Support. The event this year raised in excess of £185.
26
Our Adherents met for their Annual Fellowship Tea, under the leadership of Majors Jim and Alma Brown
NOVEMBER
13
Laura Buchan and Chloe Buttress-Dean were presented with the Mike Woodhouse Award for regular attendance at Sunday School during the year. Evening meeting shared at Emmaus Church
14
Rose Reynolds Promoted to Glory. Rose was a lovely Christian lady who served the Lord, working among the residents of Davis Estate, where she lived for almost 50 yrs.
17
The Ladies Fellowship packed 21 shoeboxes for the Blytheswood Care Shoebox Appeal 2011 at their meeting.
19
A small brass group played carols at the Bluewater Shopping Centre for the John Lewis Christmas launch.
DECEMBER
2
Christmas ‘Prayer and Praise’ for the young people.
3
Band took part in the Christmas Songs of Praise in Rochester Cathedral, part of the Dickensian Christmas weekend.
Band also played at West Malling Baptist Church in the evening
7
YP Band and Singing Company at Medway District Cubs Carol Service in our own hall. The service was led by YPSM Tracy Wood.
9
Band at Rochester Cathedral as part of NHS Volunteers Carol Service
10
The annual Community Carol Services were again held in our own hall on Saturday evening and Sunday Afternoon
11
Sunday Morning meeting featured the enrolment of five new Junior Soldiers, Erin, Daniel, Katie, Liam & Jasmine and one new Adherent, Richard Medhurst, was recognised.
13
YP Band and Singing Company leading Carols at Thorndyke House
15
Songsters sang carols at the Bluewater Shopping Centre.
16
The Youth Group sang carols to the shut-ins in the area.
17
The Dockyard Church was, once again, the venue for the annual Christmas Concert given by Chatham Band and the Rainham Ladies Choir.
17
The YP Corps Leaders and parents enjoyed a great ‘Pool Party’ with sole use of the Maidstone (Mote Park) Swimming Pool with eats and drinks to follow.
18
Morning meeting featured the KAOS Carol Service led by YPSM Tracy Wood with children taking a prominent part The evening meeting was the Corps Carol Service.
19
YP Band and Singing Company with carols at Pembroke Court
22
The Parent and Toddler Groups combined Christmas Party and Nativity took place in ‘The Hub’ Coffee Shop in our hall
23
Youth Group again carolling. The weather has been particularly mild this year and a full Christmas programme of has been possible.
24
‘Churches Together’ Carol Service around the Christmas Tree in Chatham High Street with 5the Band supporting the singing
25
Christmas Morning Meeting after which the band paid its usual Christmas Day visit to the Wisdom Hospice to end the Carolling programme.