This is the week when we all sit down to write our thank you letters. Or perhaps we use the phone, or the email (or perhaps we even forget). Actually we’ve already received a number of ‘thank yous’ from families who received Christmas parcels. It’s nice to know that needs have been met and contacts have been made.

Amy wrote ‘Thank you for my Christmas Parcel’ and sent her  love.

Michelle Beattie (Community Nursery Nurse) wrote ‘Thank you so much for bringing the lovely gifts for some of our families. Julie and myself will be delivering them to ………………… (deliberately left blank) this week. They will be greatly received and will help towards a better Christmas. God bless you all. (again sent with love)

At least 4 phone calls have been received expressing gratitude, sometimes quite emotionally.

Philip and Maggie  wrote enclosing a substantial donation to help with the purchase of gifts (our turn to say thank you).

We are always moved to see the great need that exists in so many family situations and this somehow seems more poingant at Christmas. We pray that God will continue to help us meet need whenever and wherever we can.

The Christmas carolling season is nearly at an end. Just a couple of days to go and that will see the back of it for another year.

At a John Lewis store

There are many reasons why The Salvation Army conducts very active carolling programmes. Often there is a financial motive especially when churches run community outreach services. The picture above shows some of our Songsters singing in the John Lewis store at the Bluewater shopping centre (at the invitation of the store we must add). We are grateful to the store because, through it’s own generosity and that of it’s customers,£1300 was raised which will enable us to develop our premises to provide even greater services to our local community. Other fund raising carolling efforts have been made, particularly by the Band,  which will also add to the funds available for these services.

Often our various music group will visit elderly residents accommodation or hospitals, including the local hospice, to bring a taste of Christmas to those within, including the staff. Sometimes it is possible to raise funds for other deserving charities such as the new Medway Foodbank, which we have supported this year or to assist other groups in celebrations of their own, such as the NHS with the carol service in the cathedral. Macmillan Cancer Support also received the proceeds of the annual concert the Band gave with the Rainham Ladies Choir.

But, whatever the practical purposes behind the carolling programme, good as they may be, carolling is an important way of getting the Christmas message to many hundreds, indeed thousands, of people who just don’t seem to know what it’s all about. Opportunities for personal contact abound and are accepted gratefully. These can be a great blessing to many who just happen along when the Band is playing in the High Street or other places where people gather in substantial numbers.

So we give thanks to the public for the generosity shown even in times of financial hardship but more than all we give tahnks to God for the opportunity to witness to our faith and the Christian message which this world needs so badly.

Have a very happy Christmas and do remember what it represents.

Not that there was anything light about the parcels of food and presents we were able to distribute to those referred to us this year as being in need.

time to start work

Due to the generosity of the public and many schools, churches and others the supply of toys and other presents we were able to send out was sufficient to make the parcels, with added food and supplies, quite heavy. In an effort superbly managed by Wendy Scoulding, no less than 25 people were involved in the collection, transporting, sorting, packing and distribution to 202 families which included 287 children. This effort was substantially completed within 3 days with only a handful of parcels still to deliver and these only because the recipients were not at home on the first call.

In the picture above Wendy is seen surveying the supplies before starting work. Our thanks are due to Wendy, well supported by husband Paul, and all the others who gave time and energy to the task. We have already received a number of ‘thank-you’ letters and emails and arrangements are in hand to visit at least one school to talk to the children about what happened to the gifts they bought for other children less well off than themselves.

Fantastic job well done!

Wendy & Paul

Major Alec Still was indeed angelic in his role as Able, the student angel, in our Carol Concerts which took place over the past weekend.

under instruction form Gabriel

The theme of  ‘Angels’ featured Nigel Day in the ‘senior’ role (Gabriel) as he attempted to train his young and inexperienced fledgling in the art of being a reliable assistant. We’re not sure whether he succeeded!

The four main music sections each provided a spot and all performed to their usual high standards. First on stage was the Singing Company with ‘Wake Up’, ‘Away in a Manger’ and ‘Midnight’.

Midnight

Up next were the Band with ‘Sweet Chiming Christmas Bells’ (Euphonium Solo by Adrian Horwood) and ‘Carol of the Bells’.

Santa made his usual call urging people to contribute gifts for disadvantaged children and enlisting the support of all the children in the audience to help with the singing of ‘Away in  Manger‘.

Lt. Col. Ray Steadman-Allen demonstrated his skill in a Christmas Medley on the piano which brought cheers from both Saturday and Sunday audiences. It’s hard to imagine, from his dexterity on the instrument, that next year he will reach 90 years of age.

a musical wizard

Other Carols included in the first half were ‘O come, all ye faithful‘, ‘The first Nowell‘ and ‘Ding Dong! merrily on high‘. The angels appeared from time to time to plan their Christmas schedule and provided much amusement for the audience.

Can I? Can I? Please, sir?

Angel trumpet?

The Junior Band featured early in the second half by accompanying the carol ‘O little town of Bethlehem‘ and following with ‘Three Kings Rock’. Five learners then joined the band for an important part in ‘Jingle Bell Jive’. Leader David Lockwood has engaged professional help in teaching these young people and there is much evidence of success. The children did really well and were greeted with cheers on conclusion of their item.

a ‘rock’ solid performance

My! That’s a long slide!

More from the angles and then the Songsters (‘Angel’s Carol’ and ‘Running with the Shepherds’) as we approached the climax of the concert.

‘A starry night‘ led us into a time of reflection as the Songsters sung ‘Joy to the World and the final tableaux developed. The baby Jesus was brought to the stage by Mary and Joseph. This year a real live baby just four weeks old added a beautiful touch. The Shepherds and the Wise Men gathered around as Major Alec brought his Christmas message asking us all to identify our role in the picture before us. During the final carol, ‘Hark! the herald angels sing‘, a group of bandsmen, dressed for outdoor Christmas witness, joined the group to bring it into the present day scene. The Mayor of Medway, Councillor Ted Baker, and Helen Gallagher, coordinator of the newly formed Medway Foodbank, also joined the tableaux to emphasise the need for the Christmas message right here in the Medway Towns

Medway Foodbank was the charity chosen to share the proceeds of the collection and Helen was presented with a cheque for £450 which will go towards the costs of setting up this much needed service to Medway people in crisis. Chatham Salvation Army will be opening one of the ‘drop-in’ centres, operating in our ‘Hub’ coffee shop, on Monday 23 January. The first opened yesterday at the Strood Community Project (High Street) and others are being planned in Gillingham and Rainham.

Helen looks pleased as she receives the cheque from the Mayor of Medway, Councillor Ted Baker, as Major Alec looks on.

It is with great sadness that we bring the news of the Promotion to Glory of Rose Reynolds yesterday evening (14 November).

Rose Reynolds

Rose was a lovely Christian lady who served the Lord with all her strength, working amongst the residents of the Davis Estate where she lived for almost 50 years. We remember in prayer husband Frank, brothers Cyril and Rusty, and all other members of the family both here in the UK and in Australia.

As yet we have no details of the funeral arrangements but we will publish them when known.

Medway Foodbank has weighed in over 700kg of food ready for the launch of the scheme which is scheduled for some time in December.

Supplies have been donated from various sources and the first supermarket collection will take place at ASDA, Rochester on Thursady 17 November. Chatham Salvation Army are providing a number of volunteer collectors for that day along with others who will be standing throughout the day. Further volunteers will assist with packing and transporting the donated goods to the warehouse. Any readers wishing to add their names to the list should contact Medway Foodbank.

The first drop-in centre will probably be opened at the Strood Community Project in December followed closely by another at Tne Salvation Army in Chatham in early January. Volunteer staff for the centres have been recruited and will undergo training during the next few weeks.

Whilst most of the work will be carried out by volunteers funds are needed to cover the Foodbank’s running costs. Those wishing to donate should contact the Foodbank from whom direct debit forms are available. Readers may also contact us for further details.

Shelves soon to be full

Foodbank team at work

Mike Rowley writes from his personal experience.

Mike Rowley

As Christmas approaches, Blythswood  Care  is remembered mainly for its  part played in the Shoebox Appeal.  Also well known are the various categories of aid Blythswood sends to Eastern Europe. Part of that aid consists of medical supplies such as hospital beds, bedding and many other items including wheel chairs. All this aid benefits the patients who are hospitalised in one way or another.

Aid to Serbia is the main responsibility for Blythswood Medway and in 2007, Blythswood was alerted to a special need for a wheelchair. A gentleman named Bogoljub  Veselinouic who lives in the remote village of Rudno  3000ft up in a  mountain range in Central Southern Serbia. He  suffered  from  severe  back problems  and was house bound. As a result, he could not get to the hospital for treatment. After receiving the wheelchair, Bogoljub was able to be taken to the hospital for a course of treatment. Over the past four years, Bogoljub has progressed and you will see from the pictures below, he can now walk with the aid of a walking crutch. Surely, this is a great illustration of God answering prayer and inspiring the people to help him regain his independence.

Bobuljub in 2007

In July 2011

In October 2011

Editor’s note: The Salvation Army in Chatham is pleased to acknowledge the work done by Blythswood Care. In the next few weeks the members of the Ladies Fellowship will be sending their contribution to this year’s Shoebox Appeal, local salvationists will be helping with the collection of shoe boxes from all over the South East of England and Blythswood will be making their van available to us in support of our own food and gifts for needy families programme at Christmas time. Contact us for more information.

Click on the image to enlarge to a readable size

Contact us for further information or to request a volunteer application form.

Click here for the Medway Foodbank Facebook page

Click here for the Medway Foodbank website

Every December [usually during the second week] The Salvation Army in Chatham distribute new toys and other gifts to children and families in need over the Christmas period.

Beginning the packing

Various organisations and churches have in the past been kind enough to donate new  toys and gifts to us so that we can pass them on to children and families who we know are particularly in need, and we continue to be extremely grateful to all who donate in this way.

If you, as an individual or church, wish to contribute to this ‘service to the community’  please contact us and we will ensure that suitable arrangements can be made to receive your gifts. Last year we were able to help 200 families including nearly 400 children and we anticipate evn greater need this year.

Sincere thanks to all who can help us in this way.

A capacity audience greeted Lt. Col. Ray Steadman-Allen (OF)* on the occasion of his 89th birthday celebration concert at Maidstone last weekend.

Lt.Col. Ray Steadman-Allen

Participating in the concert were Chatham Songsters and the South London Fellowship Band under the leadership of Songster Leader Adrian Horwood and Major George Whittingham. The special guest soloist for the evening was Brett Baker (sponsorship by ‘World of Brass‘), principal trombone of the world famous Black Dyke Band.

L to R: Adrian Horwood, Major George Whittingham, Brett Baker

The Band

The Songsters

The concert, which was arranged to promote Lt. Col. Joy Steadman-Allen’s Parkinson’s Project, comprised entirely the music of RSA and began with the march ‘ Crown of Conquest’ which heralded the entry of the guests. During the programme the Songsters contributed ‘Vesper’, ‘Marching Along’, ‘After the rain’, ‘Whosoever will’, ‘This age of rockets’ (with the band), ‘God of all wonders’ and ‘What a friend’. The Band’s further contributions were ‘Wonders begin’, ‘Lord of the Sea’, ‘Neath Italian skies’ and ‘His guardian care’. The band also featured in accompaniment to Brett’s beautifully executed solos, ‘Concert Piece for Trombone’, My story and song’, ‘Share my yoke’ and ‘The Eternal Quest’.

Lt. Col. Joy Steadman-Allen

Brett with the Band

Both daughters of Ray & Joy played important roles in the proceedings. Rosemary reminded us of the Christian environment in which Ray’s music has had such an important place, reading scripture from Romans 8:31-39 (a favourite reading of Ray’s) and offering thought provoking comment emphasising the message of salvation and hope we have in Jesus Christ, whilst Reverend Barbara made an appeal on behalf of her mother’s charity project which, through personal messages sent to many Parkinson’s sufferers around the world, brings so much encouragement to them.

Rosemary Barbara

At the end of the evening a cheque for £500, the proceeds from the concert, was presented to Joy.

Whilst this was a shared event with others we would like to offer the warm, affectionate, greetings of the Chatham Corps to Ray and Joy on this special occasion. They have both added so much to the richness of the fellowship of the corps and, in particular, have never lost their love for the many new Christians and other worshippers the corps has been privileged to welcome in recent times.

GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!

* Order of the Founder

click on the poster to enlarge

It’s this coming Saturday, be there if you can!

We have received the sad news of the Promotion to Glory of former Chatham Bandmaster Bill Andrews on 6 September.

Bill Andrews

Bill was Bandmaster here from 1947 to 1965 and is largely credited with resuscitating the corps band after the war years.  He had been ill for a couple of months.  Bill was 94 years of age and always looked back on his time at Chatham with great fondness. We will publish information about the funeral when we receive it.

In this week’s Monday Spot we reported the Promotion to Glory of Lt. Col. Sutton and promised an account of his ‘adventures’. This is a fascinating story and well worth the few minutes required to read it. Click here.

Lt. Col. Sutton

We can now confirm the arrangements for the funeral which will be at 2pm Friday 16 September at the Vinters Park Crematorium, Maidstone. This will be followed by a Service of Thanksgiving at the Salvation Army hall, Union Street, Maidstone and refreshments. Donations, in lieu of flowers, should be made to the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation.

Click on the poster to enlarge

Major Drew McCombe included the following note in our Order of Service last Sunday.

Major Drew McCombe

Drew writes:

The £5000 we gave to Mongolia is now being put to use for elements of the project outlined below. Here is an extract of an email sent from the Territorial Commander in Korea who oversights the project in Mongolia.

‘How grateful I am to have correspondence of 18th November 2010 from the Under Secretary with the letter of Support for the Work in Mongolia – Chatham Corps, United Kingdom Territory. I am more than happy to accept this support and I would like to express our appreciation for the members of Chatham Corps as well as United Kingdom Territory.

We will give Chatham Corps the prayer requests, information and photographs in Mongolia as soon as possible. Captain Yoon, In- jae, who is working THQ as a director of Development Depart­ment will contact Chatham Corps directly.

Click on the map to enlarge

Mongolia— Ulaanbataar (the capital). There are two Korean officers in charge. They have a small worshipping community – two Mongo­lian young women soldiers went to the World Youth Convention – and a Mongolian candidate couple with a baby (eventually going to Korea to be trained). The Army has established two water projects, runs a day nursery (free) for children on a poor estate in Ulaan­bataar . The government has given the Army a large block of land in a nearby province (about six football pitches big). There is pressure to build both facilities and programmes – for homeless, feeding, education, care of the elderly. The Link would be through the Korean Territory.

We will publish any pictures when we receive them