Rachel Abbott has sent the following report on the Band‘s recent visit to Ramsgate.

Rachel

On Sunday 3rd of July the band, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Ray Steadman-Allen, went to hold the meetings at Ramsgate Corps for the day. We arrived at the corps at 09.30am and we were greeted warmly by corps members, who made us feel welcome and offered us tea and biscuits. After preparing the platform ready the band met together for prayer, led by Stephen Burdett, before going into the main hall to start the meeting. The meeting was attended by a congregation of about 50 people, with an impressive number of young people.   After Rosemary had opened the meeting and welcomed the congregation to worship the band accompanied the singing of Ye servants of God .   Following the song Graham Hatton led us all before God in a meditative time of prayer.

Being pleased to see so many young people attending the corps, it was great to have them play a part in the meeting and they did so with a flourish of joyful and enthusiastic singing; it was lovely to see that they truly enjoy singing in their singing group. David and Sarah Lockwood presented the children’s story, using David s military uniform, a water pistol, and a willing volunteer, to teach about the armour of God. The demonstration was well received, but resulted in David being squirted with the water pistol, oops.

The second song that was sung was What a wonderful change in my heart , followed by the band contributing     Penlan , which was requested by Lt.-Col. RSA.   The Bible readings for the meeting, read by the Colonel were; Hebrews 12:1-3, 7-12 and 2 Peter 1:5-10. The reflective song He giveth more grace was sung before Lt.-Col. RSA gave a thought provoking and challenging sermon on Perseverance , with a special message to the young people to keep at it . The prayer chorus Spirit of the living God and the lively song Stand up, Stand up for Jesus were sung before the benediction was pronounced.

After the morning meeting the band sat down to a roast turkey dinner, followed by apple crumble, kindly cooked by some corps members. The meal, the fellowship, and the rare chance for a chat were enjoyed by all.

On Sunday afternoon the band held an open-air meeting at Ramsgate harbour. Allan Jones led the service and encouraged audience participation by using well known Sunday-school songs. The band played a variety of pieces, with the most enthusiastically received pieces being traditional Salvation Army marches. The weather was perfect for open air ministry with clear skies and glorious sunshine.

Allan

The evening meeting took the form of a Tea-time special (a Ramsgate corps regular event). This was an evening festival of music from Chatham Citadel Band with Ramsgate band and songsters, a prayer time led by Chris Boughton, a bible message from Lt.-Col. RSA, a testimony from Tim Scott, and a buffet tea at the meeting’s conclusion.

The band played a varied repertoire of music of different styles. The pieces included “Ein Feste Burg” by Andrew Mackereth (featuring the tune to the hymn A mighty fortress is our God ), “In His presence” also by Andrew Mackereth featuring two songs that relate to being in the presence of God – As we are gathered and In the secret of thy presence ) and “Promises” by Derek Jordan (featuring three hymns that can be found in our song book; songs 757, 753 and 887 (SASB). Adrian Horwood (euphonium) played “When I remember” by David Catherwood. The solo is described as a challenging yet light-hearted solo which is based on the chorus When I remember that He died for me, I ll never go back any more .

Ramsgate Songsters brought a valuable contribution to the evening by singing “Precious Jesus” which was sung with true meaning. The chorus of the song has these words; Jesus Jesus, How I love thee. How I ve proved thee o er and o er. Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus, O for grace to love you more. Following the congregational singing of “The Lord is King, I own His power” Ramsgate Band also contributed to the meeting piece.

The next three pieces were all of different styles. The first was a march by Eiliv Herikstad called “On parade”. The second was a beautiful Flugal Horn Solo, also by Eiliv Herikstad, played by Rosemary called “The old Rugged Cross”. The third, and penultimate piece of the night, was “Greater things” by Olaf Ritman. “Greater things” is written in the style of Big-band swing , a style which the band does very well.

Before the meeting drew to a close, Lieut-Col. Ray Steadman-Allen read several passages scripture and gave a short message of encouragement continuing with the theme of Perseverance from the morning meeting.
The final musical contribution of the evening was a well known Salvation Army march “Amsterdam Congress” by Charles Skinner which I thought was a great, upbeat way to end an evening.

After the meeting the congregation and band were all invited to stay for a buffet tea, again prepared by corps members. Food and fellowship was enjoyed by all. Thank you to all who took the time to provide the meal and thank you to the Corps for inviting the band and for making us very welcome.