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This
page contains news and reviews of the events that have taken
place at
Norwich Citadel recently. Details of upcoming events can be found
on our Weekly Bulletins
and Special Events pages.
|
Ladies Fellowship - February 2010
Despite the cold and very wintry weather a good number of the
fellowship turned out for our first meeting of 2010. The subject for
the evening was Bulgarian Children’s Home and you might be
forgiven for thinking that this was going to be a slightly depressing
topic given some of the media coverage we have seen televised over the
years. However, far from it. We were presented with
a story of great Christian love and faith. An example of
putting into practice Jesus’ commission to his followers to
look after those less fortunate and take the Gospel message abroad
casting your bread upon the waters. [read
more / hide]
Mr Peter Barnes recalled how he was first asked to
visit a children’s home in Bulgaria some 19 years ago and of
the
appalling conditions he encountered. The progress
made has been
astonishing, and the improvement to the lives of the children
immeasurable. The work continues today under the name of
Krasif Aid.
KRASIF
AID was only founded in May 2008, and provides help and hope to the
people of Bulgaria and Eastern Europe. The need in Eastern Europe
remains great and is only slowly changing for the better. The most
vulnerable are still very much at risk and desperately poor. Many lack
adequate health and social care. They have well-established links
inside Bulgaria, and a number of significant people and projects. IN
CASE YOU WONDERED, Krasif is the Bulgarian word for Beautiful.
'How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of
those who bring good news.' Isaiah 52:7
Jan
Allen thanked Mr Barnes for bringing us up to date with his churches
work. Also for his Christian witness and work on behalf of
all
Christian people in spreading the word of God and representing the
Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Meryl Turners brought us a thoughtful
epilogue and prayer. Whilst having tea and coffee some ladies
expressed the wish to make a donation to this continued work.
A bowl
was placed alongside the biscuits, and £102 .10 was collected
and
presented to Mr Barnes.
Next month 1st March Tales from the Housemaids Cupboard with
Britain’s Top Mrs Mop. Not to be missed.
|
(Jan
Allen February 2010)
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First
Sunday - February 2010 - Inspirations with Richard
Phillips
The February “First Sunday” meeting at Norwich
Citadel was entitled “Inspirations” and featured
Bandmaster Richard Phillips of Kettering. CSM Hazel
Sommerville welcomed the large congregation, and the bandmaster, and
his wife Lyn who supported the multi-media control team. In responding
to the warm welcome the bandmaster recalled previous visits to the
corps as piano accompanist to the International Staff Songsters and on
one notable occasion – accompanist to well known tenor and
radio programme “My Music” personality –
the late Ian Wallace. [read
more / hide]
In presenting music that reflected significant moments
in his life, an early reminiscence at Chatham corps which left a
lasting impression was the band marching back from the Sunday morning
open-air meeting playing the march “Flag of
Freedom”. The bandmaster
then played a stirring piano/band arrangement of the march.
Other
piano/band arrangements presented included “Put Your Hand in
the Hand”
– written for an army national music festival, and the first
movement
of Grieg’s First piano concerto.
In recognition of his
involvement with Gowans and Larson musicals the bandmaster presented
“Love Cannot Fail” from the musical
“Spirit” to an appealing band
accompaniment. Piano solos were included as well as piano/band
arrangements and in a reflective period the bandmaster indicated that
the words of the song “In His Time” became
important at a crisis time
in his life. The sensitive words and music of “Somebody
Prayed for Me”,
and “I’ll Follow Thee of Life the Giver”
concluded the “Inspirations”
evening.
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(Bandsman
Brian Cushion 13/02/2010)
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Carols
by Candlelight - 13th
December
As songster pianist Beverley Baker played her first notes at the
commencement of this year’s Carols by Candlelight Service an
expectant hush gathered around a packed Norwich Citadel. The songsters
processed to their places carrying candles and following songster Lisa
Hall’s prayer, and Major Denis Lomax’s welcome, the
congregation accompanied by the Young People’s band sang the
evening’s first carol – “Joy to the
World”. [read
more / hide]
The Christmas story was told in 6 Bible readings by
Alison Gibson from Isaiah’s
foretelling of Christ’s birth and
Kingdom, Mary’s encounter with the Angel Gabriel
and the birth of
Jesus in St. Luke’s gospel, to St. John’s
revelation of Jesus as “The
Light of the World”.
Songster contributions included “His
Glorious Name” to the music of
“Finlandia”, “Magnificat”, and
“Jesus,
You are Him” with Gemma Welch, and Eve Woodrow respectively
as
soloists. The Young People’s Band had a busy evening
accompanying
carols and playing “Little Christmas Suite” prior
to this year’s appeal
collection.
Songster Leader Hilary Winch indicated that this
year’s fund raising appeal would follow the pattern of recent
songster
initiatives in supporting the Salvation Army’s response to
emergency
and crises situations around the world.
Hilary explained that a
portable water purifying tool called a Life Straw (or Filter Straw),
requiring no electrical power or spare parts, has been developed. The
individual straw (25cm long) and family life straw filter system can be
used in areas of the world where up to 1 billion people do not have
access to safe drinking water. In places where disasters occur they are
an effective method of providing quick safe water until more permanent
sources of clean safe water are put in place. Following the appeal and
Deputy Songster Leader Ian Grimshaw’s brave demonstration in
using a
Life Straw in a tank of muddy water a sum of £1,505 was
raised for the
Salvation Army’s International Development
department.
The
songsters gave spirited and stirring renditions of “King
Jesus is His
Name”, and “Angels from the Realms”, and
in quiet contrast lovely
singing in a gorgeous setting of “Midwinter” by Bob
Chilcott – former
King’s Singer and currently Principal Guest Conductor of the
BBC
Singers. Further contrasting music was heard in “Jesus Light
of the
World” and “Mary Did You Know” which
included a solo by Lydia Barron.
The evening’s final carol was “O Come All Ye
Faithful”, and Deputy
Songster Leaders Ian Grimshaw’s final thoughtful words
preceded the
songsters’ final presentation “Go Light Your
World” with Lindsey
Johnson, Jayne Frost, and Sarah Frost as soloists. In accord with the
words of the final song lighted candles were handed to members of the
congregation “to carry their candles into the darkness
– go light your
world”
Major Olive Lomax gave the benediction and the
appreciative congregation responded enthusiastically to the young
people’s band’s exciting finale item – a
“big band” presentation of
“It’s a Great Day”.
|
(Bandsman
Brian Cushion 14/12/2009)
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Ladies
Fellowship - December 2009
Our December meeting started with a welcome and thanks to all the
committee for the past years hard work and commitment. A
special thank you went to Jo Osborne and Phyl Mapes who after 25 years
service to the fellowship were retiring from their role as
hostesses. Jan Allen praised their example of loyalty and
service and wondered how many cups of tea they would have served
between them over those years as well as all the catering they had been
involved in. There were gifts to them both with love for all
they had done within the Fellowship. It was hoped that they
could now sit back and enjoy the fellowship without the need to pop out
and “put the kettle on”. [read more / hide]
The evening commenced with the singing of two
favourite Carols and a reading from Isaiah. This was followed
by
Sophie Grimshaw’s demonstration of cake decorating.
Sophie
showed us a number of techniques including frilling. This is
putting
an icing frill around the cake, with a threaded ribbon along the
top.
This looked really effective and Sophie made it all look relatively
easy, but when two of the fellowship attempted something similar it was
obvious that practice was needed to accomplish Sophie’s
professional
finish. Sophie’s confident presentation and easy narrative
brought
smiles and laughter from her audience. We were all grateful
to Sophie
for giving up her time to share her skills and entertain us especially
at this very busy time of year.
Ladies then retired to the
William Booth centre to find a substantial buffet and mulled punch
prepared by the committee waiting for them. Along with the
food and
chat they were visited by a very Jolly Father Christmas and were able
to purchase a gift from his sack for £1.
To end our evening
Major Olive brought us a thought about the significance of light at
this time of year when people are now decorating the outside of their
homes with lights. She reminded us that it all started with
Jesus The
Light Of The World. The evening was a good start to our
Christmas
celebrations.
There will be no meeting in January but we would
love to see new people join us for 2010. We start on 1st
February 2010
with Peter Barnes who will talk about Bulgarian Children’s
Home.
We wish you all a very Happy and Peaceful New Year May God bless you
real Good.
|
(Jan
Allen 15/12/2009)
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YP
Annual Meetings - 15th November
Young
People’s Annual Prizegiving meetings have been held at
Norwich Citadel. In a further initiative to involve children in worship
at Norwich Citadel, YPSM Sophia Grimshaw and her team were delighted a
group of pupils and their teacher from Town Close School Norwich
accepted an invitation to attend the Sunday morning meeting. The
special guests were warmly welcomed at the commencement of the meeting
and joined corps members for tea, and coffee following the meeting when
they were able to ask questions. [read
more / hide]
Meeting
leader for the day was Captain Richard Welch – Anglia
Division Director of Business Administration, and the Young
People’s Band and Singing Company took part throughout the
day.
Each junior soldier at Norwich Citadel has a senior corps prayer
partner, and the young people were supported by their prayer partners
in joint prayers, bible readings, testimonies, and the corps
announcements.
There
was evidence of thoughtful, careful preparation and practice in
all contributions presented throughout the day, and contributions in
the evening meeting included cornet, vocal, and dance duets, and a
cornet and bass solo.
|
(Bandsman
Brian Cushion 15/11/2009)
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Remembrance
Sunday at
Norwich Citadel
The
corps band took part in a Remembrance Sunday Service, when wreaths
were laid in front of the Norwich City Hall. Ex-servicemen, civic, and
military representatives, and the band then marched through the city
centre to a service at Norwich Cathedral when the address was given by
Professor Nigel Biggar, Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral
Theology, the University of Oxford. Bandsman David Woodrow sounded Last
Post and Reveille at both civic and cathedral services.
Representatives
of Royal British Legion organisations attended a corps
Remembrance Sunday service led by C.O. Major Denis Lomax on Sunday
evening.
(Bandsman
Brian Cushion 15/11/2009)
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Ladies
Fellowship - November 2009
Fellowship
members did not know what to expect from the evening
entitled Flame and Flowers and was surprised when our speaker Richard
Wright introduced himself as a pig farmer.
Richard
explained how some years ago he had witnessed other farming
families lose their homes and livelihood to foot and month and swine
disease. Worried by the events and needing to increase the
family income to support his wife and triplet daughters, he hit upon
the idea of the lamps as a sideline. It took a lot of
determination and experimenting with the product before getting it into
production, but now some eleven years on, they have a thriving
business. [read
more / hide]
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Flame and Flowers offer unique, hand made Botanical Oil Lamps made on a
farm deep in the heart of the Norfolk Broads.
Each lamp is individually hand crafted combining
the soft, flickering
flame of the oil lamp with the vibrant colours of locally grown dried
flowers or the everlasting beauty of silk
flowers.
The lamps come in a variety of shapes and sizes
ranging from 250ml to
500ml, and are refillable using the funnel supplied with a full set of
instructions.Their cottage garden range of oil lamps consist of a full
arrangement
of at least five dried flowers and foliage or three silk flowers with
foliage including roses, larkspur, grasses, lilies, pansies etc
(varieties may vary with seasonal availability) and in many colours
Others include Old English arrangements, woodland
and countryside
plants with pheasant and partridge feathers. The Seashore arrangement
offer plants that resemble an underwater scene with seashells.
Richard brought some lamps for sale and a number
of ladies purchased one for an unusual Christmas gift.
Richard was a good speaker and kept his audience
entertained with the
story of his life and progress with the lamps. Whilst he
spoke he
gave a demonstration of how the lamps were
made.
Our December
meeting will feature Sophie Grimshaw showing us some cake
decorating techniques. We will be having a buffet supper and our usual
exchange of Christmas gifts. Each Lady is asked to bring a
wrapped gift around a £1 in value and a £1 coin to
purchase
one back again. Money raised from this will go toward this
years
Helping Hand Appeal. We look forward to seeing
everyone as
we get into the Christmas spirit. Why not come and bring a
friend. Jan Allen 01508 570011.
|
(Jan
Allen November 2009)
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First
Sunday - 1st November
Special
guest at November’s First Sunday event at Norwich
Citadel was John Pantry from Premier Christian Radio. John is a
pianist, singer, songwriter and audio engineer who worked with top pop
groups and became a Christian through the influence of many Christian
artists with whom he worked. [read
more / hide]
In
his work with Premier Christian Radio John currently presents the
“Inspirational Breakfast Show” between 7am and 9am
Monday
to Friday. Phone-in’s and e-mails to his programmes have
brought
him heartbreaking and sad stories, although training as an Anglican
minister and experience over 15 years working in Christian Radio has
helped him deal with issues raised by listeners.
John
sang a song entitled “Wonderful Grace” to is own
piano accompaniment, and corps music sections also took part.
An
interesting Question and Answer session enabled John to give further
insights into his work relating to funding of Premier Christian Radio
via donations, and undertaking appropriate advertising.
The
station also covers major Christian events such as “Spring
Harvest”, the army’s own “Roots
Week-end”, and
receives many rewarding responses from listeners to it’s
round
the clock broadcasts.
|
(Bandsman
Brian Cushion 01/11/2009)
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Music
United - 31st October
Thinking
of ways to attract children to Norwich Citadel, YPSM Sophia
Grimshaw and her team wrote to a number of schools in the area inviting
young instrumentalists and vocalists to a day at the army. 12 children
responded and joined forces with the YP Band (Andrew Gibson) and
Singing Company (Lindsey Johnson) for a fun day of activities and music
making. [read
more / hide]
Special
guests for the day were Colin Sneade (Derby Central) and Ira
Thomas (Music Ministries) who led most of the items performed to an
enthusiastic audience of family and supporters, in a celebration
concert. Featured, were a good blend of contemporary and gospel items
including “Amazing Race”, and “Deep
River” by the band, and “Just under the
Rainbow”, and “This Little Light” by the
choral
group.
Bandsman
Matthew Peek compered proceedings, and interviewed 4 of the
delegates as to their highlights of the day. All participants and
congregation took part in the “action chorus”
“What a
Mighty God”, and a memorable day ended with an exciting
presentation of “It’s a Great Day”.
|
(Bandsman
Brian Cushion 01/11/2009)
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Celebration
and Commitment meeting - Sunday 25th October
A
special Sunday morning
Celebration and Commitment meeting has taken place at Norwich Citadel.
Led by Majors Steve and Jean Russell, the celebration was for the 100th
birthday of Mrs Brigadier Marjorie Whybrow. Many family members, and
friends were present, and a basket of flowers was presented to Mrs
Whybrow together with a birthday cake with 100 lit candles. [read
more / hide]
Family
photographs depicting Mrs Whybrow through the years from the early
1900’s, her time at the Training College in 1929, and through
to the
1980’s were displayed on a large screen above the platform. |
|
Following
the congregational singing of “Happy Birthday” a
thanksgiving prayer
was offered by son Bernard. At the conclusion of the meeting members of
the congregation were invited to share a piece of birthday cake.
On Mrs Brigadier Whybrow’s actual birthday, Tuesday 27th
October, she enjoyed a visit from the Lord Mayor of Norwich, received
greetings from H.M The Queen, and General Shaw Clifton, and enjoyed a
buffet tea with family members and friends.
|
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The
Sunday
morning meeting also marked a special family occasion for Majors Steve
and Jean Russell when the Major enrolled grandsons Jordan and James
Morley as senior soldiers. The brothers spoke of their decisions to
become senior soldiers following attendance at Army music schools in
moving personal testimonies. Jordan and James chose the musical
contributions of the Band and Songsters, and many family members and
friends supported them on their special day.
|
| [hide] |
(Bandsman
Brian Cushion
26/10/2009)
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October
Ladies Fellowship - Monday 12th October
This
month we
had a change from our usual meeting and instead of having a speaker we
had some ‘Visions of Norwich’. This took the form
of a video called ‘Do you remember? … 1950s
Norwich’. This was a very
interesting video with a narration by Keith Skipper who set just the
right tone of light hearted information. [read
more / hide]
It
started with a car
journey through Norwich in the early 50’s. There was
surprisingly little traffic but it was a Thursday afternoon –
early closing day – remember those? We also saw how the city
marked the 1951 Festival of Britain and the Coronation of Elizabeth II
in 1953 and were struck by how much effort was put into these
events by all the people of Norwich from the youngest to the
oldest. There were parades, fancy dress competitions, a Miss Norwich
competition, fun and games for children and adults – no
thought of health & safety then!
Ladies
saw people and
places they knew and you could hear lots of memories being voiced all
around. We
saw how the housing estates around the edge of the city started to grow
just after the war as city folk were moved from run down or bombed out
areas into what seemed then to be wonderfully spacious homes with
facilities they had not dreamed of .
There
were old cinema
adverts for local businesses and a short films of speedway racing at
the Firs Stadium, now long gone, and the Norvic shoe factory. Football
was not forgotten with films of the crowds heading towards Carrow Road
and a newsreel of the match with Sheffield United in 1959.
All
in all it was a most
enjoyable evening and gave everyone some thing to talk about
– memories from those of use who were here then and questions
from the ‘newcomers’. We hope to have another
evening like this before too long. The epilogue was
delivered by Gill Burton.
The
next meeting on
November 2nd will be a talk Richard Wright
entitled ‘Flame and Flowers’, do come along and
join us for what promises to be a very interesting evening.
(Meryl
Turner 20/10/2009)
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Visit
of USA Western Territorial
Band on their 2009 U.K. Tour - Monday 5th
October
The
2nd leg of the U.S.A. Western Territorial band’s U.K. Tour
was to Norwich Citadel and a Monday night Festival. Arriving in time
for lunch, in Norwich, members of the band then visited historic city
centre sites including the magnificent Cathedral dating from 11th
century. [read
more / hide]
The
visit was the climax of the home corps band’s 127th
Anniversary celebrations and
a large congregation were welcomed to the occasion
by Bandmaster Richard Woodrow of Norwich Citadel. Warm applause greeted
band members as they entered the hall to commence the festival
following the Bandmasters introductions.
Bandmaster Neil Smith, who is also Territorial Music
Secretary acted as compere, and band contributions included
“I’ll Walk with God”, “Cossack
Wedding Dance”, and trombone ensemble, “I Will
Follow Him”. Bandsman John Docter was the flugel horn soloist
in “So Glad”.
Following
a devotional period led by the band’s executive officer
– Lt. Colonel Ron Strickland the festival concluded with the
inspirational music of “Songs in Exile”, a stirring
account of “Purcell Variations”, and as an
“extra” “Stars and Stripes”.
(Bandsman
Brian Cushion 06/10/2009)
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