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This
page contains news and reviews of the events that have taken
place at
Norwich Citadel recently. Yet more News can be found in our Corps News Letter.
Details of upcoming events
can be found on our Special
Events
page.
|
Ladies Fellowship December
2011
It was good to see the William Booth dining room so full for our last
meeting of 2011. We welcomed old and new friends into our
fellowship for an evening of celebration. Starting with a nice hot
spiced drink we settled down to listen to a quartet, two male and two
female who entertained and delighted us for the next hour.
They
sang some very tradition old English folk songs and some familiar
seasonal carols. As well as the a cappella singing
they
presented Poems and readings. The four friends had met and formed their
group within their Church and it was obvious that they
received
as much pleasure and enjoyment as their audience. [read
more / hide]
Following the performance everyone partook of light Seasonal
refreshments, with tea and coffee. It was great to see Father
Christmas, and handing him a £1 coin all gathered took a gift
from his sack. There was some amusement as to who Father
Christmas could be but it was suspected that this year it was the real
deal as no one recognised him from our acquaintances.
The evening concluded with the carol Hark the Herald Angels Sing and a
reading from Isaiah the Prophet proclaiming the news of a Saviour to
all mankind. Thanks went to all who had made the evening a
pleasant success.
There will be no meeting in January but we meet again on 6th February
when A Policemen’s Lot is Always a Happy One. |
| [hide] |
(Jan
Allen December 2011)
|
Corps
Carol Service - Sunday 18th
December
A spectacular opening sequence, via overhead platform and auditorium
screens, with countdown and an “X Factor” style
opening announcement, introduced near capacity congregations to this
years corps carol services. The band played a rousing fanfare, and the
timbrels gave a sparkling display to the music of “Christmas
Joy”.
Corps Sergeant Major Hazel Somerville welcomed everyone, thanked
bandsmen Jason and Daniel Beattie for organising this year’s
services, and acted as compere. The Sheriff of Norwich, Chris Higgins,
was present for the evening event. [read
more / hide]
Video sequences featured corps young folk and those not so young
telling of what Christmas means to them, and bandsman Matthew
Peek’s “live” answer to this question was
both humorous and poignant.
The Singing Company gave sparkling presentations of their two songs
– “He was a Man”, and “Reindeer
on the Roof”, and the Young People’s band was in
equally fine form with a bright and lively “Christmas
Celebration”.
Ian Forster from BBC Radio Norfolk made this years appeal on behalf of
the joint Salvation Army and Radio Norfolk “Toys and
Tins” appeal, and following a video presentation a sum of
£1360 was raised. Eloise Peek joined Percy Sommerville in a
lilting piano duet whilst the appeal collection was made.
Father Christmas made a visit to distribute gifts to the many children
present. His visit was heralded with the playing of “Jingle
Bells” by the senior band, which in addition to accompanying
congregation carols played the exuberant cornet feature
“Angels from Glory”, together with “A
Christmas Intrada”, and “For Unto us a Child is
Born”.
The Songsters sang “Candlelight Carol”, and the
exciting “Joy to the World”.
Sunday School children had prepared well for the Christmas Nativity,
and following C.O. Major Ian McBride’s Epilogue thoughts,
Singing Company Leader Lindsey Johnson was the vocal soloist in an
appropriate finale presentation – “My
Tribute”. |
| [hide] |
(Bandsman
Brian Cushion 20/12/2011)
|
Carols
by Candlelight - Sunday 11th
December
At his first Candlelight Carol Service as Songster Leader, Ian
Grimshaw’s choice of words and music were around the Biblical
message; “God’s Gift – have we claimed
it”.
As an “In the Beginning” prelude the songsters
entered the
hall with lighted candles as songster Eve Woodrow sang “Away
in a
Manger” to the plaintive music of the “Normandy
Carol”. [read
more / hide]
A warm welcome was extended to the capacity congregation and following
an opening prayer the songsters sang “Joy to the
World”.
The processional carol was “Once in Royal David’s
City”, and the introductory sequence concluded with a lovely
setting of “Silent Night”.
Bible readings from the Gospels, and given by Margaret Goodchild, told
of God’s Gifts:- to the World; - to the unmarried couple; -
to
the Shepherd’s; - and to the Wise Men. Interspersed with
these
readings the songsters sang “God so loved the
World”,
“Emmanuel”, and “Do not be
afraid”.
The Young People’s band accompanied congregational carols
–
“We Three Kings”, “See Amid the Winters
Snow”,
and “O Come all ye Faithful”, and played
“Chiming
Bells”.
Following two most effective contrasting pieces
–“Candlelight Carol”, and
“Jesus, Oh what
a Wonderful Child” Songster Leader Ian introduced
special
guest the Rev Canon Pat Atkinson, and indicated that the collection
proceeds from this years event would assist her missionary work in
India. The appeal was made by the Rev Pat on behalf of the Vidiyal
Trust which she has set up to support her work in India amongst the
street children and very poor, and raised the fine sum of
£2530.
A further reading told of God’s personal Gift to Mary as
related
in the beautiful words and music of “Mary did you
know”.
The final readings – God’s Gift to us, was followed
by the
reflective “The Quiet Heart”; and God’s
unclaimed
Gift by “Midwinter”.
The final contributions by the songsters were the inspiring
“O
Holy Night”, and “Jesus Light of the
World”.
Following a closing prayer by C.O. Major Ian McBride the Young
People’s Band played, very appropriately
–“Christmas
Celebration”. |
| [hide] |
(Bandsman
Brian Cushion 12/12/2011)
|
Joy
to the World - Sunday 4th December
“Joy to the World” was the title of
December’s
“First Sunday” meeting, and was the first of this
year’s corps carol services. Presented by the corps senior
band
and singing company the event was compered by bandmaster Richard
Woodrow. [read
more / hide]
The evening was around the theme of “An English
Christmas”
and Alison Gibson presented “Traditional Christmas”
readings. Band contributions included “Christmas
Intrada”,
“Immanuel”, “For Unto us a Child is
Born”, and
“Angel Trumpets”. Soloists were Matthew Peek,
cornet, David
Winch, tenor horn, and Daniel Beattie, euphonium, in
“Candlelight
Carol”, “Little Lord Jesus”, and Ding
Dong Merrily on
High” respectively. The singing company sang, “Ring
the
Bells”, “Thorns in the Straw”,
“Journey of the
Magi”, and “All Over the Hills”.
A large congregation attended, and participated enthusiastically in a
“Carol Singalong” sequence led by bandmaster
Richard.
Proceeds, amounting to £1010 will aid the “Life of
Linda
Fund”. Bandmaster Steve Hanover, from Regent Hall, was
present to
make the appeal. He has initiated numerous fund raising events and
projects to aid the fund – his sister Lynda having died from
leukaemia, many years ago, aged just 3. Bandmaster Steve indicated that
fund raising commenced just 12 months ago, and to date has reached an
amount of £43,000.
A scripture thought was given by Band Sergeant Joe Allen, and C.O.
Major Ian McBride expressed words of thanks and gave a closing prayer. |
| [hide] |
(Bandsman
Brian Cushion 06/12/2011)
|
Ladies
Fellowship November 2011
Many of you will have subscribed to The Salvation Army's weekly
publications for a number of years. Have you often wondered how much
work goes into the final product? Where the ideas come from?
Who
gets to do the interviews and who decides what will eventually be
published?
The War Cry is Britain's most popular Christian weekly, and is
celebrating 135 years as it was first published in December 1879. The
first copy looked very different from the one we recognise today as it
was printed in broadsheet and had no colour. [read
more / hide]
Despite the start of a heavy cold and bad back pains, Rosemary Dawson
came to talk to the fellowship about her time working on the The
Salvation Army publication team and especially her time with The War
Cry. Rosemary still writes articles to be included in current
issues despite having retired from full time work. She gave
us
glimpses into the life of journalism and told anecdotal stories of
meeting the famous and in particular her interview with Dame
Thora Hird. One of the things Rosemary was responsible for
over
the years was the weekly Word Search. As you can imagine this
took a particular skill and patience, and Rosemary was proud of the way
she continued to pull this together on schedule for many
years.
When going on holiday she had to make sure these things were well
prepared in advance in order to meet the deadlines for
checking
and going to press.
Along with the famous people Rosemary came into contact with she was
privileged to meet and interview many who had through the grace of God
received life changing conversions. It was both moving and
inspirational to listen to some of theses Stories and
to know that Jesus can and does continue to transform lives
into
something deep and meaningful from desperation and
despair.
We were grateful to Rosemary as she concluded the evening with a
question and answer session and closed with an epilogue before our
usual refreshments.
Our December meeting will begin the Christmas season and will
include entertainment, seasonal refreshments, optional quiz and a visit
from Father Christmas. Members are each asked to bring a
wrapped
gift of around £1- £1-50 and Father Christmas will
collect
a £1 from all who wish to take a dip into his sack and
retrieve
one of the gifts. All money made from this will go toward
This
years Helping Hand Appeal. All Ladies are welcome to attend
and
we will meet in the William Booth dining room at 7.30pm . Why not come
and bring a friend along. We look forward to seeing
you. |
| [hide] |
(Janet
Allen November 2011)
|
First
Sunday with Keith Doust- 6th
November
Keith is very familiar with the Citadel, as his parents were stationed
in Anglia Division at Great Yarmouth and Felixstowe. His brother is the
corps officer at Kettering.
With his wife Lorraine and two daughters, Keith spent 19 years in
Senegal working for Wycliffe in various roles and ministries, ranging
from language work to leadership, administration and home schooling.
[read
more / hide]
He presented some challenging facts and figures: there are currently
around 340 million people in the world, speaking 2,000 languages, who
still have no Bible or New Testament in their own tongue. The problem
of illiteracy also makes the spreading of the gospel difficult, and
Wycliffe are also working to redress this in communities.
Keith gave some
interesting examples
of the difficulties of finding the right word with the right meaning in
another language, and an overall picture of what the Wycliffe
Translators have already achieved around the world.
All four music sections took part in the meeting, during which Major
Ian presented Keith with a cheque for £200 for the
continuance of
his work. |
| [hide] |
(Rosemary
Dawson November 2011)
|
Senior
Soldier Enrolment - Mark
Woodrow - 9th October
Mark was dedicated to God at the corps, attended Sunday School, and
became a junior musician, joining the Singing Company and playing E
flat bass in the Y.P. Band. In his personal testimony, at his enrolment
conducted by C.O. Major Ian McBride, Mark spoke of the invaluable
influence and advice of his parents and grandparents. Mark is a 5th
generation Salvationist, and he also testified that experiences at
Divisional and National music schools, together with guidance and
instruction from corps Recruiting Sergeant Sandra Payne, were all
important factors in his decision to become a senior soldier.
(Bandsman
Brian Cushion 15/10/2011)
|
Songster
Leader Hilary Winch Steps Down - 9th
October
A recent Sunday evening meeting was conducted by the corps Songsters
and included “Sing for Joy”, “Lord of
Heaven”,
and “The Greatest of These”. A stirring account of
“Praise His Holy Name” preceded a most moving dance
sequence by songster Ruth Beattie to the telling words and music of
“Watch the Lamb”
A reflective period included “Written in Red” and
“Worthy is the Lamb” and following a Bible address
by
songster sergeant Sue Benson the songsters sang “With Wings
as
Eagles”. Contributions were also made by senior band, singing
company, and Y.P. band.
The occasion marked the end of a nine and a half year period of service
by Songster Leader Hilary Winch and words of thanks and appreciation
for her outstanding leadership were expressed by Deputy Songster Leader
Ian Grimshaw.
(Bandsman
Brian Cushion 15/10/2011)
|
Ladies
Fellowship October 2011
Many of you will have heard the term ‘Beating the
Bounds’
but did you really know what it all meant? In a presentation brought to
our ladies Fellowship evening for October, David Berwick talked
enthusiastically, explaining the custom.
Beating the Bounds is an ancient custom thought to date back to Anglo
Saxon Britain. It is still observed in some English and Welsh parishes.
A group of old and young members of the community would walk the
boundaries of their parish, usually led by the parish priest and church
officials. They did this in order to share knowledge and mark where the
boundaries lay and to pray for protection and blessing for the land.
[read
more / hide]
In former times when maps were rare it was usual to make a formal
perambulation of the parish. The knowledge of the boundaries in each
parish were needed to determine who lived within them, and to hand this
knowledge on to future generations. This was so local taxes might be
collected and such matters as liability to contribute to church
repairs, and the right to be buried within the churchyard were not
disputed. Also before the Poor Laws the parish would be responsible for
alms within its confines.
There were many peculiar customs surrounding this event not least the
bouncing of choir boys on their heads. This was done at
salient
points in order to create an impression and aid the boys future memory.
When it was his turn as an adult to help mark out the boundaries he
would be more likely to remember where this incident had taken place.
Many markers were placed at sites and 89 have survived around
Norwich. There are two stone markers outside the Citadel
between
the Hall and Lockfine. Some markers are cast iron
and very
beautiful and interesting.
There was so much more to this very interesting insight into our past
especially that of Georgian Norwich brought to life by David.
Major Joyce Bentley brought an inspired Epilogue saying that whilst we
can learn much from our enthralling history, as Christians we need to
look forward with Christ. I am the Alpha and the Omega the First and
the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelations 22. 13.
Next month November 7th we look forward to hearing from our own
Rosemary Dawson who will be telling us about her time working on the
War Cry. These evenings are open to all Ladies over the age of 16 you
do not have to be a member of The Salvation Army to be made welcome.
Call Jan Allen on 01508 570011. |
| [hide] |
(Janet
Allen October 2011)
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items in the News Archive |
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