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News & Reviews
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 - July 2010
Many of us know songster Margaret Mann for the wonderful floral displays we often see around the Hall as she has been a long-standing member of the Flower Team.  However there is much more to Margaret, as those who are familiar with her will testify.  From an early age Margaret was encouraged by family members to practice her needlework, and this she obviously enjoyed. In our July meeting, she gave us a consummate talk on the art of quilting.  [read more / hide]


Margaret took us through the history.  The word quilt is derived from the Latin culcita, meaning a padded and tied mattress.  Quilting originated for its utility, as the techniques produced a thicker padded fabric either for warmth or for protection.  The first evidence of quilting is found in Asia sometime before the first century.  A quilted linen carpet dating from that time was found in a Siberian cave tomb.  

Margaret brought with her a number of things she has made over the years and these were passed amoung the members to handle and see the very different patterns and techniques which she had used to make each item.  Many types of quilting exist today.  The two most widely used are hand-quilting and machine quilting.  Looking at the beautiful stitching that Margaret had achieved on her  work it was hard to believe this had been done by hand as it was so even and neat.  It was aknowledged that this must have taken years of practice and patience.  

All those that attended the evening were grateful to Margaret for sharing her hobby and obvious passion for her subject.  We all agreed that we didn’t know there was so much to quilting and the history alone is well worth taking a look at.  Mo Smale thanked Margaret on behalf of all gathered and presented her with a small token of our gratitude. Jo Osbourne brought us an Epilogue and closing prayer. 

2nd August will be our Strawberry Tea, and we look forward to welcoming our new Officers.
For further imformation and tickets at £3.50 please see Jan Allen 01508 570011.
(Jan Allen June 2010)

Norwich Citadel Band - Annual Wymondham Music Festival 
As part of this year’s Wymondham Music Festival the corps band at Norwich Citadel took part in a partnership Brass Band Concert with the Wymondham Area Schools Brass Band.

Y.P.B.L./Deputy Bandmaster Andrew Gibson assists the school band’s conductor, Andrew Murray in rehearsing and instructing the band, and at Andrew’s invitation members have taken part in Y.P. Corps “Music United” events at Norwich Citadel.  The invitation from the Wymondham Festival organisers gave the opportunity for the joint concert, and a large congregation attended on a warm July evening in historic Wymondham Abbey.

Under the enthusiastic leadership of conductor Andrew Murray, Wymondham Area Schools Brass Band contributed “Joy of Youth”, “Hallelujah”, and “Pastime with Henry” in the first half of the concert.  Bandmaster Richard Woodrow acted as compere in the second half of the concert, and conducted the  band  in “Heralds of Victory”, “The Call of the Righteous”, and “The Shepherd’s Song”.  Bandsman David Winch was the tenor horn soloist in “The Old Rustic Bridge”.  The evening concluded with both bands combining in “The Flag Still Flies”, and “Walk Tall”.

(Bandsman Brian Cushion 10/07/2010)

Music School in a Day - Saturday 3rd July 2010
On one of the hottest days of the year, a second music school in a day was held at Norwich citadel.  More than 60 took part in Singing and Brass workshops followed by a concert in the evening.  In addition to the home corps many other corps were represented and most encouragingly, a high proportion had either never before attended the Army or had not done so for some while.  [read more / hide]

Music School in a Day 2

The event was aimed to offer a relaxed atmosphere of inclusion with some new music and some old.  A very helpful weaving of music and spiritual teaching took place during the day which was well received.  Although some who had not played or sang for many years found the music challenging, all seemed to enjoy the event greatly.  Leaders for the day were Christine Lee (Goldthorpe), Ann Howlett-Foster (Cambridge), Hilary Winch (Norwich Citadel), Dean Jones (Lower Earley), Matthew Peek and Richard Woodrow (both Norwich Citadel).  

Music School in a Day 2

The compere for the evening was Cathy le Feuvre who added her excellent experience to the event.  The aim of the day was to encourage those who have the least time to enjoy fellowship together in the 20s to 50s age range, not an easy thing to do as most have limited leisure time and another Saturday away from home is always hard to find.  However as a way of encouraging those particularly who do not have a spiritual home the format of the day seemed most successful.  

Nearly £200 was raised in a retiring collection for a Kenyan School project when Martin Carr explained to those gathered how a small amount of practical help to those in greatest need can have a dramatically positive effect which was perhaps a good summary of the day!
(Bandsman Bruce Johnson 04/07/2010)

Music of Two Cities - 28th June
A special concert entitled “Music of Two Cities” has taken place at Norwich Citadel. Organised by bandsman Matthew Peek the event featured special guests – the male voices of King’s College Choir Cambridge – “Collegium Regale”, and the corps band. Despite heavy commitments, which include singing the services at King’s College, Cambridge the 8 choral scholars comprising “Collegium Regale” were able to take part in a Monday night event which was attended by a large congregation.  [read more / hide]

Bandmaster Richard Woodrow acted as compere with leader Tom Recknall introducing the choir’s contributions.

The band commenced the concert with the exciting march, “Salvation Song”, and as prelude to Bandsman David Woodrow’s prayer, played the reflective music of “Shekinah”. 

“Collegium Regale” commenced their programme with music from the 16th century – “Verbum Caro Factum Est”, and continued with an example of 20th century choral writing in Daniel Gawthorp’s “There is Sweet Music”.

The congregation responded warmly to these fine presentations of daily chapel worship at King’s College. The choir also presented different styles of music with lovely singing in Negro Spirituals – “Little Lamb”, and “Steal Away”, and from soloists, Tom Keen, “Blue Moon”, James Neville “Lullabye”, and Matthew Sandy, “Danny Boy”.

Contributions by the band included tenor horn soloist David Winch, in fine form, in “You Love Me” and as a finale, “Servants of God” and “On Parade”.
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(Bandsman Brian Cushion 02/07/2010)

Norwich Citadel 128th Corps Anniversary - 26th-27th June
The 128th Corps Anniversary meetings at Norwich Citadel were led by Captain’s Alistair and Lucy Mann - Captain Alistair having left Norwich Citadel corps to commence officer training at the I.T.C. some six years ago.

The Celebratory Week-end got off to a good start with a fun and fellowship “Barbecue and Social Evening” taking place on the Saturday evening.  [read more / hide]

Captain Alistair’s Sunday morning meeting theme - “The Unopened Gift” – was based around the parable of the talents.  In a busy Sunday morning meeting schedule Captain Alistair commissioned his former Sunday School teacher, Alison Fiddy, as Cradle Roll Sergeant. A further corps link was marked with the dedication of George – baby son of Shaun and Julia Harvey – the Captain having been best man at Shaun and Julia’s wedding in May 2007.  In keeping with the meeting theme the corps songsters reprised their meeting contribution – “Take My Life and Let it be” as a benediction. A number of comrades knelt at the mercy seat, and thanks were expressed for all the gifts, consecrated by soldiers of the corps in the service of God and the army, over the past 128 years.

Taking as her theme -“An Overflowing Cup”- in the evening meeting, Captain Lucy Mann reminded of God’s promises to Abraham, and from Ephesians at Chapter 3 of the riches of His Glory together with an understanding of the breadth, length, depth and height of God’s power. All corps music sections made appropriate and supportive contributions throughout the days meetings.
(Bandsman Brian Cushion 02/07/2010)

Ray Sutton Welcomed as Adherent
Ray Sutton grew up in the corps at Norwich Citadel, was a Y.P. Band member, and a “decision Sunday promise” prompted him to become an adherent member after a period away from regular church attendance.  [read more / hide]

When attending “First Sunday” and Christmas and Easter meetings, at the invitation of his sister Sheila, a member of the corps Songster Brigade, Ray felt the warmth and friendliness of corps members.

In personal testimony he indicated he had never lost his love for the army and always maintained a Christian way of life. Becoming an adherent member enabled him to fulfil his Sunday School promise of many years earlier. 

Ray Sutton Welcomed as an Adherent

Ray thanked the congregation for fellowship and support when he was welcomed as an adherent by Lt Colonel Brian Knightley.
(Bandsman Brian Cushion 19/06/2010)

Ladies Fellowship - June 2010
June’s Ladies Fellowship was not the place for those of a vegetarian disposition. It was however a good place to be, to enjoy fellowship, learn about the production and marketing of lamb and listen to the witty repartee of Ian Middleton.  [read more / hide]

Ian is an old friend of the Ladies Fellowship, he was brought up in the Salvation Army and his parents still soldier at the Mile Cross Corps. Whilst cutting and jointing a whole carcass of lamb Ian explained the various parts of the animal and the different and changing fashions in the jointing of the meat. He told us that the cost of rearing a lamb and bringing it to sell could far outweigh the eventual sale price and that the price we paid in the super markets did not always reflect the true value of the product.  It has been the aim of the super stores to corner a market in certain areas. Once achieved they can then charge a true or inflated price. This could only be accomplished when other suppliers had ceased to trade.  I.E., the decline of the local and high street butcher.  Of course there are many people who will not eat lamb due to its age and the cuteness of these creatures as they amble around the countryside in springtime. The fact is that if we all stopped eating lamb there would be little point in rearing them nowadays.

The carcass brought by Ian had cost £99 and he was worried that those present wouldn’t want to pay the high price for the meat on offer.  In the end it was all sold and as one who bought some of the cheaper cuts I can only say that it was tender and absolutely full of flavour, beating my super market equivalent hands down.  Lt Col. Dorothy Knightly brought another informative evening to a conclusion with some words of scripture and a prayer.  On July 5th we will welcome Margaret Mann who will bring us an evening of quilting.  Tickets are now on sale at £3.50 for the biannual Ladies Fellowship Strawberry Tea. Tickets are obtainable from Jan Allen and everyone is welcome to attend this event, which takes place on 2nd August 2010. 
(Jan Allen June 2010)

First Sunday - The Big Sing - Sunday 6th June
Guest compere was Canon Roger Royle from BBC Radio 2, where he presented the popular Sunday Half Hour programme for 16 years until 2007, and is currently a regular Pause for Thought contributor on the breakfast show. He has also presented “Good Morning Sunday”, and “Songs of Praise” on BBC 1.

Major Rosemary Dawson organised the event, and following an opening prayer by Lt. Colonel Dorothy Knightley, welcomed the large congregation, Canon Roger Royle, and all music participants.  [read more / hide]

The congregation responded enthusiastically and warmly to the amusing anecdotes which Canon Roger Royle introduced to his compering duties, and his informed and pertinent comments aided appreciation of, and participation in the evening’s music making.

Following pre-meeting music by the corps band, which also accompanied wholehearted congregation singing in “Guide me, O thou great Jehovah”, and “Crown Him with many crowns”, the first of the 3 choirs participating in the event were introduced by Canon Roger Royle.

Cathedral Choir

Norwich Cathedral Choir, was conducted by Master of the Music – David Lowe, and it’s contributions were representative of daily Cathedral worship. Most typical was an evensong Magnificat setting from St. Luke’s gospel. The range of repertoire and expertise of the choir was evident from the congregations response to the choirs presentation of “My Beloved Spake”, Sir Hubert Parry’s – “My Soul There is a Country” and Faure’s “Cantique De Jean Racine”.

The Broadland Youth Choir, conducted by Carole Tims has established a fine reputation since it’s formation in 1992. Contributions ranged from “Irish Blessing” and Mozart’s “Jubilate” through “Down by the Riverside”, and “Rhythm of Life”, to “You Raise Me Up”, and “Be Still for the Presence of the Lord”.

The Songsters

The first contribution of the corps Songster Brigade, conducted by Songster Leader Hilary Winch was the stirring and exciting setting of Psalm 95 –“Sing for Joy”. “Lord of Heaven and Earth” was a reflective and thoughtful contrast, and the songsters final contributions were “The Majesty and Glory of Your Name”, and a fitting conclusion to a fine evening of praise and worship to God – “High and Lifted Up”. 

In his scripture message Canon Roger Royle spoke of the importance of music and especially singing in worship – particularly in the powerful combination of Psalm and song.

C.S.M. Hazel Sommerville thanked participants and all present who contributed the sum of £523 to aid the Big C Appeal which helps support cancer sufferers in Norfolk and Waveney.

Choir Leaders
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(Bandsman Brian Cushion 07/06/2010)

Ladies Fellowship - May 2010
We are so blessed within our corps to have people with a wealth of talent and skills who are willing to share.  One such person is Angela Vokalek who has spent her life learning, teaching and judging the art of floristry. Angela gave of her time, knowledge and talent to the delight of all those who attended our May Fellowship evening. Many Ladies made a special effort to attend this particular event and they were not disappointed.  Angela gave us a background to her work as she demonstrated a number of flower arrangements using different flowers and containers with varying colours and themes. We were given many useful tips and encouraged and inspired to be adventurous in the future when we might have a go ourselves. Supplying all the materials used Angela generously donated the arrangements and sales made £50 toward this years Helping Hand Appeal. Those who managed to purchase one of the lovely floral arrangements were delighted with their bargains. Meryl Turner gave a heartfelt vote of thanks and presented Angela with a large box of Belgian chocolates. Jan Allen presented some Alphabet poetry and read from the bible to bring the evening to a close. Prayers were said for all our members who are far from well and we especially remembered Margaret Myhill and Pamela Russell. Our next meeting takes place on 14th June when we will welcome back Ian Middleton with (The best of Lamb). Ian will be bringing us some cuts of Lamb that we will be able to buy if we wish.  On 5th July we will see more of the talent within our church when Margaret Mann joins us for an evening of Quilting.
(Jan Allen May 2010)

An Evening with the Songsters - Sunday 9th May
Lt. Colonels Brian and Dorothy Knightley are in temporary charge of the corps during the 3 month Sabbatical Leave of C.O’s Majors Denis and Olive Lomax. As part of corps section support during this time the Songsters undertook leadership of last Sunday nights meeting.

A Sunday night meeting at Norwich Citadel was arranged by Songster Leader Hilary Winch, and led by Captain Richard Welch. The Y.P. Band accompanied congregational singing and contributed “It’s a Great Day” as well as sprightly marches at the start and conclusion of the meeting.

The songsters presented “We Preach Christ”, “Look at the World”, and “I’ve Got Joy”, and used dance and vocal items to focus attention on a wooden cross during a moving depiction of the Easter message.

The varied and interesting choice of music, and congregational songs included enthusiastic participation in “These are the Days of Elijah”, and following Captain Richard Welch’s bible thoughts the songsters final contribution was “Let Christ Be Lifted Up”

(Bandsman Brian Cushion 12/05/2010)

Music United - April 2010
The event was organised by YPSM Sophia Grimshaw, and her team, and a follow up to a similar day held last year.  Following the success of a similar event, held last year, friends of Y.P.Corps members, as well as those responding to Y.P.S.M Sophia Grimshaw’s invitation to local schools, joined the Y.P. Band and Singing Company for a day at the Army.  [read more / hide]

A total of approximately 50 instrumentalists and singers took part on this occasion, and YPBL Andrew Gibson, YPSCL Lindsey Johnson, and SL Hilary Winch were supported by Royal Marine conductor – Steven Green in music leadership for the day.
Steven is the son of Assistant YPSM Heather Green.

The fun day of activities and music making concluded with a celebration concert, and those family members and supporters attending, responded warmly and enthusiastically to all the items presented. These included band items “Spirit of Youth”, “Swing When You’re Winning”, and “Tomado de la Mano”, and “I Just Come to Praise the Lord”, “He Reigns”, and “Let Me Tell You” by the choral group. 

Bandsman Matthew Peek compered the proceedings and interviewed two of the delegates, asking them what their highlights of the day were. Piano accompanist was Cameron Johnson, and everyone took part in the chorus “Our God is an awesome God”. A memorable day ended with the choral group singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, and the band playing “Dance Like David”.

Music United
 
(Bandsman Brian Cushion 02/05/2010)

Class Brass - 10th April
A well attended concert entitled “Class Brass”, and featuring music student members of the corps band, raised the fine sum of £362 which will support students travelling with the band on tour to the USA and Canada in October.  [read more / hide]

Taking part were Alexander Gibson (Royal Northern College of Music) – Cornet; Nicholas Giles (Royal Northern College of  Music) – Euphonium; and Craig Baker (Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama) – Cornet. Piano accompanists were bandsman Percy Sommerville, and songster pianist Beverley Baker.

Amongst each of their three contributions Alexander played “Song and Dance” (Philip Sparke), Nicholas played “Slavische Fantasie” (Carl Hohne), and Craig played
 
Alex, Nick and Craig
“Concerto for Cornet” (Philip Sparke). Bandsman David Winch, tenor horn, joined the soloists in a brass quartet – “Rousseau”, and Samuel Gibson and Cameron Johnson (trumpets) joined Alexander and Craig in “A Flourish of Fanfares”.

Bandsman Matthew Peek was compere for the evening and interviewed each young bandsman concerning the challenges and experiences of college life, and each took the opportunity to witness to their ongoing Christian experience.
(Bandsman Brian Cushion 14/04/2010)

Ladies Fellowship - April 2010
Our April meeting started with a call to prayer for a number of our members and those who find themselves in poor health.  We were particularly mindful of Gill Burton, and Ian Munday at this time.  [read more / hide]

It was time to say our farewells to Major Olive and Jan Allen thanked her for her support and fellowship over the past three years.  On behalf of the fellowship she was presented with a gift as a memento of her time with the Norwich Ladies Fellowship.  Jan did not say what the gift was but hoped that Olive would find a place for it in her new home or office and was sure that she could find a lovely photograph of William to go into it.

Our speaker for the evening was Mike Hardy and with a string of attributes ascribed to him he was introduced to the Ladies.  Mike was an archaeologist, historian, published writer, researcher and lecturer among other things.  With the aid of slides he talked about the evolution of the historic house and gardens that we see around Great Britain.  Their influences and origins to present day.  He has recently researched the history of a house at Thornham, owned by a Lord and Lady.

Major Olive brought another very interesting evening to a close as she gave her final Epilogue to the assembled Ladies. 

Next month our meeting will be held on the 10th May and we have our own Angela Vokalek. She will be giving us the benefit of her skills and talent in the area of floristry.  Please note our meeting for June has been moved to 14th of the month due to holidays.  Ian Middleton (Butcher) will be bringing us the best of Lamb.
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(Jan Allen April 2010)

Easter Weekend 2nd-4th April
Easter weekend meetings at Norwich Citadel were led by General John Larson (Rtd) and Commissioner Freda Larsson, supported by Sunderland Monkwearmouth Band.

In the Good Friday morning meeting General Larsson brought a powerful message around St Mark’s account of the Crucifixion, and centred on Jesus and His unconditional love for us all. Traditional and new Easter songs were included in the meeting – the Y.P. Band and Singing Company presented helpful contributions in “Here at the Cross” and “Via Delarosa” respectively. The songsters sang “At Calvary” standing beneath a stark Cross and amongst flowing red silk which extended  Easter 2010
down the entire length of the tiered platform to represent the events of Good Friday. Several members of the congregation knelt in acts of re-dedication following General Larsson’s mercy seat invitation.  [read more / hide]

Following the morning meeting a mid-day march of witness and open-air meeting took place in the busy city centre shopping area.

An Ecumenical service took place in Norwich Cathedral on Good Friday evening when the address was given by General Larsson.

On the afternoon of Easter Saturday General Larsson gave the opportunity to hear and dialogue with him about his book “1929” and to obtain signed copies.

Easter 2010
Easter 2010

A Music Festival entitled “An Easter Celebration” took place on the Saturday evening of Easter Week-end when Sunderland Monkwearmouth Band was the visiting musical section. A near capacity congregation enjoyed the two introductory items from the band – the march - “Light-bringer”, and “Prelude to a New Day”. Following Major Denis Lomax’s introductions band soloists
were Joseph Beattie, cornet – “Victorious”, Paul Hutchins, tenor horn – “A Time for Peace”, and Colin Neil, trombone – “The Eternal Quest”.  Norwich Citadel songsters presented two lilting and stirring items – “We Preach Christ” and “High and Lifted Up”.

In his compere role General John Larsson drew on his widely travelled experiences as the army’s international leader to give interesting insights into world wide army banding. These included bands marching up steep hills at an altitude of 12,000 feet in Bolivia without any apparent ill effect, the enthusiasm of  band’s in India, and African band’s taking part in hour long marches at special congress parades. Following the band’s playing of William Broughton’s “Gowans and Larsson Overture”, which contains many familiar melodies from the musicals, the General indicated that he was pleased to renew acquaintanceship with the arrangement.

In a Bible reading and thought Commissioner Freda Larsson gave a reminder of the need for Christ’s people to respond to His demand to carry out His work. The 3 day Easter story was then portrayed very clearly in the band’s playing of the epic music of Major Leslie Condon’s “Easter Glory”.

Visitors, holidaying with family and friends, were among large congregations that enjoyed an abundance of flowers, and floral displays arranged by members of the flower team and displayed around the citadel building on Easter Day.

Fine congregational singing was a feature of all Easter week-end meetings and on Sunday morning songs included “Christ The Lord”, “Thine is the Glory”, and Crown Him with many crowns”.  The Singing Company presented “Risen”, and Sunderland Monkwearmouth band played the march “He Lives”.  The General enrolled cousins Matthew Frost, and Daniel Frost as senior soldiers, and following the Bible address 3 people knelt at the mercy seat.

Following the Sunday Morning Meeting another march of witness and open-air meeting took place in the busy city centre shopping area.

Easter 2010
 
Easter 2010
 
Easter 2010

The final meeting of the week-end commenced with a stirring account of the Festival Fanfare “St Francis”, and other band contributions included the trombone ensemble, “Glory Be”, selection, “Gift of Love”, and the vividly contrasting music of “Vitae Aeternum”.

The songsters presented “Covenant” and bandsman Eric Skipsey was the soprano cornet soloist in “Trumpet Voluntary”. In his final Bible address of the week-end the General urged the congregation to believe in Christ without having seen Him as the Lord urged His disciple Thomas in the immediate aftermath of His Resurrection.
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(Bandsman Brian Cushion 05/04/2010)

First Sunday - 7th March 2010 - Christ in the Passover
Guest speaker at the March “First Sunday” meeting at Norwich Citadel was Barry Barnett – a representative of “Jews for Jesus”, whose talk was entitled “Christ in the Passover”. 

A table was prepared with symbols of the Passover and Barry explained the significance and meaning of each item, giving the Jewish names. Members of the congregation participated by lighting the candles, tasting the bitter herbs (a reminder of the suffering of God’s people) and tasting the apples nuts and raisins (representing God’s redemptive power).  Other items included unleavened bread, a silver salver, and 4 cups, roasted egg and lamb bones.  Barry then spoke of Jesus sharing the Passover meal with his disciples and how John had declared that Jesus was the Lamb of God.

There are 150,000 Christian Jews world-wide out of a total of about 15 million Jews.
Barry came to faith through attending an Alpha course and now witnesses through the “Jews for Jesus” organisation.
(Bandsman Brian Cushion 13/03/2010)

Ladies Fellowship - March 2010
It was Debra Preston’s third visit to our fellowship and one that had been eagerly looked forward to.  Debra had worked her way up to Executive Housekeeper of Europe’s largest hotel, The Grosvenor. She has a wonderful talent for relating the behind the scene stories and this time it was the turn of the rich and famous and the special events evenings that take place there.  Whilst Debra worked at The Grosvenor she oversaw three Royal visits a week as the hotel was used as a venue for charity events.  She told us that Prince Phillip was the patron of eleven hundred charities.  There was a huge amount of work that went into the security of each of these visits including sniffer dogs and  a private toilet facility along with rooms that had to be isolated from other hotel guests.  [read more / hide]

She told us of very difficult guests with sometimes bizarre requirements. These ranged from the simple, (Elton John’s seventy-four pink towels for a two-night stay), to the seventeen page requirement list of Elizabeth Taylor.  Miss Taylor was said to have preferred to stay at The Dorchester and staff at the Grosvenor said they were welcome to her, as she never wanted the same thing twice. She once asked for her name to be embroidered on all her pillowcases. These were done at much expense and were only used on the one occasion. Over the years the hotel was used during the night as a film set with crew and stars moving into the hotel with their own catering and all the disruption caused by filmmaking but everything had to be kept from the guests. 

Debra has encountered a lot of famous people over the years, from entertainers, film stars, crowned heads and politicians.  Along with her many amusing reminiscences, she told us of her personal favourites, and the one or two who she really found unpleasant.  The one thing we all found surprising was her statement that the richest and most famous people nearly always had very grotty nightwear. Debra entertained us for over an hour and Ladies found themselves laughing and enjoying all the intimate details of people they had long watched on the TV and at the cinema. There was so much to the evening that it is difficult to give a flavour in this short commentary.

This was the last of the talks that Debra gives and we had enjoyed every one of them.  Gill Burton gave a vote of thanks for what had been a fascinating evening, full of very funny and intriguing anecdotes. She asked Debra if she had thought of writing a book.  She told us that a book will be published shortly but had been written by a colleague.  If you ever watched the TV show Hotel Babylon and thought it was far-fetched think again.

Ladies Fellowship is an opportunity to hear and see the most interesting and informative topics first hand. It is also an opportunity to ask questions and find out things that you always wanted to know and to share with others.  In April we look forward to Mike Hardy who will be bringing us Historic Houses of Great Britain.
(Jan Allen March 2010)

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)

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.
(Bandsman Brian Cushion 13/02/2010)
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