Derby-Sunderland-Kettering

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 – Derby

Wednesday, October 7, 2009 – Sunderland

Thursday, October 8, 2009 – Kettering

Well I’ve been without an internet connection for three days now and have not been able to update the log. Today we arrived in Kettering and had a marvelous day. We visited the Lord Mayor’s office. The Mayor is a nice Christian lady who served us tea, following the tea the band played a couple marches in an outdoor arena street side, kind of an improve open air. The evening concert was live broadcast over the internet where 45 people watched, including my boss! All went very well and once again the WTB shared the love of God through music.

Monday, October 5, 2009 Norwich

Packed into a bus we now travelled 4 hours from Worthing to Norwich where they are celebrating their 125th Banding Anniversary as well! What a great Salvation Army tradition and fellowship we have.

Those whom we had met as strangers on Friday we now left as friends – another example of our marvelous fellowship.

We drove through rain – an educational experience for those from the great Southwest – through the Dartford Tunnel and on through beautiful English countryside with the tress just starting to change colours (they are English trees hence the spelling!)
We arrived in the “Fine City” of Norwich home of two magnificent cathedrals, many great old churches, an ancient market place and a Starbucks! Norwhic was also the destination of the original “nine days wonder” but as few Americans seem to have heard of it we will pass on.

The Citadel building is a magnificent example of the early day Army auditorium. It was dedicated in 1892 – a year prior to the opening of the work in Arizona to give a perspective.

We were warmly welcomed by the CO and the leaders of the band being given brochures, maps and a CD of the local band which has on it much marvelous music and a contribution from the writer of today’s blog. After free time we were taken to a “carvery-style” restaurant. Leaving was a challenge in many ways. Our magnificent coach driver, Tony, had been slightly blocked. Help was given by members of the band who lifted the blocking vehicle out of the way. No names!

Here in Norwich we have been joined by Andrew Blyth, the UK’s Assistant Music Director, who will be with us until the weekend.

The evening concert, in the presence of the Anglia Divisional Commander, was played to a near capacity crowd of highly appreciative people. During the interval this writer met a man who over 50 years ago had begun in the learners’ class on the same day back in the Chatteris, Cambridgeshire Corps. We’re still waiting for John Docter to miss a note!

After the festival it’s back to more wonderful hospitality in the home of fellow Salvationists.

Saturday, October 4, 2009 WTB at Worthing

The WTB held a grand concert at the Worthing Corps with retired General Larsson present, their son Kevin, played a trombone solo and did a fine job.

While still in Worthing, the WTB joined with the Worthing Corps Band, celebrating their 125th Anniversary as a band, in an open air march. It was a bit windy, but God’s Word was spoken, testimonies given and a prayer shared with passers by. The days ministry opportunity was not missed.

The Tour Has Begun

The WTB meet at Crestmont on Thursday, October 1st for a brief rehearsal and challenge by Commissioner Philip Swyers. The TC reminded the WTB that some 3.5 million dollars of interest money was set aside for “The Real Work” of the Army, and that the WTB’s ministry is a part of that real work. He mentioned a young person who plays in the WTYB who made a commitment during the opening of the Salem Kroc Center, that because of the impact of Army music they now wish to make a lifetime opportunity of service in the Army. What a blessing that is.
8:00 p.m. October 1st – WTB at LAX on AA to London Heathrow – long flight! We were met at Heathrow by the UK’s Territorial Music Director, Stephen Cobb who greeted us with a warm welcome. Off to, Worthing where after a Fish and Chip supper we went home with our billets and a had lovely time talking about the Army, music and mutual friends around the Army world.
1:00 PM October 2- We are waiting for lunch after a morning of rehearsal, devotions and sightseeing around Worthing. It is beautiful little town on the English Channel. Everyone is well, but still jet-lagged. The Worthing Corps Band celebrated its 125th year anniversary in 2008. It has a wonderful tradition of service in the community. The WTB looks forward to a great weekend of ministry
This hall is where David and Beryl Mallett were married in 1968. David is a former bandsman of the corps.

Amber Choe

Amber Choe, Solo Horn is a meteorologist on Phoenix's channel 15 - tomorrow channel 15 will be recognizing Amber's involvement with The Salvation Army and sharing about the UK Tour.

Way to go Amber!

Heading to the U.K.

On Thursday, October 1, 2009 The Salvation Army's Western Territorial Band is heading to the United Kingdom to minister to and fellowship with fellow salvationist and friends. Follow the events of this great ministry opportunity!