A wonderful evening at the Friar’s

God surely blessed us this evening with love from his divine store,
As the Nottingham band joined us at the Friar’s resplendent in the scarlet jackets they wore,
Although dark clouds filled the horizon and a shower of blessings our songsters received,
Nothing dampened the spirits of the large crowd, who’d gathered great music to perceive,
The concert duly started the glory of God through our music we sought to portray,
Delighted we listened to Bandmaster Duncan Cameron's choice of music, what an array!

As the Songsters from Maidstone gave voice in reverence and praise,
To the many songs Kevin Ashman had taught us to the glory of God our voices did raise,
The song “Holy ground” surely had been written for this special place,
 The clouds in the sky shifted and in the evening sunshine we saw God’s grace,
As Matt Waters solo voice floated out across these grounds,
Even the angels in Heaven must have rejoiced at the sounds!

As the Band’s music struck a cord in the hearts of those who’d come to listen,
Their Timbrels delighted us, fulfilling their God given mission,
Soprano cornet soloist Jason Abbott the crowd did delight,
As he played beautifully to the crowd in the early evening sunlight,
The testimony given by David Hopkins made us all smile and then think,
Of the reasons why we followed Jesus and for each of us there was a link.

The interval gave opportunity for a picnic, time to meet friends old and new,
Coming together the way God intended for His people to do,
As the second half of the programme started with more great music from the band,
Following a congregational hymn that drew us together, united in God we do stand,
Our Songsters then delighted with a Bridley Boon song that truly stirred the heart,
As the words of “Boundless treasure” seem intended to awaken even the hardest of hearts!

Out from the Band next came a young man with a cheeky smile that enhanced the day,
Oliver Norman’s Xylophone playing thrilled all as a God given talent he did display,
The mood turned to reflective as Tenor Horn soloist Paul Cuthbert wooed the crowd,
The choice of music drifted over us gently the Bandmaster must have been so proud,
As the Songsters gathered once more songs of worship to God our praises did sing,
Followed by a message from Scripture that Bandsman Andrew Whitehouse did bring.

The final Songster piece was a blessing of God’s grace,
As for many thoughts turned to leaving this hallowed, beautiful place
Then the Band once more did truly the crowd did delight,
Standing on the steps together played a rousing march in the evening light.
As the final strains of music drifted away and silence for a moment did fall,
The final message from Major Ray Brown was indeed a blessing to one and all.

 Major Joy McIntosh Retires

Maidstone Salvation Army Band would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Major Joy McIntosh on her retirement and to thank her for all her help,support and encouragement.

 As friends and family gathered to pay tribute to this very special lady, Maidstone Band  and Songsters took part in the official retirement celebration, a wonderful evening of sharing, fellowship, music and song during which  corps members, representatives from Maidstone Churches, fellow officers and Joy's prayer partner all expressed their thanks and love,  our Divisional Commander, Lt. Col. Anthony Cotterill,  presented Joy with a certificate.

We wish Major Joy a very happy retirement as she prepares to move to Essex with Robin in July
They will be sorely missed, but we know that God has moved them to Essex for many reasons and pray that He will continue to surround them with his love in the future he has planned for them.