The Band visits Welling Corps

Under the leadership of Bandmaster Keith Thomas Maidstone Salvation Army Band were welcomed by Corps officers Captain’s Peter and Eileen West,   and were delighted to be invited to take part in the 75th Anniversary celebrations of Welling Corps.

Resplendent in festival tunics the Band entertained the assembled crowd with great music which included the march “Welling”, written for that very Corps by Sidney Hubbard.

Kevin Ashman played a beautiful cornet solo, which was followed by the Lisa Davies singing a solo which had been especially requested by Karl from Welling Corps who had been enchanted by hearing Lisa’s beautiful voice on previous visits to Maidstone and Chatham Corps.

A congregational hymn had everyone in fine voice. Euphonium soloist Stuart Atkinson’s rendition of a Norman Bearcroft’s song “Better World” was enjoyed by everyone.

Then once more Lisa rose to the occasion and accompanied by Stuart on the piano, she sang a Songster title “I know a Fount” the assembled audience were stunned to silence by the sheer beauty of the moment.

As great music flowed once more from the Band in the form of a lovely arrangement by Keith Manners of “Everlasting love” the mood in the hall was decidedly mellow.

Lt. Col. Glenys Heins who was a guest of Welling Corps for their anniversary weekend opened God’s word to us and using the beautiful words of Scripture to show how we should all come to Lord with singing and music making, her parallel between the Psalms and the song “I’d like to teach the world to sing” brought the ancient words of Scripture into the modern day, and we thank God for her insight.

The final offering from the Band saw John Boyd, Ryan Cripps and Alisdair Ashman perform a brilliant cornet trio of “keep in step” these young men were a wonderful example of what working together for God can achieve.

All in all a lovely evening of sharing in music in song and in fellowship with the very special people of Welling Corps. Maidstone Band wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to the commanding officers and everyone from Welling Corps for inviting us to share in their time of celebration.