I must mention two of the vocal soloists.  Bandmaster Bobby Irvine from Ayr corps was the UK representative.  He certainly upheld the standards we expect from him, as heard on his CD Precious Promise.  Songster Barbara Allen represented the USA Western Territory where she is a full time Youth Leader.  Many of you will remember her from Blackpool Citadel or Birmingham Music Schools and her CD The Reason.  Barbara and her husband Steve send greetings to all who remember them.
The five Bands and five Songster Brigades, which took part in the main meetings, festivals and fringe events, conveyed the Christian message in a first class manner, both in musicianship and deportment.  They gave us a feast of music we could hardly digest.  Hendon Band, the only Corps Band to take part (what an honour), had a hectic schedule, as did all the other groups.  The other Bands taking part were The Canadian, New York and Chicago Staff Bands, and The USA Southern Territorial Band.  The Canadians reminded me of the partnership festival in Toronto, when they played our Songsters and timbrels on to the platform back in 1986.
The Songster Brigades featured were The National Songsters of New Zealand, The Sydney Staff Songsters, The Korean, Zimbabwean and USA Southern Territorial Songsters, the latter led by Chris Priest. Many of you will remember Chris as Songster Leader at Bristol Easton.
The March of Witness was another highlight.  All the 27 sections took part as well as many others, including The Chinese Lion Dancers in full regalia.  There were delegates from every country attending the Congress and it was thrilling to see this seemingly endless procession of Salvationists streaming past.
The fringe activities included leadership training seminars for teaching beginners and singing companies, song writing, scoring, composition, rehearsal techniques, evangelism, worship teams, contemporary music, drama and dance etc.  The 22 workshops were led by some of the Army's most well known names.
Whilst Joanne attended a vocal rehearsal session, I counted it a great privilege to attend a composition seminar led by Bandmaster William Himes assisted by Chicago Staff Band.  In the final meeting of the Congress, the Bandmaster was one of five worthy recipients of The Order of The Founder - yet another