The history of this visit starts in Nicosia, Cyprus, in the military hospital. I was a patient lying in bed suffering from blood poisoning when five young Salvationist squadies walked into the ward. I remember the song they played, Oh Happy Day. And it was because young Terry Nixon and I became friends, and have been so since 1959, that the result is this wonderful visit of the citadel band.
Who was it that said “An Army marches on its stomach”? Ask the bandsmen who visited Coleford and were provided with a marvellous spread, fortifying them for the arduous evening ahead.
Starting with Fanfare to Worship, the audience were treated to a harmonious rendition, resulting in spontaneous applause. The next piece was The Londonderry Air. The audience had never heard such a sympathetic rendition and trombone soloist Mark Sharman certainly deserved the extended applause.
At this point the band decided to introduce the audience, ie the majority Baptist congregation, to an up-tempo version of Praise My Soul the King of Heaven. At the end there were smiles and respirators all round - and a vow to try it out at their next meeting.
Martin Hughes and Gavin Lamplough played the corner duet Quicksilver, which took the audience by surprise by the speed and clarity, resulting in rapturous applause. This was followed by a sympathetic rendition of the old favourite Amazing Grace by the band which was much appreciated by all.
The piece Chassidic Dance is a piece not liked by the band, but they don’t have to listen to it! The applause at the end should have given them an idea as to how much it was appreciated by the audience. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Love Changes Everything also went down well, particularly Karen Farmer’s flugel horn solo.
The rendition of Star Lake brought back memories to the many former Salvation Army bandsmen in the congregation. Judging by the tapping of feet, Army of the Brave was an exhilarating finale to the first half of the programme.
What a wonderful start to the second half, The Name, proclaiming the Gospel and the name of Jesus.
For those who like classical music Treasures from Tchaikovsky invoked many trains of thought - sadness, sometimes pathetic, but at the end both moving and exciting.
The tenor horn solo Green Hill, played by Neil Blessett, brought everyone down to earth. All night the backdrop of the cross had been the focal point and this piece confirmed the power of the cross, depicted by the words adjacent to the cross, ‘Not by power, nor by might, but by my spirit’.
Gavin Lamplough’s thought-provoking words were reflected in the faces of the audience and again brought home the message of the cross.
Easter Glory maintained the devotional attitude. The melodies which came through this wonderful Les Condon composition reminded us of the wonderful words ‘the wounds of Christ are open …’ and that Christ died for us and rose again.
With many ex Army bandsmen, both military and SA, the march Under Two Flags was exhilarating and made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up - thanks for a good old Army march.
Well, all good things must come to an end - even the Floral Dance immortalised by Terry Wogan, which left the audience wanting more. Maybe BCB have rewritten the history books - it certainly got people clapping. A good night was had by all, including my wife - and if she says she has, then everyone has.
Everyone was then able to join in fellowship with refreshments served downstairs.
Words: Tony Durrell
Photos: Gordon and Barbara McKee