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After a pleasant journey we arrived to a warm welcome. Winton Corps benefit from an exceptional suite of buildings, recently extensively refurbished, and it was in the restaurant at 'The Place Next Door' where we were able to share a wonderful meal with our colleagues from Winton.
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As ever, the programme contained something for everyone, from the foot-tapping march Rosehill, through Green Hill - a tenor horn solo based on the haunting melody My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose, with which we associate the words "There is a green hill far away", to the classic Les Toreadors from Bizet's Carmen Suite.
The receptive congregation clearly enjoyed the band's ministry. It was a particular pleasure to have in the meeting some visitors who had heard of the band's visit on the local radio station. Before leaving they spoke with our Commanding Officer, Major Victor Kennedy, saying "We thought we were coming to a band concert, but were pleasantly surprised to discover it was a spiritual experience". It is feedback such as that that makes our ministry so worthwhile.
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We were supported in the morning meeting by Winton Singing Company who delighted us with their singing. Although a relatively small group, their singing was excellent and the sound they produced belied their numbers.
Dean Heeley, having recently passed his driving test and acquiring his first car from his brother, spiritualised on the instructions, which came with the car, on how to clean it. This was a sincere testimony with the benefit of props in the form of bucket, chamois, polish, etc. That in itself would have been a perfectly good children's story, but that was to follow. YPSM Karen Farmer delivered another illustrated story, with support from Singing Company member Paul and two bandsmen (Little and Large!), alias Neil Blesset and Edward Dixon.
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This was another well attended meeting, this time with the support of Winton Songsters, whose contribution was well presented with excellent supporting multimedia. Following on from the previous evening's 'criticism' that there was insufficient opportunity for congregational singing, Bandmaster David Nicholson apologised and invited the congregation to join in the singing of the Founder's song, O Boundless Salvation - all seven verses!
Again a varied programme with real moving moments such as in Procession to Covenant and The Last Amen. The Timbrels are always well received and this was no exception as they performed a display to the march Goldcrest.
On behalf of the band, a sincere thanks to everyone involved in the organisation of the weekend and to those who billeted us. We look forward to the return visit of Winton Band during 2005.
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Words: David McKee
Photos: Gordon McKee