Songsters at Burton upon Trent Corps 121st Anniversary Celebrations - 20th October 2007

10,000 people gave Colonel Elijah Cadman a hostile reception when he commenced the Salvation Army work in Burton upon Trent in 1886.  He was dragged by his hair through the town.  Happily this experience did not befall our songster leader!  Despite counter attractions such as the World Rugby Cup Final there was an excellent congregation to welcome our songster brigade on the 121st anniversary of Burton upon Trent Corps.  The songsters gave their customary enthusiastic presentation of the various songs which drew appreciative applause from the listeners.

Imaginative accompaniments enabled the audience to respond warmly.  In particular, classic backing by two flautists in the persons of Rebecca Bennett and Lucy Lamplough to the song You Are My All In All, and a scintillating pianoforte duet to Count Your Blessings sung by the songsters were presentations that caught the ear and eye.  The duettists were Jean Black and Songster Leader Lesley Nicholson.  An individual tour de force by Robert Hayward titled Xylophonia brought tremendous applause.

The devotional time featured the word ‘Grace'.  This included thoughtful readings and song much enhanced by multimedia illustration.  Movement and dance are a feature of items presented these days and these were carried out with slickness and precision by everyone called upon to execute them.

The songsters processed down the aisles for the final song You Raise Me Up; a truly inspiring end to an evening of praise and thanksgiving to God.  Congratulations to Burton upon Trent Corps on 121 years of faithful witness in that town.

It may also be of interest to note that Burton upon Trent band led by the famous Bandmaster Appleby was present at the launch of Birmingham Citadel in September 1892.  They not only travelled at their own expense but left a collection in aid of the new citadel corps.  Birmingham Citadel Band was not inaugurated until later.

Words: A J Crowhurst
Pictures: (Please send any photographs to the Webmaster if you were there)