The evening festival commenced with the classic march Star Lake and the more contemporary song Hallelujah, Salvation and Glory. Both sections had now set the standard for the weekend and this was not only maintained but excelled. A variety of items followed all introduced by our YPSM, Karen Farmer, who later confessed she is a fan of 'The Saddlers' (Walsall football team).
We are blessed with talented young people and four of these performed solos during the evening. The cello solo Song Without Words (Mendelssohn) was beautifully performed by Lydia Stone-Fewings as was Lucy Lamplough's flute solo Prelude from Suite Antique (Rutter). Both girls not only have good technique but play with sensitivity beyond their years. The YP Band soloists were Andrew Dickinson (tenor horn) and Jeremy Owen (cornet). Unknown to each other, their solos both featured the well known song Trust in God. Once again each solo was performed to a high standard and well received by the audience. Other soloists were featured within the pieces presented by the sections during the weekend.
On Sunday the Singing Company was responsible for presenting the morning service. The theme of this meeting was 'Rooms' and how our bedrooms reflect us as people. In turn, how much room we give Jesus is shown through our lives. The singing of In This Very Room reinforced the message and brought much blessing with the words 'In this very room there's quite enough love for one like me, for all of us and for all the world'.
The evening meeting was in the capable hands of Mark Adams and the YP Band. This service also incorporated a number of items from the sections and an energetic dramatic presentation, Let's Play Army, from Anna and Lucy Lamplough ably assisted by Jenny Blessett. Some of us were rather worried that Jenny's baby would decide to make its debut as she jumped about the platform! Once again a number of the young people reiterated the theme of the meeting 'Changes' by testifying as to how they are not only changing physically but spiritually.
The weekend concluded as it had started with a song and a march. Cast All Your Cares is a popular gospel song and the applause, both after Luke Bovan's solo and the final glissando from the piano, left us in no doubt that our friends at Hendon also liked it! The final march Wellingtonian brought to an end a tremendous weekend.
A special mention must be made of the eight youngsters who were 'specialing' for the first time. Many Salvationist readers will remember their first weekend away with junior sections and the excitement mixed with some apprehension. As some of our new members have only been attending practices for about two months they really exceeded our expectations.
Birmingham Citadel has every right to feel proud of the Junior Musicians as they are worthy representatives of our Corps not only musically but through their deportment, behaviour and, most importantly, spiritually. Our young people know of God's love and His plan for them and this is partly due to the influence their leaders have upon them. Our thanks to all who made this visit possible, especially our friends at Hendon, and we look forward to seeing you all when the Senior Band are with you in January for the 'grown up' Hendon Highlights.
P M Owen