Derby Central Songsters USA Tour 09

Derby USA Tour - Funny Moments

2009-04-13T16:45:00.001-07:00

Hope you all appreciate some of these pictures, they were left out of the daily blog reports so I could put them all together and embarrass more people in one go!!!! enjoy........

2009-04-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

Sunday 12th April

Happy Easter Everyone!

Easter Sunday started on a good note. After a late night packing, we got up for breakfast at 7:30. Due to the schedule being changed. Instead of returning to camp Happy land after the programme at the ARC it was decided that we would drive straight to New York and stay at the Markle (Ian and Faith’s). After loading the coach we set off for Arlington corps. Upon our arrival we were greeted by the Corps officers who made us feel very welcome, where refreshments and cakes were offered. The songsters started the Easter Sunday celebrations with pre-meeting music, and by the smiles on the faces, Amen’s, and Hallelujah’s it was obvious that our music and message was blessing the congregation. The rest of the meeting followed on in a similar fashion, everyone was blessed and felt the Holy Spirit moving among us. This was evident in the number of seekers praying at the mercy seat.

The fellowship then continued when we all shared lunch together in the dining hall, it was nice for songsters who had been on previous tours to catch up with friends and nice for new songsters to get to know members of the Arlington corps. As we left Arlington corps you could still feel the Holy Spirit moving as the Hispanic corps praised the risen Lord. After boarding the bus feeling slightly heavier than when we got off the bus, we then traveled to do a spot of sightseeing in Washington DC. Once Peri had fought his way through the traffic we had an hour to look round the Mall. Once everyone had arrived at the designated pick up points, we boarded the bus in the Washing DC sunshine. Whilst patiently waiting for us to board the bus, Peri found himself in a spot of bother with the Law!!!! Two mounted police officers approach the coach and threatened a ticket (due to his tussle with a motor bike)....... but never fear when Grahame Northwood is here! He very calmly talked his way out of a ticket, using his police lingo and we were on our way again. Peri 1 Motor Bike 0.
After a short trip in the coach we arrived at the ARC, where we were greeted by residents of the ARC. By this point we were all on automatic pilot when it comes to the sound check and setup. We had a quick run through of “God of my Praise” with the National Capital Band, and we were then being seated for yet another meal. It was nice to share a meal together and get to know members of the National Capital Band. We had time for a quick change ready for the concert, and then we gathered in the chapel for a presentation and prayers before the concert started. Gifts and words of thanks were expressed for our kind hosts, Jim and Christina Anderson. Our brilliant tour guide Bernie, Our fantastic organiser Ian Anderson and Ruth Hunter, Our wonderful pianist Graham, and Our very patient and brilliant songster leader Ian Hammond. With all the songsters in high spirits, the concert followed. The residents of the ARC were very supportive, encouragable and enthusiastic. The message that we brought to them was kindly received, they were extremely blessed to hear us sing.
After the concert we all shared with James Hunter his special birthday cake and spent some more time chatting with the residents and our hosts.
Leaving 6 of the songsters back at the ARC to endure a night filled with train noises (ha ha!!!) before they embarked on a fun filled tour of their own of the USA, the rest of the group boarded the coach for a 4 hour journey back to New York. Most of the songsters took the opportunity to catch up on some much needed sleep during the journey. OtherS were entertained by the more lively passengers at the rear of the coach (thanks Darren for making my journey back to New York so enjoyable!!!!)
We eventually arrived back at the Markle Evangenline Residence for the night.

Reported by Lynsey Bawden

2009-04-11T20:29:00.001-07:00

Sunday 12th April - EASTER SUNDAY

2009-04-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday 11th April

Well just one more singing day to go after today before we return to the UK, but more about that later.
Today after a leeeeeisurely start (10 o’clock departure) we travelled to Richmond where lunch was provided by the ARC (Adult Rehabilitation Center). This Center has capacity for 87 men and provides them with the faith and skills to re-enter society as productive citizens. Following lunch we made our way to the Covenant Woods Retirement home where the 45 minute Concert was given. We were warmly welcomed by the residents who were very receptive to our message.
We then set off for the Meadowbridge Seventh Day Adventist Church, but on the way we stopped at the Dairy Queen Ice Cream parlour. See appropriate Blog photos.
On arrival at the church we set up for the evening Concert and were once again well fed to provide the energy for our evening programme.
After so many musical festivals the Songsters are now singing like a ‘well oiled’ machine and this evening was no exception as we brought blessing to all who saw and heard us, which was evident by the standing ovation we received. Even Ceri had her own individual standing ovation after her solo ‘In a Moment’. It just goes to show how her singing has improved since Sweden when a member of the audience had a heart attack during her Solo.
At this point it would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the contribution of our additional accompanists plus one:
Firstly Bernie (THE BOLT) Dake (you’ve got to be old enough to understand that one) for his lively yet sympathetic percussion accompaniment. His contribution during ‘Sing Out’ has turned what had been a marathon (this song goes on and on) into a ‘has it finish already moment’.
Secondly, Ian (G SHARP) Anderson who after a shaky start has ‘turning in’ performances that can now be described as musically adept, but must try harder. This is obviously a joke May (his Mum) so don’t start when I get back.
Thirdly Darren (WIND CHIMES) Willis for his unexpected introduction of the wind chimes on Sunday which was subtly interjected to everyone’s surprise (including his own).
Special mention obviously goes to our regular musicians who have once again enhanced the songs with their playing. Well done David, Graham and Phil.
However, even as good as the above have been, their performances pale into insignificance when compared with the efforts of Graham Eacott who has done a fantastic job for us during the tour. Thanks Graham.
And finally on a more serious note, could I ask you to pray for my billeting partner Trevor B. He is beginning to become anxious about exiting the USA, since on arrival he was dragged off as a suspected terrorist to the Immigration Office by armed Officers, and he fears the same may happen again. Who counsels the Camp Counsellor?
And in conclusion I would just say that the strategy of staggering our departure days must have been God inspired since after all the shopping and eating we have indulged in, the plane would not have take off if we had all departed together. You may think I’m joking but Andrea S (Uniform Maintenance) has had to let out at least a dozen buttons on the ladies skirts.
P.S. The “in conclusion” and “Finally” are techniques I have observed from Army Officers over the years as a means to try and lull us into thinking their sermons are over long before it really happens.

Reported by Bob Johnson

2009-04-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

Friday 10th April – GOOD FRIDAY

After a leisurely wake up and breakfast, the songsters gathered together in the ‘Happyland ‘ chapel for a Good Friday time of reflection based on “Private Journey, Public Walk” led by our Corps Officer Major Freda Bennyworth. After a thought provoking introduction, Ian Anderson gave his testimony, recalling memories from his Derby childhood. Bandmaster James Anderson, the Divisional Music Director recounted his story telling that 9 months ago he was diagnosed with cancer with a prognosis of 3 months. After prayers from friends and Salvationists around the world, James is still here and looking remarkably well. No-one could fail to be moved by his strong faith and inspirational story.
After lunch we donned our travel uniform and prepared for our journey to our next venue, being careful to avoid Philip and Dave careering around on the golf buggy. On route to Spotswood Baptist Church Fredericksburg we called at the Chancellorsville Battlefield where a songster photo was taken and some of its younger ( and not so young) members indulged in a little “horse-play”. The older group then indulged themselves with ice-cream before attending a reception at Spotswood with various dignitaries.
The evening festival was very well attended and the congregation responded enthusiastically to the songsters ‘polished performance’ and gave yet another standing ovation. Again, tired but happy we returned to our wilderness camp for a good nights sleep.

Reported by Jenny Floyd

2009-04-09T18:23:00.001-07:00

Thursday 9th April

Another glorious morning to wake up to in this perfect setting and an egg, bacon and toast breakfast to boot.
The first thing I must address Bernie’s ( B. Dake our Co Tour Leader) attention deficit!!!! How the tour has been enhanced since his arrival. He has worked so hard to learn all our names and so much about us.
His percussion skills are just beyond mention – so I won’t!!!!, seriously though we are appreciating his contribution in every way.
Today is different, a travel day ( 6 hours ) with no programme venue this evening. It would give us all the time to “catch our breath” both physically and spiritually in preparation for Easter weekend as well as enjoying some social time together.
Arrived at Camp Happyland around 4pm, another superb location with children’s play area, basketball court, swimming pool and beautiful chapel being just some of the facilities available. We can call here home for the next 4 days.
After our first roast dinner of the tour!! Ceri very successfully arranged and chaired a quiz with different rounds,1 including a question on some songsters occupation and Derby Central Songsters history.

We all feel rested and ready for our final weekend of the tour and ready to be blessed over the Easter weekend ahead.

Reported by Graham Smith

2009-04-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 8th April 2009

There was a rare and leisurely start to the day today. After a late arrival at Camp Walter Johnson on Tuesday evening, the songsters woke up at a reasonable hour and had a quiet morning taking in the beautiful surroundings of this Salvation Army facility. The camp is owned by the Salvation Army and is used as a Conference Centre and as a Summer Camp for children during the summer months. After breakfast many of the songsters took a short tour of the facilities. Camp Walter Johnson is set in acres of beautiful woodland and has two lakes as well as a swimming pool, accommodation in 12 lodges and conference facilities for up to 250 people.
The songsters enjoyed the tour of camp, and much refreshed by the fresh air prepared for the rest of the day. En route to the Salvation Army building in Charlotte, we stopped at an Outlet Shopping Mall. It seems that the American economy is now in recovery thanks to the dollars spent by the Derby Central Songsters at the Mall. There were bargains to be had by all!
Following the stopover at the Mall, it was on to our concert venue for the day - the Salvation Army at Charlotte. After a quick rehearsal our audience began to arrive for our afternoon concert. This afternoon our audience consisted of about 150 school children aged from 4 – 16. They were easily the most enthusiastic audience of the tour so far. Great kids who smiled, and clapped and generally had a great time with us and our music. It was evident from the faces of the kids (and the smiles from the songsters!) that a good time was had by all! The children of the Salvation Army boys and girls club in Charlotte will remain in our thoughts and prayers for weeks to come.
Dinner in the hall followed; a change from pasta today. It was a ‘good ole Southern USA BBQ’. We enjoyed chicken and pork and barbecued beans, followed by bananas and custard. All washed down with the all American Iced Tea.
The concert was due to start at 7pm. We eagerly awaited the arrival of our audience. At 6.55pm we were still eagerly awaiting the arrival of the audience as we only had 4 people waiting to hear us. By this time, rumours were starting to circulate that the start of the concert had been advertised for 7.30pm. With this in mind it was decided to delay the start to see if any more people turned up. By 7.15pm there was a decent number, and the concert began.
The songsters rose to the occasion as usual, despite the low numbers in the audience. The singing sounded just as enthusiastic and at the end of ‘Veni Emmanuel’ there was a gasp of “Wow!” from one of the audience members!
After yet another standing ovation, the tired and weary songsters boarded the coach back to Camp Walter Johnson ready to make an early start tomorrow on the next leg of the tour.

Report by Ceri Hammond

2009-04-08T05:29:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 7th April 2009

The fun started at 6.30am when the songsters met in a zombie like state for breakfast. Following this we boarded the coach to set off for Raleigh, North Carolina . After a 6hr coach journey, which most of the songsters caught up on some much needed sleep, we arrived at the Good Hope Baptist Church.

As we were an hour early arriving, Perry ( our lovely coach driver) took us to a nearby shopping mall where some of the songsters picked up some bargains!!

We returned to the church and began to set up in preparation for the evening concert. Following this came yet MORE food, MORE puddings and MORE drink. Something the songsters are attempting to get used to!! After eating, the songsters began to get ready, changed and pepared in prayer for the concert ahead.

The concert itself was fantastic, with the congregation receptive to what we were attempting to do and the message we were trying to portray.

A good evening had by all!!! With yet another standing ovation from the audience. After packing up the coach we began our 2hr journey to Camp Walter Johnson our base for the next 2 nights.

A tired , but happy bunch ready for a good rest in preparation for another full packed day tomorrow.

Reported by David Purkiss

2009-04-06T20:27:00.000-07:00

Monday 6th April 2009

We arrived at Montclair Corps at 8oclock this morning and traveled across the Delaware River into the Southern Territory where we will be for the most of the tour. The bus journey was about 4 hours but we were able to watch a DVD of the NYSB whilst traveling so it seemed much shorter. When we arrived at Baltimore DHQ we were all given a goody bag containing CD’s and snacks. We enjoyed a buffet lunch with our hosts before spending an hour or so free time in Baltimore Inner Harbour. Although it had been raining for the majority of the day, the sun came out for us so that we could enjoy some sightseeing and shopping.
At about 15:30pm we checked into a very posh hotel called “The Tremont Plaza” and had an hour to relax before traveling to the Methodist Church which was going to be our concert venue for today.
We enjoyed a lovely meal with our hosts, although there did seem to be some unusual table decorations on each table to spark conversation (see photo’s).
During the festival, Lynsey gave a very inspirational testimony conveying her fears about going away to university, but explaining that Jesus would be there to help her. The rest of the festival went really well and we even got a standing ovation!!!! – Another good night.

Report by Emma Finnity

2009-04-05T20:38:00.000-07:00

Sunday 5th April 2009

Arriving in the early morning sunshine at the new Montclair SA Hall, Palm Sunday began at 09:15am with pre-meeting prayers led by James Hunter, remembering particularly those left at home in Derby.
The morning meeting at 09:30am commenced with the Songsters singing “This Day” and “Morning has broken”. The altar table and front of the expansive platform was strewn with palms which at the end of the meeting were handed out to the congregation by the host CO’s. Those with handicraft talents made simple crosses from the palms as keepsakes. The theme of the meeting was focused on the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem with familiar words from Luke 19, prayers from Trevor Baxter and personal testimony from Andrea Smith. The meeting concluded with the congregation singing a massed benediction.

After the meeting the vast majority of the songsters crowded into Sunday School and re-lived their days as junior soldiers with Emma, Philip and Lynsey leading a “getting to know you” session with the addition of a couple of old familiar choruses. The YP Band, very ably led by a talented young lady (Emilee Bennett – 1st Baritone NYSB) played several items including “Hand me down my silver trumpet”.

Following Sunday school much socialising and a light lunch, the songsters visited 3 residential nursing homes (splitting in two for the first two homes and amalgamating for the third) where we presented gifts and musical programmes to the residents. It was remarkable how “at home” many of the songsters appeared to be in these homes!!!
We returned after some local sightseeing (the New York skyline and September 11th memorial - see photo's) to the lovely suite of buildings which comprise Montclair Corps to enjoy dinner and social time together.

It was a fitting end to an inspiring day in God’s service. So tired now – all we need is sleep!!!!

Report by Clive Purkiss

2009-04-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday 4th April

Cheerful voices greeted each other at breakfast following the previous day’s unfortunate tiring circumstances. A short coach journey to the Montclair Corps left the songsters in awe at this wonderful new building and the facilities it offers. Equipped with gymnasium, library, eight classrooms and a wonderful acoustic designed main chapel gave each person an inspired lift for the day ahead.

A musical workshop was given by Ian Hammond using the songsters as demonstrators, centering his theme on ‘communication’. There then followed a charming session where Ian took the Montclair Youth Choir for a tutorial lesson. To see the youngsters under the spotlight of everyone’s view, delivering Ian’s exact requirements was encouraging to see.

Following refreshments the songsters slipped into automatic gear with their pre concert routine and then to a fine congregation delivered their first programme of the tour. Soloists and the songsters delivered their usual high standard programme, but this was not simply about Derby Songsters but the fusion of two army cultures separated by the Atlantic Ocean. Montclair Band brought items to the evening and impressed the songsters with their talent and sound. The writer, as a bass player particularly enjoyed listening to a very accomplished quintet of basses supported by a traditional sounding bass trombone. The songsters evening programme culminated in the song ‘Resurrection’, in preparation for the commencement of Holy Week. Massed songsters concluded by singing Storm the Forts conducted by the composer Lt. Col Norman Bearcroft.

Finally the whole corps and the songsters were given a Saturday Supper, this was an Italian style sit down meal allowing the songsters to sit with their American hosts and enjoy Christian fellowship. An excellent start to the 2009 USA Tour.

By Wendy and John Jordan

2009-04-04T07:38:00.000-07:00

Friday 3rd April 09
Despite being more tired than my dad’s jokes or the Home League after a paintballing trip, we set off on the coach to Heathrow at a healthy 07:00am. We were all entering into it with good spirits, especially the scotch whiskey at duty free!!, (only joking!!!) and 12 hours later we were approaching New York, or so we thought. Turns out we ended up in 4 hour diversion taking us to Philadelphia. Temperaments were wavering to a point of terrifying delirium as some of the more militant Songsters among us suggested singing a song to entertain our fellow passengers. After resolving that we’d all probably been through enough the songster leader thought we’d better rest our voices and we set off once more for the big apple.
Blog by Phil Eacott

After being awake for 24hours the sight of Ian Anderson and Tom Scheibner in full uniform at JFK Airport with the Montclair Citadel flag made everything seem worthwhile. We were really ready to embark on what we were here for and that is to proclaim the message of the Lord Jesus Christ to the USA.
Have a nice day!!!!!

2009-03-23T03:21:00.000-07:00

Pre-Tour Festival Report

2009-03-20T01:36:00.000-07:00

Pre-Tour Festival - 7^th March 2009

DERBY CENTRAL SONGSTERS certainly brought the Wow factor to their home corps with a pre – tour festival which was attended by the Right Worshipful, The Mayor of the City of Derby, Councillor Barbara Jackson and Divisional Leaders Majors Jonathan and Jayne Roberts..

Having never attended a songster festival before I had been assured that I would find it “different” and “enjoyable.” Sure enough I thoroughly enjoyed the whole evening as did my parents and my two children, right through the generations there was something for each of us to enjoy.

The festival started with a barber shop style quartet from four of the male songsters who got everyone’s feet tapping and prepared us for the full brigade.

The programme for the evening was then as follows:

Christ the Lord is Risen again

Swingin’ with the Saints

We are not alone

Prayer – Major Ted Benneyworth

Couldn’t stay away

Daniel, Daniel, Servant of the Lord

Soon I will be home

Know my heart

Ride on King Jesus

Jesus the very thought of thee

Scripture reading – Major Ted Benneyworth

Veni Emmanuel

INTERVAL

Down by the riverside

Sing out

He knows how much you can bear

Psalm of thanks

Somebody prayed for me

Testimony – Darren Willis

Calvary is the sea

In the love of Jesus

In a moment

Great, Great morning

Resurrection

The Lord Bless you and keep you.

The splendid two hour festival received a standing ovation.

The Songster Brigade will commence a ten day tour of USA on 3^rd April 2009.

Report by Sharon Page

2009-02-16T04:27:00.000-08:00

This is the itinerary so far...
April 3rd - Fly to New York from London
April 4th Montclair
April 5th Montclair (New York)
April 6th Baltimore
April 7th Charlotte (N. Carolina)
April 8th Raleigh (N. Carolina)
April 9th N. Carolina / Virginia (To be arranged)
April 10th Richmond (Virginia)
April 11th Fredricksburg (Virginia)
April 12th Arlington (Virginia) / Washington DC
April 13th Fly to London via New York
April 14th arrive UK.

Derby Central Songster CD Recording

2009-02-13T09:16:00.000-08:00

New CD 'Arise, Rejoice and Sing!'

Available March 1st 09
Orders taken now from www.derbycentralsongsters.co.uk

Track list
1: Christ the Lord is Risen Again
2: We are not alone
3: Swingin’ with the Saints
4: Know my Heart
5: Daniel, Daniel Servant of the Lord
6: He knows how much you can bear
7: Rejoice King Jesus
8: Mid all the traffic of the ways
9: Veni Emmanuel
10: Calvary is the Sea
11: In a Moment
12: Obedience
13: Then will the Very Rocks Cry Out
14: Morning has Broken
15: His Strength is Perfect
16: Resurrection
17: This Day