30th Anniversary and George Whittingham 98th birthday celebration

The band’s visit to Bromley had a twofold celebration. It was the band’s 30^th anniversary and Major George Whittingham, who formed the band, was in attendance having just celebrated his 98^th birthday.

After a hearty buffet tea, the concert kicked off with an arrangement by its Conductor, Derick Kane, called ‘Onward’ based on Onward Christian Soldiers. The music features the tread of the Christian soldier moving towards the ultimate goal. After words of welcome the band played a rarely heard March from 1939 called ‘Pakefield’. The significance of this March is that it was the first piece played by the newly formed band under the baton of Major George Whittingham as well as being a favourite of his. It features the song ‘O for a heart that is whiter than snow’.

As a prelude to the opening prayer by Bandsman Les Swift, the bands principal Cornet player , Andy Precious, played a lovely arrangement by Dorothy Gates called ‘Rest’, a song by Phil McHugh and Greg Nelson which first appeared in the Salvation Army Songster journals in 2000.

The Band are fortunate that it uses new works composed by Derick Kane and one of these is called ‘The Ring of Brodgar’. The ring is a formation of Neolithic stones found in the Orkneys, older than Stonehenge, that provided the inspiration for this Scottish Dance themed arrangement. Various time changes keep the Band on their toes. The music is exciting to play and listen to and was much appreciated by the congregation.

The Euphonium Solo ‘The Song of the Brother’ is an Eric Leidzen classic requiring technical ability and an extensive range. Played by Adrian Horwood with great skill it was applauded loudly by the audience. After getting his breath back Adrian then conducted the Band in a vocal arrangement of the classic ‘What a Wonderful World’ accompanied by the trombone section and Eb Bass.

The second Derick Kane arrangement featured was called ‘Burdens are Lifted’. Reminiscent of Sunday evening choruses being bridged together, the two choruses featured were ‘Burdens are lifted at Calvary’ and ‘Thank you Lord for saving my soul’.

Befitting of the occasion, there then followed a video message from ISB Bandmaster Stephen Cobb, who recalled his lifelong association with Major George through the ISB. He mentioned how much of an encourager he, has been, and how his vision of the Fellowship Band concept bore fruit with the South London Fellowship Band being the standard bearer.

Dean Goffin’s ‘Symphony of Thanksgiving’ is rightly considered one of the all-time Army classics. Written for the Diamond Jubilee of the ISB in 1951 its musical form is that of a sonata and features the tunes ‘St. Philip’, ‘Come ye thankful people come’ and ‘Praise my Soul’. This would challenge many bands and was well played and received by the congregation.

After a 10-minute interval to rest our lips and chat with old friends the Kenneth Smith Arrangement from 2010- ‘The Songs of the Pioneers’ was the next item. The main tune featured is ‘To the Eden Above’ but also uses ‘Hallelujah to the Lamb’.  The congregation were then invited to sing ‘Guide me O thou great Jehovah’ which was sung with real energy and conviction.

The rarely heard Stephen Bulla trombone ensemble ‘The Cleansing Power’ followed, using  ‘Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb’ and with mild jazz chords throughout  bringing something different to the listener’s ear.

 Continuing the lighter musical vein, the Band played the Alan Ferrie arrangement ‘Let it shine’. Using the song ‘This little light of mine’ this is a foot-tapping number in which the congregation were invited to clap along – this they did with great enjoyment.

The much-loved Male voice song ‘Rock of Ages’ was then sung unaccompanied and with great sensitivity by the Band. This led into the bible reading and thought by Roger Gadsden, reminding us that Jesus never changes and ending with everyone invited to sing the old chorus – ‘Yesterday, today, forever Jesus is the same. We may change but Jesus never, Glory to his name’. Hallelujah to that.

The band’s final contribution came from the pen of Eric Ball – ‘Sound out the proclamation’. A great end to a celebration of music from the old to the new, as well as acknowledging the legacy of the 30 years of the Band and the contribution of Major George Whittingham. It was then fitting that he pronounced the Benediction after which the band sent the congregation to their homes with the March ‘On the Kings Highway’.