2026 A special evening at The Salvation Army Gravesend

Three Men, One Fellowship, a Lasting Legacy

Saturday, October 24th, 2026 was the much-anticipated occasion of the South London Fellowship Band’s annual visit to Gravesend Corps. However, this year’s event was to be one without parallel.

In the presence of the Mayor, Cllr Alison Williams, Gravesham MP Dr Lauren Sullivan and our own Divisional Commander, Major Fiona Broom, the congregation enjoyed an evening of outstanding music, in the service of the Lord. It was a privilege to witness such an historic occasion.

The band opened with the march The Golden Crown (Stanton), featuring the familiar words, ‘A robe of white, a crown of gold, a harp, a home, a mansion fair… are mine when I get there.’

Lieutenant Marie Karickova, Corps Officer, Gravesend, warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and congregation. This was followed by A Prelude on Ascalon (Nobes), recalling the words, ‘Fairest Lord Jesus… Thou my soul’s glory, joy and crown’, leading into prayer given by Adrian Horwood.  Next came Dudley Bright’s Fanfare, Hymn and Thanksgiving, a descriptive setting of ‘All People That on Earth Do Dwell’, followed by the contemporary words, ‘Thank You for Every Good Morning’.

A change of style followed as principal cornet player  Jeremy Davis presented an upbeat interpretation of This Is My Story (Kristen Lundkvist), an interesting setting of the tune Blessed Assurance.

Honouring Brian Hillyer

The first presentation recognised the long and faithful service of Brian Hillyer, a founding member of the Fellowship Band. A sterling Salvationist and musical leader at Gravesend Corps, Brian has served in several leadership roles, including Bandmaster. His particular contribution to the Fellowship Band has been his devoted service as librarian.  Andy Pretious expressed the band’s appreciation, and presented Brian with a copy of The Brass Band Hall of Fame, celebrating those who have shaped the brass band movement over the past 175 years. Brian’s name and profile had been specially added to the publication. 

This moving tribute was followed by Eric Ball’s classic euphonium solo Song of the Brother, beautifully performed by our guest soloist, Luke Wharton.

A Musical Portrait of Faith

For the major work of the evening, Derick had chosen Bramwell Coles’ classic Portrait from St Paul’s Epistles. This substantial work portrays four aspects of Christian life: The Happy Man (Rejoice in the Lord always); The Supplicant(Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit); The Man of Valour (Through faith… out of weakness we are made strong); and The Triumphant Man, depicting the overcoming of all opposition.  An especially appropriate choice for an evening honouring three men whose lives have been dedicated to Christian service and music.

Celebrating Major George Whittingham

Derick then took us through the remarkable life of Major George Whittingham, founder of the South London Fellowship Band in 1994, with his many years of significant service as a Salvation Army officer.

George served as Divisional Commander in Scotland and was also a distinguished member of the International Staff Band. Now 100 years young, he continues to take a keen interest in the Fellowship Band and its work under Derick’s leadership. He retired as the band’s conductor in 2013, aged 87.  George was presented with his own copy of The Brass Band Hall of Fame, appropriately including his name and achievements.

With careful assistance, George then made his way to the  conductor’s  position to lead the band in the march Montreal Citadel. As he raised his baton, it was as though the years had rolled away. With characteristic aplomb, he led the band in a fine performance of this great march.

Dudley Bright’s In Good Company followed, combining the contemporary chorus Lord, I Lift Your Name on High with Henry VIII’s Pastime and Good Company. Its Baroque-style arrangement provided a delightful change of musical character.

Luke Wharton returned with the much-loved melody Annie Laurie (David Catherwood), before Dorothy Gates’arrangement of Mr Blue Sky brought a foot-tapping, sunshine-filled energy to the programme.

A Tribute to Derick Kane

Rowland Little, a key member of the band committee, then introduced another significant moment of the evening: the retirement of Derick Kane as Music Director, a position he has held since 2020.  Derick skilfully maintained the band’s unity throughout the Covid pandemic, using Zoom meetings until normal rehearsals resumed in September 2021. Originally a Salvationist at Hamilton Corps, Scotland, Derick moved to London in 1976 to join the International Staff Band as Principal Euphonium. His distinguished service there extended over 42 years.

An accomplished musician, soloist and composer, Derick has been a tremendous asset to the Fellowship Band. It has been a particular privilege for the band to give first performances to several of his compositions.

Now moving away from London with Hazel, Derick brings his leadership of the Fellowship Band to a close. Rowland presented him with his own copy of The Brass Band Hall of Fame, with his name and profile duly included.

The band will remain deeply grateful for his musicianship, leadership and commitment over the past six years.  In a quieter moment, the band sang Rock of Ages (Leidzen), followed by appropriate words from Tim Scott, based on Isaiah 43:1: ‘I have called you by your name.’ The message reminded us that God knows each of us by name and challenges us to recognise His voice and follow Him.

A Farewell to Remember

The finale held one last surprise, particularly for Derick.

Derick announced the next item on the programme plan, but instead of his march, One Lord, written to celebrate George’s 100th birthday, the band played the Scottish melody ‘Will you no come back again’, causing consternation from Derick followed by laughter from both him and the congregation.

(A clip of this incident can be found by copying the  link below into your browser) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaF1iDUGlsc

This was the Fellowship Band’s own unique way of giving Derick a memorable send-off as he moves into a new chapter of life, while expressing its heartfelt gratitude for all he has given and achieved during his leadership.

The evening concluded fittingly with the singing of that great benediction:

‘So be it, Lord, Thy throne shall never,
Like earth’s proud empires, pass away;
Thy kingdom stands, and grows forever,
Till all Thy creatures own Thy sway.’

GWD