After a great night’s sleep breathing in the sea air, we woke up to clear skies and beautiful warm weather in anticipation of our final few hours in Hythe.
After learning about the rich military history in this part of England we were eager to participate in the towns Armed Forces Day parade. The band met at the corps and took a short walk before lining up for the march! We were honored to lead the parade and even got a taste of life as soldiers in the British military as were quite forcefully directed by one of their sergeant majors! Marching through the tiny winding streets was a challenge and a few high heels and tuba lyres were lost along the way but the band kept on with Star Lake, Cairo Red Shield and a new James Curnow march written especially for the Boundless Congress, Boundless Army. The march came to a stop in the middle of the high street where a short service with hymn singing, scripture and several items from the band filled the air. Many local salvationists and residents gathered and supported their local veterans and it was an honor for the band to participate in such an event. Following a short march back to the hall, we said our goodbyes and headed out for another lovely carvery before our next bus trip to Staines.
After arriving and setting up at the Staines Corps the band prepared for another Festival, the first of which to take place in a Salvation Army hall. The beautiful building was packed to brim with several familiar faces in the audience. We marched in from the rear of the hall with music pumping through the sound system, really setting the tone for the evening. The band was on great form and sounded really settled into the tour repertoire. There were several moments that stood out, including accompanying the beginner brass players in Bill Himes’ “Classics in Brass”. Also, a moment that will stay with many of the bandsman was the chance to play under the baton of Bandmaster James Williams. Although in his nineties, he took full command of the band as we played “Crown of Conquest”.
As we have been spoiled with hotel stays so far in the tour, it was time to meet our billets! The band members met up with their respective hosts and left the hall with a sense of “job well done”! We pray the Lord will have planted seeds in all in attendance and thank Him for another successful evening of music ministry.
