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Tour to Western Cape Division, South Africa, October 2003
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Daily report from members of the band (A picture gallery will appear soon).
Days 1 & 2 - Saturday 25th October
Our
tour got off to a great start at Heathrow with a short service in the airport chapel led by Cadet Scott Linnet from the training
college.
The flight to Johannesburg was a long and tiring one but the transfer to Cape Town was easier to cope with!
The turbulence and the pilot's almost sideways landing in the wind was enjoyed by some more than others.
The short
coach journey to our hotel gave us a chance to see the local area a lot closer. What amazed me was the diversity of the living
conditions: from the cramped shanty towns to the plush Dutch style houses and bungalows, well spaced out and large, a lot
of them with swimming pools in their gardens.
We arrived at our hotel in the town of Worcester. After being made very
welcome we had time to relax before dinner, some taking advantage of a 'refreshing' dip in the pool.
After dinner
we were treated to some songs from the Worcester choir. This was absolutely fantastic. Personally, I was overwhelmed by the
enthusiasm, sound and power from the eight girls and two boys. The volume produced would put many British songster brigades
to shame!
But whatever I say about them will not do them justice nor give a full representation of that particular
experience. It is something that will stay with me, and I'm sure the rest of the band, for a long time.
Nigel
Cooper
Dawn
rose somewhere over central Africa for 28 pairs of bleary eyes on board the ageing South African Airways Boeing 747, suffering
from varying degrees of lack of sleep during the flight from Heathrow. Breakfast on the plane preceded the descent into Johannesburg
where we arrived soon after 9 am. The challenge of collecting all of the instruments and luggage and transferring them to
the Domestic Terminal was accomplished with the 'help' of some enthusiastic airport porters, but eventually everyone and everything
was gathered together, and while the bags were checked in for the onward flight to Cape Town mobile phones were busy with
calls and text messages to wives, mothers, and families back at home.
The wonders of modern technology enable us to
keep in touch with home so easily. A couple of hours wait for the next flight gave chance to freshen up, a coffee and some
relaxation before boarding the bus taking us to the next flight. The brand new Airbus A340 proved popular with many of the
party, particularly for its state-of-the-art entertainment system, and in a couple more hours we were landing at Cape Town
in somewhat blustery and hence bumpy conditions. We were here at last - a trip that always seemed to be some way off during
the many months of planning and rehearsal, was finally under way.
Once again, gathering together the mountain of baggage
and instruments was completed without incident, and we moved on to be greeted by Salvationists from Cape Town and Eric Palmer,
our guide for the trip. With everything loaded onto the coach, and our Salvationist friends welcoming us with a prayer, we
departed for our first stop - the town of Worcester. Eric provided a very informative commentary as we headed north from Cape
Town, passing the shantytowns of the Cape Flats and then the newly constructed 'starter-homes' that were being constructed
to replace the shanties.
Leaving Table Mountain behind, we headed north, the scenery becoming increasingly rugged as
we approached the Huguenot Tunnel, the ruggedness being emphasised by the presence of storm clouds lingering on the peaks.
The tunnel, at five kilometres long, was an impressive feat of engineering. It emerged in a gorge of high-sided crags with
cascading waterfalls and tumbling mountain streams before the landscape opened out into the Breede Valley, which greeted us
with a rainbow illuminating the storm clouds.
Soon after 4pm we arrived at Worcester and checked into the Cumberland
Hotel where a welcoming and refreshing fruit-juice drink awaited us. There was a rush for the outdoor swimming pool after
the cases had been taken to rooms and white shirts unpacked for Sunday. The water temperature left little to be desired, and
soon the intrepid swimmers were retiring to their rooms for hot showers to warm-up.
A buffet dinner was enjoyed by
all, and gave us time to get to know our guide, Eric, a little better. After dinner, we enjoyed a less-than-musical interlude
with Major John (just think of Les Dawson's piano-playing!), and were saved by the arrival of the Worcester Community Choir.
This eleven-member gospel choir enthralled us all with the power and enthusiasm of their singing. They provided several songs,
including a moving rendition of the South African National Anthem (so know we know how it goes!) before insisting that the
Band sang to them. After a hearty 'God save the Queen' we sang 'Take my Life', which the choir received with enthusiasm after
which both groups sang one of the choir's traditional African songs together.
This was an uplifting experience for
all of the band, and we felt that our introduction to South Africa couldn't have been more exciting, with the grandeur and
ruggedness of the landscape we had seen on the journey from the airport, and the warmth and fellowship that we had enjoyed
with this group of local Christians. As we prayed with them at the end of the evening, we could only imagine the delights
and blessings that lay ahead for us in the days to come. And so, there were many sleepy-heads that soon laid on pillows with
the prospect of a fairly early rise in the morning.
John Renouf
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A
typical Sunday breakfast at the Cumberland Hotel was followed by a drive to Robertson. Several congregations who joined us
for worship use the hall. The songs were in Afrikaans and English. It was good to get a 'blow' and remember why we are here!
Major John led his first meeting, which was well received. Lunch was promised with some exotic birds! The Birds of Paradise
sanctuary was the venue for lunch. We were expected to play, formed up around the pool (such hardship), before our food. A
request for 'Silent Night' was received from the owner; we'll never play it again in spring and in such surroundings.
An
excellent lunch was followed by England beating Somoa (only just) on the TV. During the match a tortoise tried to commit suicide
in the pool! A leisurely drive to Eilandia outpost followed. The Band set up in an empty farmyard waiting for someone to listen
to us. Suddenly they all arrived in pickups (Bakkies). Those gathered were workers in the Vineyards and Olive Oil plantations.
We felt so humbled in their presence. Did they minister to us!! These people have nothing to keep them occupied other than
their work. Before we left Maidenhead our Corps Treasurer, Peter Howlett, gave Major John funding that could be used by the
band. On this first occasion we were delighted to use the fist donation towards setting up of library for the Eilandia folk.
On to Robertson for the evening meeting preceded by a massive tea. People from surrounding churches joined with us
to fill the hall. Major John led a typical UK type praise meeting. We finished by singing together 'They shall come from the
east....'. These sentiments might have been controversial in years past with the words expressed in General Gowan's song.
Amazingly, this small Corps (average congregation 20) were able to billet the 30 members of the band. It meant more
than we will ever realise to have a visit from an overseas section.
Paul Spence
After a first night's proper sleep some of the band were still looking a little tired. Still, the band managed
to eat a healthy breakfast and we soon found ourselves on the way to Robertson for the morning meeting.
For the first
blow of the tour the guys did well in the meeting. Major John led a good meeting and even pulled off a bit of drama with Ian,
and the free M&M's for the band went down well.
Lunch: despite a bit of trouble getting the coach through the
gate we were all looking forward to a good feed. Alas, the hotel owner wanted a bit of music from us first. So out came all
the instruments and we did our best to entertain. We played standing round the swimming pool in the middle of the restaurant,
which was a little different, though no one managed to fall in. Lunch was a slightly interrupted by us finding a TV on which
to watch the rugby, (England v Manu Samoa). Perhaps it was our loyal support that pushed the team to victory? For some reason
a suicidal tortoise decided to try and end it all by hurling itself into the pool. Luckily Geodel's 10 year old cousin was
happy to strip off to rescue the poor creature.
Sunday afternoon was a bit of a highlight - we played on a farm in
the middle of nowhere. Yet this was the place of the corps outpost and we were willing to do our bit to support. The corps
folk of about 70 soon turned up on the back of only 3 vehicles. All looked a little too cramped for our western tastes but
they really appreciated the efforts the band made and were delighted with our contribution towards the library fund. The corps
officer was translating the Major’s comments and the band was delighted to hear that the Afrikaans word for 'darling'
is 'skat'! Clearly ideal for whispering sweet nothings to your significant other!
Then it was once again back on the coach that is rapidly becoming our second home and back to Robertson for
the evening meeting. The corps was packed again and the band was willing to do their bit to encourage the corps folk. The
singing of 'They shall come from the east' which finished the evening off was a true spiritual moment for all in a way which
we did not think possible.
Richard Smith.
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The
day started at 6am when we were woken up rather suddenly with a cup of tea, which Alex thought was very nice until he found
out that it was 6am.
After breakfast we headed to the SA Hall (Roberson) for a short prayer meeting before loading
the coach and heading for the school for the blind.
On arriving at the school we set up and got ready for a concert
to the pupils. I wasn't sure what to expect but the welcome we got and the reaction we got from the pupils made me feel very
humble and happy to be part of this band. The highlight of the morning was just talking to the blind pupils and seeing the
smiles on their faces as they played some of the instruments.
After a cup of tea and some more food we headed for
Stellenbosch via the trout-farm for some photos. In Stellenbosch we had some free time to do some shopping and see part of
the town. We were then taken to a traditional South African restaurant for lunch (more food), which I have to say was the
best meal since we've been here.
Back to the coach for a short trip to the Tyger Valley Hotel to get ready for the
evening concert. A few of us decided a swim would be a good way to prepare ourselves for the evening.
After another
short journey we arrived at the Trinity Presbyterian Church and set up for the concert. After more food and drink we started
the concert, which I think was the best so far apart from the rather bass sounding singing, which we were made to sing. (The
Bandmasters pitched the wrong note for the band song during the concert!). After which we headed back to the hotel.
The
tour so far for me can best be described as a wonderful band weekend away, which doesn't seem to end!
John
Mattingley
The day started early - we didn't quite make the prayer
meeting (led by Graham) by 7.15 - but it was close. We then bade farewell to Robertson Corps and headed back to Worcester.
This morning it was the Pioneer School for the Blind, where we led the School Assembly. The school hall was packed
with kids, staff and visitors, and what a time we had! Everyone loved it - especially the items like Las Lluvias Grandes,
where the kids joined in with the percussion, and in Swingtime Religion where they danced and clapped. It was magic!
After
the concert the kids had the chance to hold the instruments and to try them out. Some of them had no idea what brass instruments
looked like, as many of them had little or no sight. We all had a great time!
Then on to Stellenbosch for a short
walk round (where some of the bandsmen 'were not sure of their position' - this was Eric's term for being lost! Names should
not be mentioned, but they are the only twins in the band!
Lunch was at a local restaurant for traditional South African
food in a traditional setting, before going on the Tyger Valley Hotel to freshen up.
The evening concert was at Trinity
Presbyterian Church at Meadowridge. This was the church of Eric, out Tour Guide. The concert was excellent - the church was
packed and the people were so enthusiastic. Right from the start there was an amazing atmosphere, and their appreciation was
obvious, ending with a standing ovation. What an end to a perfect day.
Gill Collier
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Tuesday
already and refreshed after a good nights sleep we leave the hotel after breakfast and head for the town of Paarl. We are
to visit an elderly persons home known as Rus Hof and as we drive there we soon realise that the location of the home is in
a type of area that we have not yet experienced. Blocks of run down flats surround the home and directly opposite shacks,
similar to those we would expect to see on allotments in the UK, house families. The residents are waiting for us in what
is the main lounge and we receive a warm welcome from them and the staff. Some 120 residents live in the complex ranging from
49 years old to 80's. It is obvious that some of them have a faith and they join in with the well-known hymn tunes the band
plays.
What they really think of a 30 piece English Salvation Army band descending on them is hard to tell but they
respond well and seem to enjoy the music. Today is David Woodcocks 60th birthday and 'Happy Birthday' had already been sung
on the bus. In the home however it is discovered that the lady in charge has a birthday the following day - her name Melanie
Goliath. Band, residents and staff sing their congratulations to both........and David kisses Goliath !
We leave Paarl,
after a brief stop at the hall to enable John Martins collection of SA Hall photographs to grow and for the ladies to change
into whites and head for Table Bay and the beach where an official band photograph is taken. Quite what the few on the beach
made of it I can't say. It must have been an unusual sight.
To the Rhodes Memorial on the slopes of Table Mountain,
overlooking the city with breathtaking panoramic views. It is clear from this vantage point why the city started on this site,
a beautiful wide valley surrounded by mountains and the sea. The glories of Gods creation all around. More food, a key feature
of the tour it seems, at the restaurant near the memorial provided another time of fellowship and laughter. The one impression
of mealtimes seems to be constant laughter, not a bad thing to share with each other.
We move on again to Bishops
Diocesan College in Rondebosch for the evening 'Bishops Pure Brass Duo Concert' with Cape Town Concert Brass. The college
was established over 100 years ago for children of missionaries and has established a very good reputation as one of the best
boys schools in South Africa, similar to Eton. The concert is in the chapel and the evening is in support of the Care Haven
project, sponsored by the Salvation Army, which provides shelter and help for battered women and families. Despite the less
than perfect acoustics in the large and high barrel-vaulted building both bands play well and join at the end of the evening
for four massed items, the last including a organ scholar from the college on the great organ of the chapel. Yet again God
has been praised through our music making, and the message has been clearly given.
It has been a day of contrasts
between old and young, affluent and not so affluent but in all the circumstances we have received many blessings and not a
few challenges. We can only pray that in our turn we have both blessed and challenged those who have heard us.
For
now however another hotel and a nights rest to prepare for what tomorrow brings. Except that is for two of our number who
realise that they had not loaded their suitcases at the previous hotel and will have to cope until the morning. I'll not name
them (PS and PH, you owe me for my silence!)
Ian Kelly
After some well earned
sleep, we had some breakfast and then checked out of Tiger Valley Protea Hotel. We jumped on to the coach and we then started
to drive towards Paarl. In Paarl we went into an Old peoples home called Huis Rusthof (Huis means home and Rusthof means place
of rest). We got there in good time and the residents in the home were sitting in there chairs waiting for us to arrive so
we could play some music to them, what a welcome we got when we arrived it was lovely to see there smiles on the faces.
The
residents loved the music especially when they could sing along with the music from the band. 'How Great Thou Art' and 'The
Old Rugged Cross' were a couple of hymns which were played and sang for the residents and what an atmosphere there was in
the room. Its great playing music to people that loved to listen and to appreciate our playing. It was also David Woodcock's
60th birthday and also the lady in charge is going to have a birthday during the week also, so the residents and us sang happy
birthday to them both. Sadly it was time leave the home but as we left they offered the band a drink so we can be refreshed
for the journey to our next location.
At about 10:00 we then jumped on to the coach ready to be taken to Blouberg
Beach. We stopped off in Paarl so that Major John Martin could take a picture of the SA hall in Paarl to add to his collection.
Also we let the girls in the band get changed into uniform. We finally got to the beach where an official photo was going
to be taken so that members in the band could remember our time in South Africa. It was a proud moment for me bearing in mind
I’m not a Maidenhead bandsman.
We soon left the beach to go to Rhodes Memorial The views from the Rhodes Memorial
was out of this world, just seeing the city and mountains from some height was great. We then went to the restaurant where
more food had to be forced down our throats (that’s what we have all done this week). It was great to have some time
of fellowship and to get to know the guys in the band a lot better anyway.
At about 15:50ish we left the restaurant
to go to the Bishops Diocesan College in Rondebosh. It was going to be a duo concert for Maidenhead Citadel Band and the Cape
Town Concert Brass. At about 16:30 we had a massed band rehearsal so that the bands could rehears together to go through the
music, which is going to be conducted by the leaders of both bands. Both bands then congregated into the cricket pavilion
where supper was served (more food). This was time for both bands to share fellowship with one another before the concert
in the evening. What a concert it was, various styles of music was played from swing to Film music and down to classical music.
As a player it was great to play in the chapel and also hear the other band too.
Yet another great day in South Africa,
we have been spoilt again. As a Salvationist from Chatham Citadel it has been great to share a tour with a fine band as Maidenhead.
Also I would love to thank the band and the locals for making me one of there own bandsman.
David Lockwood
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After breakfast we made our way to Highlands
Primary School situated in the poverty stricken suburban area of Mitchell’s Plain. After driving through the gates into
the sand dune like playing area the coach got stuck! The gates holding back the children, who had already begun to group,
were opened causing a wave of children to flow towards us as we tumbled off the coach frantically grabbing our instruments.
Some bandsman greeted the children, but after I realised I was talking to a child who could not understand me and
kept replying in Afrikaans, I submitted and stood quietly. The children swamped the band surrounding us and eagerly playing
the drums with complex African rhythms.
The band set up and then we made our way towards a small side room where we
helped the local Salvationists who provide a breakfast program for the children twice a week We were shocked to hear that
the corps can only feed approximately 500 children a day. However there are 750 children in the school, so each day the teachers
have to decide who is fed and who goes hungry. The band decided to sponsor the program for the next year and left a promise
to sent financial aid.
Afterwards we played a small open-air concert and were warmly received. Countless children
thanked us for appearing and they all seemed to love the sight of the BBb Basses.
Despite only a short break and a
few photos the younger, fitter and possibly better looking bandsman challenged the school football team to a game in front
of a screaming home crowd. The whole school was given time off lessons to cheer their school team.
The Match Report
15
minutes each way seemed to prove too much for the pale Englishmen in the heat of the African midday sun. The deadlock was
only just broken by Andrew in the second half, shortly followed by a second goal by Simon. But a pitch in very poor condition
and poor footwear, health and injuries meant the young South Africans (in woolly hats and track-suit bottoms!), ran circles
round the English; obtaining two late goals. Nigel managed expertly to dance over the ball receiving jeers from the crowd.
However, Nigel cannot be blamed for the second goal as he was beaten by someone half his size and age. Besides there was an
element of strategic diplomacy to not win!
The final whistle was the signal for the pitch invasion by the home crowd
you would think they had won; In fact the team wanted to go to penalties to decide the winner! The teams then left the pitch
followed by the running crowds in their shadows. Final Score 2 - 2
The band was then led to an empty classroom where
we experienced a mid-morning meal of chicken and pasta, courtesy of the school governors. Many bandsmen had trouble eating
food when we had experienced the lack of food for the children earlier.
The band then returned to the hotel for lunch
and a well-earned break. Some went to town, the beach, slept, did the washing and many more exciting activities.
The
evening saw the band, with glowing faces (Roger), travel to Goodwood corps. The audience was small in number. A not-so-young
South African man afterwards told me: "I enjoyed the performance but there were a few wrong notes here and there, but what
do you expect; you're not professional and that's great". I'm still not sure if that's good or bad but I thought the 2nd Cornets
played well.
On the way back to the hotel the Band enjoyed a well-earned KFC. Our 5th and final meal of the day!
A
special note must be give to James Lackovic. James complained about having to get out of bed for breakfast, slept all the
way to and from Highlands Primary School. He then went straight to bed and slept through lunch, free time and stayed in bed,
due to "illness", while the band went to Goodwood. All in all he spent approx. 19-20 hours sleeping and missed 4 of 5 meals.
Adam
Hall
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We became tourists for the day, as our only band commitment
was in the evening. Hence casual clothes were the order of the day and we left the hotel in Fish Hoek at 09.00hrs under the
direction of our intrepid tour guide, Eric Palmer (of Fairview Touring - www.fairviewtouring.com - I promised to give him
a mention!). Earlier, in our prayer session we had prepared ourselves to be impressed and blessed by the wonder of God's creation,
and we weren't to be disappointed.
Heading south, we drove along the edge of False Bay and before long, Carl, our
keen-eyed driver, spotted a couple of whales just off the shore. The coach stopped and we watched in awe as the magnificent
creatures repeatedly submerged and reappeared at the surface. Soon afterwards we reached Simon's Town (to the delight of guess
who?), which is a base for the South African Navy.
A brief stop on the waterfront gave opportunity for photographs
and enabled negotiating skills to be practised bartering with the souvenir sellers. Then on to Boulders Beach, unique in being
the only mainland penguin colony in the world. A boardwalk took us to within a few feet of several thousand penguins, and
an attendant was on-hand to provide details about the colony and answer various questions. Cape seals could be seen off-shore.
These prey on the penguins, and hence the birds were reluctant to go into the sea to feed.
Our journey continued south
along the Cape Peninsula as we headed for the Cape of Good Hope - the most south-westerly point of the African continent.
As we left the built-up areas the road climbed higher and the scenery became increasingly rugged, with rocky crags overlooking
white sandy beaches with clear azure blue water. Although we had been likening much of the landscape to familiar locations
in the UK and other areas, there was really nothing that could compare with the magnificence that unfolded before us. It is
difficult to find adequate words in a short report, so my readers will have to wait for the photos and video when we return
home.
We reached the Cape of Good Hope ahead of the main rush of tourist coaches, and so it was relatively un crowded
when 30 SA bandsmen & women arrived and proceeded to organise a group photo at the large sign that announced the location.
The Cape is a National Park that is home to some significant wildlife - ostriches and the famous baboons (I don't mean the
bandsmen) were sighted. Eland are also there, but stayed out of our sight. Birdlife was prolific - flocks of sea birds flew
about everywhere. At one point a flock of gannets could be seen offshore performing their characteristic crash-diving into
the sea for food.
We went on to Cape Point, slightly further west. This was the main tourist centre. A funicular railway
took us up to a point just below an old lighthouse, and it was a short but breathtaking (literally - for some!) walk to the
viewpoint at the lighthouse itself. The British built this in 1860 on a high vantage point for good visibility from the sea.
Unfortunately, the hill is so often shrouded in mist that the lighthouse was virtually useless, so eventually a new one had
to be constructed at a much lower level. These are treacherous waters and there have been many shipwrecks, some quite recently
we were told. By the time we returned to the lower level tourist buses were arriving in packs and the area was getting crowded.
We had seen, however, that this was an area of outstanding beauty with some spectacular walks and some beautiful secluded
beaches that could be accessed by those willing to walk. I guess that some of the group were thinking of returning with their
families/wives on another occasion - this is a place that has to be experienced because words alone cannot do it justice.
Rather like our spiritual experience really, and telling of this is what the tour is all about.
After lunch back at
the hotel we proceeded to drive along the western side of the peninsula towards Cape Town, calling at Hout Bay and then Maidens
Cove, which stands below the Twelve Apostles, a chain of rocky peaks leading south-west from Table Mountain. Along this road,
the holiday apartments, shops and palm trees gave an atmosphere reminiscent of the Cote d'Azure or southern California.
The
beaches are magnificent - clean and white with rolling surf - a surfer's paradise but only for swimmers who don't mind cold
water because the prevailing current comes from the Antarctic! Soon we entered Cape Town form a direction that was new to
us. We reached the Waterfront, a retail and entertainment complex developed from the old docks. The aim was to note the location
of Friday's meeting place, but we also took a look at the Amphitheatre, where we would be playing on Saturday. I suppose the
best way to describe this place is a mix of the London Docklands development and Pier 37 in San Francisco, on a bigger scale.
One could spend serious time here covering all of it, and find plenty to spend money on!
Mission accomplished here,
we then went on to the Goodwood Corps where tea was awaiting us, with a surprise cake for the 'birthday girl' (Gill), and
we prepared for the 'official' Welcome Meeting. Rather odd, coming so late into the tour, but nonetheless it gave us opportunity
to meet with South African Salvationists, and a number of British ex-patriot ones too.
After welcoming words from the
Divisional Commander, the meeting was led by Major John in his inimitable style. An appreciative audience listened attentively
to his message, which was concluded with the Band's sensitive playing of 'All that I am'. 'A Gaelic Blessing' was an appropriate
conclusion to what had been an enriching evening of fellowship with our South African friends.
Finally, we were able
to meet our billets for the coming few days, and depart to their homes to get better acquainted.
Although this was
a day of relaxation for the Band, the wonders of nature that had unfolded before us were truly awe-inspiring. We received
so much from the natural wonders of this beautiful country that reminded us of the greatness of God's creation and the fact
that he is everywhere. It has been said several times during the week that we will receive more than we will give during the
tour. This is proving to be so true, and today was one of those days!
John Renouf
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Free
time was indicated for Saturday morning and many of us had hoped to take a Cable Car ride up Table Mountain. Sadly, a strong
South Westerly wind caused the mountain to be shut down. Some took the opportunity to rest while others ventured on to Signal
Hill for some splendid views of the mountain and Table Bay, followed by a walk through the Gardens and some shopping in the
City.
We all met up at the Waterfront Amphitheatre at noon in time to enjoy a programme of traditional and modern
dance together with some typical African dance routines.
The Band Concert started at 1.00 pm and was enthusiastically
received by a large crowd seated in the Amphitheatre and standing in the surrounding plaza area. Our Modern and Swing numbers
were particularly popular as was a lighthearted presentation of 'So Glad' featuring several solo instruments. Andrew's solo
'How Great thou Art' was quietly appreciated while 'London Celebration' raised cheers from the British element in the audience.
The
Waterfront setting is superb and is packed with tourists and locals enjoying the wonderful atmosphere and seemingly endless
selection of Restaurants of every kind.
Our Cabaret evening at Claremont Corps started at 6.30 pm. The tables were
attractively decorated with foil and Safari serviettes. The programme followed the pattern of our own Cabaret evening with
Liam's 'Kingdom Airlines' sketch and the Youth ensemble being particularly appreciated. This was an evening when we could
relax and mix with our hosts informally.
Peter Hill
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Our final day dawned even brighter and sunnier than usual
with a clear blue sky highlighting Table Mountain dramatically. John Renouf and Ian Kelly took the opportunity to enjoy an
early ride up the mountain in the cable car before the meeting at Cape Town Citadel.
A congregation of 230 joined
us for morning worship led by Major John. Geodel (Previously Dep. S/L at CTC) was invited to conduct the Songsters after which
she testified how God had helped her to let go of the past and accept the new experiences moving to the UK had brought into
her life.
A soulful rendition of Wilfred Heaton's "Just as I am” preceded Major John's powerful sermon on 'Spiritual
Restoration' emphasising the need for us all to be restored in our own faith before we can spread the Message to others. Several
seekers responded to the invitation to the Place of Prayer.
Following the benediction, thanks were voiced by Dave
Pallant on behalf of Cape Town Citadel to which the B/M responded voicing special thanks to Dave and his team and to the DC,
Major Barry Schwartz for his support throughout the tour.
We also responded to several requests to play the march
'ARC Centenary', 'So Glad' and 'Elsa's Procession' before we took our leave of CTC and headed up the hill to The Booth Hospital
who kindly provided an excellent final meal for the Band and a number of invited guests.
After loading the coach we
bade farewell to the many new friends we have made during the past week and headed for the Airport to drop the 14 bandsmen
who are heading home. Several tears were shed as we departed.
Maidenhead Band's tour of the Western Cape has been
an exciting spiritual journey for us all as well as a wonderful time of fellowship and music making. We have been moved and
humbled by the devotion and work of many of our fellow Salvationists in the field. We have experienced an enthusiastic reception
to our music during our concerts. It is our prayer that we may have brought encouragement to those who struggle in small centres.
We have certainly received great blessing ourselves. Much seed has been sown in our own hearts as well as those to whom we
have ministered. We believe the Lord will reap his own Harvest in the days to come.
Peter Hill
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