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8th February - Pianothon

Over the last few months a number of fund raising events have been held to raise money for the band's Easter Tour to the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. One such event was the Pianothon which took place on Saturday 8th February 2003 in the Bellshill Salvation Army hall in Bellshill.

Taking part in the four hour pianothon were the seven piano playing members of the band. The pianists involved are pictured below, from left to right; Dorothy Neil, Yvonne Ferguson, Jim Crombie, Brian Allan, Joanne Pentney, Chris Shanks and Sam Ritchie (seated at the piano).

During the 4 hour event more than 80 people came into the hall to listen to the music and request a favourite hymn or classical piece of music to be played by the pianists. A minimum donation of 50p was required per request, however that didn't stop some people from requesting several tunes or hymns!

The event was a great success as far as raising funds for the band's Easter with more than £1,000 being raised through sponsorships, donations received for requested pieces of music, and various stalls at the event.

Thanks to all who sponsored the pianists or gave a donation for a requested tune.

Some photos from the Pianothon:-

5th April - Pre Tour Festival

The Pre Tour Festival took place on Saturday 5th April 2003 in the Theatre of the Cardinal Newman School, Bellshill.

Bellshill Band played to a sell out crowd at the Cardinal Newman Theatre (Bellshill).

The Band marched in to "Scotland the Brave" played by local piper Bobby Watt. The Band signature march "Emblem of the Army" got the festival under way. Compere for the evening was Divisional Director for Evangelism, David Ryder.

The soloists for the first half of the evening were YPBL Yvonne Ferguson and Olwyn Mathie who contributed "Clear Skies" and "Jesus and You" respectively.

Local councillors Harry McGuigan and Richard Lyle spoke words of greeting and support for the Tour.

The Band features a variety of lively music which included "Salvation's Song", "Shine Down" and an Army classic "The Old Wells".

We then had a Scottish section with the timbrels playing to "Highland Praise".

The first half of the festival was brought to an end by the stirring and emotional playing of "Highland Cathedral" by Bobby Watt and the band.

"Joy Peace and Happiness" by the band, got the second half of the festival off to a good start.

The soloists featured in this half were Gemma Gunn and B/M Ian Dickie. Gemma sang "You Set Me Free" and Ian played "Grandfather's Clock" on euphonium (retired B/M Jack Dickie conducted the band during his son's solo).

"Pie Jesu" featured the cornet and flugel horn playing sisters Yvonne Ferguson and Lynn Shanks.

A novelty item was also one of the highlights for the evening, when C.O. Gary Robb insisted on playing his new solo for second horn and band entitled "Solo Secondo". The music enabled the virtuoso playing of the soloist to be featured!

The playing of "Procession to Covenant" and "Swedish Folksong" rounded off a period of reflection which was appreciated by the audience.

The final march "Celebration" was a statement of intent for the Tour with the words "we'll keep the old flag flying, flying round the world." showing on the screen.

It was great to see ex Bellshill bandsmen/women at the festival supporting the band with their historic first overseas tour.

Thanks to all who supported the Band at the Pre Tour Festival - I'm sure everyone had a great night!

More pictures from the Pre Tour Festival will be published soon!

by Bandmaster Ian Dickie

Final Thoughts

Our final weeknight practice before our Easter Tour was a shortened one as far as playing was concerned. We had a practice for about an hour and a quarter and then joined together for tea/coffee fellowship and then had a devotional period when we looked ahead to the forthcoming campaign in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.
 

Lord, If Your Presence... 

Lord, if your presence does not go with us,
Please do not send us up from here.
How will anyone know we are your people
Unless you go before us?

Lord, if your favour does not rest on us
We dare not move beyond this place,
How will anyone know we go in your name
Unless your blessing is over us?

So we stand within your presence,
And humbly seek your grace;
Father Almighty, Jehovah, Saviour,
We long to meet you face to face.
Let your glory fall upon us,
Convict, inspire, provide;
Father Almighty, Jehovah, Saviour,
Your holy presence is our guide.

Lord if your presence does not stay with us,
Please do not send us up from here.
How will anyone hear of truth and goodness
Unless your Word speaks through us?

Lord, if your presence is not love in us
How can we minister your grace?
How will anyone feel your tender mercy
Unless your heart is in us?

So we stand within your presence...
Words based on Joshua 3:5 & Exodus 33:12-19
(Music by Yvonne Field)

At the start of the devotions, which were led by Captain Karen Robb (Corps Officer), the music "Lord, if your presence…" was played while the band followed the words which had been given out earlier. We were reminded that without God, our tour would be ineffective, and that it was down to each member of the band to pray for both the tour and for God's presence with us while we are away. A request was made for a number of the band to offer prayers to conclude our time of devotion. Five band members offered prayers for the band; the message/purpose of the tour; the band members; the families that each band member will leave behind while we are away.

We would ask that you please pray for the band as they depart for their first ever overseas campaign this Easter.

Thank you

by Webmaster Dorothy Neil

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