News 2007 / 2008

Sunday 9 November 2008

Our 90th Anniversary celebrations continued with the Brigade and former songsters featuring in out meetings. Our Holiness meeting was led by two former Songster Sergeants, Emma Gibb and Georgie MacDonald, with Georgie speaking powerfully on her themes of rememberance and reunion. Before the meeting the Brigade were led by Andrew in his own composition, 'Close To Me', and during the meeting the brigade sang 'He Sought Me'. This being Rememberance Sunday the meeting also included our act of Rememberance.

Following our march to the cenotaph in Govan - in driving rain and hail - for our community act of rememberance the brigade provided lunch in the hall. The final festival of our weekend again featured the brigade, led by Andrew and Chic with a number of songs from our repertoire incuding 'Praise His Holy Name', 'Count Your Blessings', 'Arms Open Wide' featuring Matt Ramsay and three of our soloists Fraser Ramsay who played Andrews own arrangement for tenor horn - 'My Ain Folk', Elanor O'May sang Eva Cassidys great song 'Wade In The Water', and Alex Williams played the trombone solo 'Where Ere You Walk'. The Timbrels again proved to be in excellent form, playing to 'Victory'. To commemorate the occasion of 50 years service by Lily Reoch and Alex Williams, Chic presented them with engraved watches. To finish our weekend the Brigade were joined by many former songsters to sing Eric Balls 'In The Secret of Thy Presence', 'Singin' in the Heavenly choir' and 'The Christian Mission' with Andrew conducting the group of 90 voices.

Saturday 8 November 2008

Our 90th Anniversary weekend got off to an excellent start witha festival in Sherbrooke St Gilberts Church on Saturday evening which featured our guests Sarah Stuart (violin), Stuart Pendred (baritone), and guest conductor Andrew Blyth from the Armys' Music Ministries Department. A massed chorus comprising songsters from Airdrie, Glasgow West, Motherwell, Port Glasgow, Paisley and Govan also contributed to the evening. Sarah delighted the audience with her contributions which featured the haunting and evocative adagio from Schindler List. The violin does not feature on many Salvation Army programmes, but few could fail to be enthralled by the artistry, delicacy and musicianship displayed. Sarah completed her solo contributions with two movements from 'The Four Seasons' by Vivaldi, again with the familiar melodies captivating the listeners. Stuart intruduced himself by singing 'The Toreador' from Bizets opera Carmen by singing whilst walking amongst the audience then finishing by jumping onto the conductors rostrum. He then followed by singing his own arrangement of 'Breathe', which has become very poplular with SA audiences, again thrilling all with his sensitive delivery. Stuarts second group of songs commenced with Rossinis patter song 'La Danza' which delighted the audience with its light hearted, but highly musical delivery. He followed this with ''Figlio Di Dio (Child of God) from his album Benedizione which was greeted with total and awed silence such was the emotive impact.

Govan Songsters contributed 'Alive' and 'Precious Jesus', Andrew then led the massed chorus in a number of songs which included arrangements of his own, 'Close to Me', 'Proclaim The Glory' and 'Master, Speak!' On this special weekend for Govan Songsters we also recognised the service of two of our number, Lily Reoch and Alex Williams who complete fifty years service in the Brigade. As we did so it was also good to commission two new songsters, Emma Wight and Ruth Keachie as they became our newest songsters. As the festival drew to a more pensive mood Stuart thrilled the congregation with a wonderful rendition of ''The Lords Prayer and 'There Will Be God' with Govan songsters. Sarah and Stuart then joined the massed chorus for 'In Jesus' Name' which must have been a memorable highlight in a thrilling evening of musical excellence.

Sunday 26 October 2008

The Brigade visited Motherwell Corps this weekend on the occasion of the Motherwell Songsters 90th Anniversary Reunion. On Saturday evening the Brigade provided an excellent programme of music to a capacity hall, the Brigade and congregation braving monsoon like conditions to be there. As well as singing a number of songs which are new to our repertoire, ' We Preach Christ', 'Breathe', 'Count Your Blessings' and 'Praise His Holy Name', the programme also featured a number of our soloists and Timbrels who played to 'Victory'. It was also good to hear Motherwell Songsters who were assisted by a number of former Songsters sing 'The Awakeners' and 'Road to Happiness'.

Our Sunday Holiness meeting was led by Songster Sargeant Elma Stewart who chose for her theme 'Wonders Begin', The songsters contributed 'Wonders begin when the Lord comes in' and 'I'm in His hands'. At the conclusion of the meeting a number from Motherwell and Govan knelt at the Mercy Seat in an act of rededication.

Following a buffet lunch in the Motherwell hall the Brigade held a short open air meeting outside the home of Retired Songster Leader Betty Inglis who was Songster Leader at Motherwell for 44 years. Unfortunately, again due to the prevailing monsoon conditions this had to be cut short. A well attended Festival of Praise followed which again featured a number of new songs to our repertoire including 'Jesus What a Saviour', and a number of our soloists,with the Timbrels playing to ''Mighty To Save. The Brigade were supported by Motherwell Band. At the conclusion of the meeting Govan Songsters were joined by Motherwell Songsters and former Songsters to sing 'In the secret of Thy presence' and 'The Christian Mission'. Govan Songsters would like to thank Motherwell Songsters and Songster Leader Hugh Grant for inviting them to join them for their reunion weekend.

Saturday 13 September 2008

We were saddened to learn of the Promotion to Glory of Commissioner Pauline Banks this morning. We remember Keith, Alison,Craig and the family in our prayers. The Brigade were privileged to be present at the funeral service of Commissioner Pauline Banks who was "Promoted to Glory" last week. As requested by the family the Brigade sang Keiths own song, 'Contentment'.

Sunday 31 August 2008

This weekend brought the long awaited visit of the Birmingham Citadel Songsters to Govan. Right from the outset of their festival of praise on Saturday evening the brigade grapped the attention with their highly enthusiastic and polished portrayal of a huge variety of styles. From African, Rap, Swing and more, to more traditional choral styles the brigade were entirely comfortable portraying their message in a manner that would appeal to any taste. We were also priveleged to hear only the second public performance of a new arrangement of The Lords Prayer by Alistair Taylor. The brigade also impressed with the sensitivity they displayed in songs of a more devotional nature. The brigade are fortunate to have many fine soloists who not only contributed solo items, but enhanced the colours of accompaniments by the inclusion of flutes, keyboard, percussion, saxophone and more. The timbrel group also gave a very polished and energetic display to music from Sister Act. Birmingham Songsters also conducted our Holiness Meeting where, again, the vitality and sensitivity of their ministry shone through. They then travelled to Ayr Citadel to lead an Open Air meeting (weather permitting) in Ayr High Street before leading Worship in Cafe Church. Govan Songsters would like to record their appreciation to Songster Leader Lesley Nicholson and Birmingham Citadel Songsters for coming to Govan and leaving such a powerful ministry. We look forward to renewing associations next year.

Tuesday 19 August 2008

Last night the Brigade provided a programme of music at the Glasgow West Corps for their Music For a Summer Evening. Although the weather outside was more reminiscent of November the singing was of a very high standard indeed, particularly as it was given with only one rehearsal. The programme included a number of new items including'Breathe', ' Count Your Blessings'', Arms Open Wide'', Abide With Me'' and Because Of Who You Are.' Our soloists for the evening were Elanor O'May, Audrey Ramsay, Clare Williams, Moira Wilson, Alex Williams and Matt Ramsay.

Monday 23 June 2008

As part of our 90th Anniversary celebrations, a former Songster Leader, Graham Dow who now soldiers with his family at Clydebank Corps, was invited to lead our rehearsal. Graham led the brigade through a number of items from the repertoire when he led the Brigade including 'You are the light' and 'If Your presence'. Some work was also done on a new song for the Brigade, Bill Wolavers 'God Loves You'. S/Ldr Chic Ramsay made a presentation to Graham to commemorate the occasion and his service to the Brigade. Grahams daughter, Suzanne accompanied.

Saturday 3 May 2008

This evening brought our 90th Anniversary Concert with special guests the Kings Singers and the Scottish Co Op Band, with Musical Director Allan Ramsay. Bandmaster Brian Keachie will produce a full review of the concert and this will appear soon. The evening was a huge success, with wonderful musicianship and artistry dispalyed by all our guests.

Wednesday 26 March 2008

We were saddened to learn of the "Promotion to Glory" of former Songster (HLS) Martha Ramsay, mother of Songster Leader Chic Ramsay. Martha passed away today in Hairmyres Hospital following a lengthy illness. We remember Chic and the family.

Sunday 2 March 2008

A busy weekend for the Brigade commenced on Saturday evening with a festival at Hamilton Baptist Church. Items included '''God of my praise, In Jesus Name'', Singin' in the heavenly choir' and 'His strength is perfect'. Soloist for the evening was Moira Wilson, and the Timbrels played to 'Victory'. So well was the Brigade received that an encore was requested in 'His Strength Is Perfect'.

Saturday 23 February 2008

The Brigade, Scottish Summer Camp Ensemble, and soloist Olwyn Mathie (Bellshill) with compere June Brogan (BBC - River City) provided an excellent programme of music in aid of the Scottish School of Music and Drama, raising £500. The Brigade provided a number of items including 'God of my praise', 'In Jesus Name', 'Precious Jesus', ''The Christian Mission and 'Total Praise 'in which we were joined by Music School members from previous years. The Brass Ensemble provided a range of items to suit all tastes from Baroque to Swing and featured a number of soloists, all playing to a very high standard. Olwyn thrilled the congregation with her choice of songs, some very simple, but obviously sung with total commitment. The congregation in the well filled hall expressed their obvious enjoyment of the music provided, and a show of hands revealed that the vast majority had attended the Music School in previous years.

Saturday 1 December 2007

The Brigade were privileged to take part in the retirement celebration for Commissioners Keith and Pauline Banks which was held in Sherbrooke St Gilberts Church. The meeting was led by Chief of Staff Commissioner Robin Dunster and those taking part included General John Larsson (R) and Commisioner Freda Larsson, Commissioner Norman Howe and Chief Secretary Colonel Bill Cochrane, Unfortunately Colonel Joy Webb, OF, was unable to be present, however at Paulines request the Brigade sang 'There Will Be God'. Keith requested that the Brigade sang one of his arrangements, 'Share Your faith'. The Songsters Timbrels played to 'Scottish Medley' before the Brigade sang the finale to the evening in 'Carry The Light'.

Saturday 24 November 2007

The brigade performed a wide ranging programme of music at Bellshill Corps this evening. The programme included familiar numbers including 'God of my praise', 'War on the floor' and 'Distant Land'. We also featured vocal and brass soloists. An enthusiastic and receptive congregation heard the Brigade revel in the excellent accoustic and the Brigades efforts were very well received. We again thank Brian Allan for his accompaniments, this time at his home Corps.

Sunday 28 October 2007

At time of reporting the Brigade are making their way back from Reading by coach having completed their weekend campaign.

Our Saturday evening programme was preceded by a very warm welcome from our hosts and a delicious meal, A well attended meeting heard the Brigade feature a number of our soloists and timbrels as well as many numbers from our current repertoire including I Feel Like Praisin Him', Distant Land', All things Bright and Beautiful', and many others. The Brigade were well supported by Reading Central Band who played Robert Schramms 'A Childrens Song'. It was also good to meet friends formerly associated with Govan Corps including the Divisional Commander Major Christine Bailey.

Our Holiness meeting led by Songster Sergeant Elma Stewart concentrated one Gods claims on our lives and highlighted that nothing less than our all was sufficient. The Brigade contributed 'Take My Life' and 'All to Jesus'.

Our afternoon festival was again well supported by Reading Central Songsters, Band and Young Peoples Band, the Singing Company having sung beautifully in our Holiness Meeting. The Brigade again offered a number of items from our soloists and Timbrels and songs from our repertoire including 'Just as I am', Go Down Moses', and afer joining with Reading Songsters in 'One Life To Live' concluded with 'Total Praise' - which summed up the weekend.

Tuesday 2 October 2007

The Brigade performed a fine programme of music in Woodhill Evengelical Church last evening. A very fill filled hall and an enthusiastic congregation heard the songsters sing many of the songs from our current repertoirs, but also included 'We saw love' in addition to 'Great, Great Morning' 'I feel like praisin Him', 'God of my praise' and many others.

Sunday 26 August 2007

The Brigade were again privileged to be invited to Ayr Citadel to take part in their August Cafe Church. We also took part in the morning Holiness meeting, contributing 'In Jesus' Name' and 'His strength is perfect'. We were also delighted that Marjorie and Stuart Watson were involved in the days meetings. Following an excellent lunch in the hall we took part in a march of witness and a very well attended open air meeting which featured the Brigade and Timbrels. It was good to see a number of people who had been contacted at the open air attending the Cafe Church. Marjory delighted the congregation with her singing, and the Brigade and Timbrels offered a varied programme of music including, 'God of my Praise', 'Distant Land', 'With Wings as Eagles' and 'Surely He has borne our griefs'.

Monday 20 August 2007

This evening the Brigade gave a programme of music at Glasgow West Corps, We featured a number of items from our current repertoire, and included an addition to the repertoire, Great, Great Morning. The Timbrels played to Sandi Pattis "Let There Be Praise" & our soloists were Lorna McIntyre, Moira Wilson, Fraser and Matthew Ramsay.

Saturday 30 June 2007

The Brigade were privileged to be part of City Sounds 07 at Newcastle City Temple. Also taking part were Sheffield Citadel Band (B/M) Keith Wileman) and Hayley Stubbs (ISS) under the Chairmanship of Col Trevor Davies. The Brigade contributed two songs together, God of My Praise and With Wings as Eagle, John Rutters beautiful 'Distant Land' was then sung to great effect. Our final contribution was In Jesus' Name and 'Jesus is Alive' before joining with Newcastle City Songsters, Sheffield Band, Hayley Stubb and Col Davies in Dean Goffins arrangement of Boundless salvation which brought the event to a wonderful climax.

Monday 30 April 2007

Our rehearsal was curtailed tonight as we spent time marking the contribution of Cathie Jenkins following her recent retirement after being a member of Govan Songsters for 66 years. Chic Ramsay presented Cathie with a clock as a token of the Brigades respect and appreciation.

Saturday 24 March 2007

The Brigade took part in a Concert of Gospel song at the Church of the Nazarene in Paisley in aid of Accord Hospital. Before a full Church the Brigade sang 'I feel like praisin Him', Come in to our world', With wings as Eagles', All to Jesus', Carry the light' and Jesus is alive'. The Timbrels also participated. The Brigade also sang massed items with St Matthews Church Choir and Sherwwod / Greenlaw Church Junior Choir.