News 2009

Monday 21st December 2009

Tonight saw a group of songsters visit Littleinch Nursing Home, Inchinnan to share carols with the residents, of which one is former songster , Retired OSCS Mary Macfarlane. The residents enjoyed the traditional carols and two items from our timbrels. A highlight for us all was the singing of 'Jerusalem' by Mary herself, something that will long be remembered.

Sunday 20th December 2009

A group of songsters had the privilage of being the first Army group to present music in Glasgow International Airport, supporting our executive officer, Commissioner Keith Banks, who is chaplain to the airport. We were able to present the true meaning of Christmas to the many travellers who stopped to listen.

Saturday 19th December 2009

It is with regret that we announce the Promotion to Glory of former Corps Secretary John Hislop,after long term illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Nan, daughter Ann,son Ian and their respective families.

Sunday 13th Decemeber

Tonight saw the Govan Citadel Salvation Army's Community Carol Concert in the Govan Old Parish Church. Special guests for the evening were the St. Pauls School Choir and Sarah Stuart (Violin) as well as our own Band and Songsters. The songsters sang 'In the Bleak Midwinter' and 'Do You Hear What I Hear', accompanied by Gregor Keachie on piano. A sum of over £500 was raised on the night for the work of The Salvation Army.

Friday 11th December 2009

Tonight saw the Annual Govan Rotary Carol Service take place in the beautiful Sherbrooke St. GIlberts Church. Govan Citadel Band opened the evening with 'Christmas Joy' before Matt Ramsay, accompanied by the Band, sung the thought-provoking, 'We Are The Reason' reminding us that God gave us the greatest gift of all in his son, Jesus. Special guest and vocal soloist Anne Bowen, delighted the audience with her powerful Soprano voice before Songster Moira Wilson sung Mary's Song ' Breathe of Heaven'. As the night drew to a close the Songsters sung the beautiful carol 'In The Bleak Midwinter' unacompannied which had great effect with the accoustics in the church.

Monday 30th November 2009

Tonight saw the Songsters take the trip to St. Margarets Church, Knightswood to start their season of advent. The concert included regular performances of 'With Wings As Eagles', 'The Christian Mission' and 'This Day' as well as a Christmas spot which included 'Carol of The Bells', 'Do You Hear What I Hear' and Alex Williams (Trombone) played the beautiful melody of 'O Holy Night'. Prior to playing Alex dedicated the song to his friend, fellow Christian and Salvationist Jack Gibb, who was sadly Promoted to Glory earlier this year and whose favourite song was this selected carol. Audrey Ramsay also took the fore with the singing of the lovely arrangement of 'Footprints in the Sand' that has been brought to the public by International star, Leona Lewis. The Songsters sang newly published 'Day By Day' before Elma Stewart brought a challenging word to the congregation on the Advent Season.

Monday 16th November 2009

The songsters were delighter tonight to share in concert in the beautiful Sherbrooke St Gilberts Church with The Fountain City Brass Band from Kansas, USA. The band who are on a four week tour of the UK, were on fantastic form. The songsters got the evening off to a great start presenting 'From the first Hallelujah to the Last Amen' & 'The Christian Mission' before the band took to the stage presenting 'Introduction' based on a theme by Shostakovich arranged by the band principal euphonium, Lee Harrelson. Throughout the evening the band showed great versatilty in their style of playing from classical compositions, swing and traditional brass band. The band's soloists excelled, in particular percussionist Theo Musik's performance of 'Xylophonia'. During the programme the songsters featured, 'Praise His Holy Name', the beautiful arrangement of 'My life must be Chris's broken bread, 'We Preach Christ' and Songster Matt Ramsay in 'Arms open Wide'. The audience were entertained in band performances of 'The Gael', 'Feelin' Good' & Tchaikovsky's 'The Little Russian', whilst being challenged in Len Ballantine's 'Mid all the traffic', the Euphonium Solo 'A Little Prayer' and 'Ave Maria'. This was a concert to savour and remember.

Wednesday11th November 2009

We were privileged tonight to be the guests of Kings Park Parish Church where we presented a programme that included, 'We Preach Christ', 'This Day', 'Blessed Assurance' and 'My Life must be Christ's broken bread'. Soloists featured were Fraser Ramsay, Horn, who played the beautiful arrangement of 'A living prayer', Gregor Keachie, Piano and Matt Ramsay, vocal, who sang, 'Arms open Wide'.

Friday 16th October 2009

Govan Songsters sadly announce that last night Former Songster, Chalmers Shaw was Promoted to Glory.

Monday 12th October 2009

Instead of a normal rehearsal, tonight saw the Songsters take their ministry to the women's guild at Eastwood Parish Church. Songs included 'Breathe', 'The Christian Mission', 'This Day' and 'Blessed Assurance', whilst soloists of the night were Elanor O'May with 'As the Deer', Fraser Ramsay (Tenor Horn) with 'A Living Prayer' and Matt Ramsay with 'Arms Open Wide'. The Songster Timbrels were also on duty who played to the march 'Goldcrest'. Songster Sergeant Elma Stewart provided scriptures and thought and spoke about how our relationship with God is so precious.

Sunday 4th October 2009

The afternoon festival opened with 'I feel like praisin' him' followed by 'Breathe', soloists featured were Alex Williams, who presented the trombone solo 'The Acrobat', Audrey Ramsay in 'Somebody's prayin' , a pianoforte solo from Stuart Johnston & the vocal duet 'Because of who you are' featuring, Moira Wilson & Matt Ramsay. A highlight of the afternoon was the sharing of four voulantary testimonies from Govan Songsters. Songster Leader Lesley Nicholson conducted massed songsters (90 voices) in the beautiful song 'Jesus what a Saviour' before Govan Songsters brought the weekend to a close in good old Salvation Army style by singing Lt Col Ray Steadman Allen's 'The Christian Mission'. We thank our hosts for welcoming us so warmly and being appreciative of our ministry and a special word of thanks to Stuart Johnston (Belfast Temple) for being our accompanist for the weekend.

Saturday 3rd October 2009

The group departed Glasgow Central station at 10am for our campaign at Birmingham, unfortunately due to a technical problem we had to disembark at Preston delaying our arrival into Birmingham by an hour. Following a short warm-up and sound check we were delighted to partake of a beautifully prepared meal. A capacity filled hall warmly welcomed the songsters for our first festival of the weekend, the programme included, 'God of my Praise', 'This Day', 'Nothing but Thy blood', featuring Moira Wilson and 'Midnight Cry'. Soloists featured in this programme were Elanor O'May (vocal) & Fraser Ramsay (Horn). Birmingham Band presented Martin Cordners 'Round up' before the songsters sang the Army Classic from the pen of Eric Ball 'In the secret of Thy presence'. Songster Norma Kilgour gave a challenging word from scripture focusing in two songster pieces 'Arms open wide' featuring soloist Matt Ramsay & 'He had to hold to Calvary' featuring Audrey Ramsay.

Monday 24th August 2009

We travelled the breadth of the Clyde for our Annual visit to Glasgow West, the capacity congregation which included a special visit from Commissioner Bill Cochrane were apprecative to our ministry. Songs included

'Praise His Holy Name', 'This day', 'Blessed Assurance', 'Nothing but Thy Blood' featuring Moira Wilson, Eric Ball's challenging 'In the secret of Thy presence' & 'Midnight Cry' featuring Matt Ramsay. Individual soloists were Lorna McIntyre & Elanor O'May, Executive Officer Commissioner Keith Banks presented a challenging word.

Friday 7 August 2009

We were delighted to learn that Fraser Ramsay and Kerry Johnston (Lurgan Corps) have become engaged to be married. We congratulate them both and wish them every happiness in their life together.

Monday 22 June 2009

The Brigade held their traditional end of season rehearsal when we are joined by many former Govan Songsters, enlarging the Brigade to over seventy in number. Songs included items from our current repertoire including 'Praise His Holy Name'. and 'We Preach Christ'. Other items perhaps more familiar to some of our former songsters included ' I Dedicate Myself To Thee' and 'Spirit Divine'. A number also took the opportunity to testify. Our Executive Officer, Commissioner Keith Banks (R), commented in his devotions that what had been billed as a Songster practice had developed, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, into a holiness meeting.

Monday 8 June 2009

This evening the Brigade travelled to Auchlochan, near Lesmahagow to provide an evening of music for the residents of the retirement community - including Malcolm and Anza Cassidy, both former songsters. Songs included 'Blessed Assurance', 'Singing In The Heavenly Choir'and 'His Strength Is Perfect'. The Timbrels presented 'Mighty To Save' & our soloists for the evening were Elanor O'May and Audrey Ramsay.

Saturday 23 May 2009

Govan Songsters were delighted to be part of our Gala Concert featuring Hayley Westenra and The Black Dyke Band. Even during rehearsals it was obvious that we were to be part of a wonderful evening of music making. The Brigade provided pre concert music singing, 'God Of My Praise', 'Praise His Holy Name' and 'Great, Great Morning'. Before leaving the stage to The Black Dyke Band and Musical Director Dr Nicholas Childs. The Band used the occasion to launch a new CD of Army marches, and opened the concert with George Marshalls classic, 'Mighty To Save'. It was immediately apparent that the band were on sparkling form. The band then featured numbers which provided opportunity to demonstrate the players complete mastery of their instruments with wonderful musicianship demonstrated all round the band, notablyy Principal Cornet, Richard Marshall."The band included Paul Lovatt- Coopers 'Vitae Aternum', and again produced a spine tingling performance of the highest calibre, particulary during the middle movement which features Ivor Bosankos song 'His Provision'. A wonderful moment. The Band then left the stage to Hayley Westenra, and it was immediately apparent why she enjoys a world wide reputation not only as a musician, but as an entertainer. Hayleys set left that Royal Concert Hall audience delighted with range and her choice of music, starting with 'Prayer' and all delivered with consumate ease, accompanied by her Musical Director Tim Evans and violinist Kerenza Peacock,particular highlights being very lovely renditions of 'Songbird' and 'Shenandoah'.

'The Black Dyke Band opened the second half of the concert with 'Under Two Flags' before Principal Euphonium, David Thornton, provide an awesome display of technique and musicianship in Paul Lovat - Coopers 'Neath Dublin Skies" before gain thrilling the audience with a wonderful display of technical brilliance in the Finale from Sain Saens "Organ Symphony", and what a way to close - with the bands bass section in overdrive, they provided a wonderful foundation for the band to produce a thrilling reading of this work. A buzz of expectation then descended as Hayley again took to the stage with her accompanists, and produced sublime and soulful rendidtions of 'Amazing Grace', and 'Po Kare Kare Ana' and again a particulary highlight would have been 'Sonny' which Hayley perfomed on the piano to a dramatic effect under a spotlight on a darkened stage. The visual impact of this alone was quite enchanting and really enhanced the lonely mood of the piece. Hayley's wistful vocals were delicate and yet powerful - they emanated straight from her soul, again thrilling the audience who had travelled the length and breadth of the country to be present and witness Hayley and the Black Dyke band combining and complementing each other so beautifully to provide an evenings music of the highest calibre. Hayley was the joined by the Black Dyke Band and Govan Songsters for 'Hine e Hine' an arrangement provided by Paul Drury. To hear such a beautiful song, so wonderfully sung to such a setting was a long lasting highlight for the audience. Before leaving the stage to rapturous and well deserved appaluse, Hayley was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Singing Company member Louise Gibb. The Black Dyke Band then closed the concert with an sparkling rendition of 'Walking With Heroes' which provided a wonderful conclusion to a great evening.

Govan Songsters would wish to thank all 1400 members of the audience who supported the event, but particularly their guests, Miss Hayley Westenra and The Black Dyke Band for joining them for the Concert which, although final amounts have still to be confirmed, will raise several thousand pounds for the Corps community work. We would also thank the very many people who contributed to the great success of the evening, although too numerous to mention, your contributions are greatly appreciated.

Monday 13 April 2009

Our Easter Sunday meetings at Govan had the Brigades songs as the theme for the meeting with the Brigade singing three times, 'We Preach Christ', 'Jesus Is Alive!' and 'Arms Open Wide'. We then had our Easter march of Witness, joining with other churches in the areafor a communal act of praise before returning to our own hall. We then travelled to Ayr Citadel's Easter Convention, and joined Clydebank Band in a march of witness. The Brigade shared a programme of Easter music with Clydebank Band, Vision Brass and Stephanie Lamplough. Contributing 'Arms Open Wide' featuring Matt Ramsay, and 'We Preach Christ' to a well filled Ayr Town Hall.

Saturday 28 March 2009

Tonight saw the Brigade conducted a festival of music and testimony at Strathclyde House in Skelmorlie, a Church of the Nazarene operated housing development. Using their large and well equipped cafe with beautiful views over the Clyde the Brigade presented a number of songs icluding 'I Dare to be Different', 'Blessed Assurance' & 'He Sought Me'. Our soloists for the evening were Audrey Ramsay and Moira Wilson, vocal, with Gregor Keachie providing a lovely rendition of 'Moonlight Sonata' by Beethoven.

Sunday 15 February 2009

We were shocked and saddened to learn of the sudde "Promotion to Glory" of Retired Corps Sergeant Major Jack Gibb. We remember Margaret, Alison, David and the family. This weekend brought the funeral and thanksgiving services for Retired CSM Jack Gibb. many tributes were made to Jack's huge influence on the Govan Corps family. He will be greatly missed, Major Derek in his address issued the challenge for others to step forward to fill the gap. The Brigade contributed two of Jacks favourite songs, 'He Sought Me' and 'Close To Me'.

Saturday 31 January 2009

A well filled hall at Greenock Citadel heard the Brigade produce an excellent festival of music this evening. Featuring a number of songs only recently added to our repertoire including 'Praise His Holy Name', 'Arms Open Wide' (Matt Ramsay),' The Irish Blessing'

 and many more, as well as some familiar songs which have been in our repertoire for some time including 'God Of My Praise' & '

'Great, Great Morning'. The programme also featured a number of our soloists including Lorna McIntyre, Moira Wilson, Fraser Ramsay and Matt Ramsay as well as our Timbrel Brigade who played to "Victory".

Tuesday 27 January 2009

We were saddened to hear of the "Promotion To Glory" this morning of Retired Songster Cathie Jenkins. Cathie served as a Songster in the Brigade for 66 years before retiring from active service recently. We remember Muriel, Val and the family. The Brigade were privileged to take part in the funeral service for retired songster Cathie Jenkins, who was "Promoted to Glory" last week. Cathie served as a Govan Songster for 66 years, and including her service as a Singing Company member she sang for the Lord for over 70 years in Govan Corps. The Brigade contributed one of Cathie's favourites, 'His Strength is Perfect'.