News Archive

Sunday 1 January 2006

A happy and blessed New Year from Govan Songsters

Christmas Day 2005

A very merry and blessed Christmas from Govan Songsters, and may you enjoy the Christmas you had hoped for.

Thursday 22 December 2005

The Songsters were pleased to be able to hold a short Carol Service in the chapel of Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock, for Commissioner Pauline Banks. The simple service of traditional Christmas Carols and readings was enjoyed by all

Tuesday 13 December 2005

Christmas Thought by Major David Radford added to Christmas Thought page. Photographs from the Rotary Club Carol Service and Community Carol Service added to Gallery 2 and Govan Corps pages.

Saturday 10 December 2005

Thirty new Tour photographs added to site. Photographs of carolling at M&S, Braehead, Glasgow.

Friday 9 December 2005

The Songsters and Timbrels joined with Govan Band to provide the music for the Rotary Club of Govan Carol Service. A well filled Sherbrooke St Gilberts Church heard the Songsters contribute Proclaim the Glory of the Lord, Come into our world, Joy to the world, Christ is Come and O Holy Night.

Monday 5 December 2005

Tonight brought the last songster rehearsal of what has been a very busy and fruitful 2005 which included the release of the brigades first CD, and a tour of Canada. After rehearsing our Christmas repertoire for forthcoming concerts, it was fitting that our rehearsal closed with 'And The Glory of the Lord' from Handels 'Messiah'

We thank God for the many blessings received throughout the course of the year, and pray that He will again use us for His purpose in 2006 and in years to come.

Monday 28 November 2005

Following the success of their first CD Recording ALIVE, Govan Songsters are delighted that they will once again be working with Salvationist Publishing and Supplies and BH Sound Services to produce a second CD. Recording is scheduled for February 2007, with a proposed release date of June 2007. Early planning for the CD is already under way with some titles from our current repertoire to be included in the recording.

Sunday 27 November 2205

Govan Corps News section added to Govan Corps page

Saturday 26 November 2006

Photograph archive page added. Many more photographs will be added soon.

Friday 25 November 2005

The songsters offer their congratulations to songster Lyndsey Jefferson who celebrates her 21st birthday today. Lyndsey will be hosting a ceilidh in the Govan Hall.

Tuesday 22 November 2005

Details of Christmas repertoire and songs added or deleted from our repertoire, see Repertoire page for information.

We were pleased to hear from Salvationist Publishing and Supplies that our CD ALIVE has proved very popular and we trust that those who have heard our brigade witnessing for the Lord - whether in person, or through a recording - will have been blessed and uplifted through our expression of Gods love.

Sunday 20 November 2005.

It was good to witness the enrolment of a new soldier in the Salvation meeting. Rachel, daughter of Alan and songster Margo Ritchie was enrolled as the Corps newest soldier by former commanding officers Majors Chris and Linda Connolly. The brigade contributed Somebody Prayed For Me, accompanied by Brian Allan, and Grace Alone, accompanied by Victoria Ramsay fom Winton Corps. Victoria had travelled north to witness the enrolment of her friend Rachel.

Details of the brigades Chrismas repertoire will be appearing soon. Dates for the Songsters carolling are in the Engagements page.

Sunday 13 November 2005

It was good to renew association with Majors Cliff and Jean Bradbury - former Commanding Officers - as the Corps celebrated it's 124th anniversary.

During the meetings the brigade contributed Written In Red, My Strength Alone and He Had to Hold to Calvary. Next Sunday we will be pleased to witness the swearing in of a new Soldier, Rachel Ritchie, the daughter of Alan Ritchie and Songster Margo Ritchie.

Sunday 6 November 2005

The Songsters featured in the Holiness meeting at Govan with Ann Wilson, Karen Keachie, Matthew Ramsay and John Stewart speaking about their reflections of the brigades tour of Canada. A number of images were also displayed, accompanied by the brigades recording of Alive! which allowed the congregation to enjoy some of the sights and experiences of our visit.

Tuesday 1 November 2005

At our first rehearsal since our return from Canada, the brigade were delighted to learn of the engagement of Songsters Elanor Baxter and David O'May. Our best wishes to them for a along and happy life together.

Refreshments were also provided to celebrate the occasion of Songsters Helena and David Cochranes silver wedding anniversary. Congratulations to you both.

The rehearsal also saw the beginning of a number of changes to our repertoire which will mean that the brigade will develop almost an entirely new repertoire over the next few months. The Repertoire page will be updated as these songs come ' on - line'.

Saturday 29 October 2005

The Webmanager has received a number of photographs which, to date, have not been captioned. They are at the bottom of Gallery Page 3. If you can suggest suitable captions please contact me. Alternatively, if you have any similar photographs, please send them to me for inclusion on the site.

Monday 24 October 2005

The Songsters arrived home safely at 02.35 am having flown 10600km and travelled 2000km by coach, at total of nearly 13,000km. A full update is in progress and will appear soon.

We were particularly sad to say goodbye to Hilary Bromage who has become such a good friend. Hilary had an engagement with Boscombe songsters later that evening and had to travel home to Bournemouth straight from Glasgow Airport. Thanks Hilary, we'll miss you and think about you often. We were also sad to say goodbye to Brian Allan, our accompanist. Thanks again Brian.

Above all we would thank God for the many blessings we have received over the last ten days.

Sunday 23 October 2005

The mornings holiness meeting was led by our Commanding Officer, Major David Radford who challenged those present to make the right choice - Christ.

The songsters contributed a deeply moving rendition of His Strength is Perfect, which was again enhanced by the multimedia presentation. The service concluded with the Songsters singing 'Alive' - our theme for the tour.

A 3.00pm flight necessitated a very quick lunch before the brigade made their farewells.

It is difficult to know where to start with thanks when so many have assisted the brigade on their tour. Special mention must go to S/Ldr Andrew Burditt of Agincourt Corps who has coordinated events. It would also be good to renew friendship with Major John Mills in the future

Saturday 22 October 2005

An early start (6.30 am rise) allowed us to make the 3 hr journey to Toronto to enjoy a few hours time off in the City before travelling on to Agincourt to meet our tour hosts for dinner.

In this final festival of the tour, the brigade we delighted to be conducted by Major Leonard Ballantyne in his own composition, And You Will Be My Witnesses.

Whilst all the festivals given by the brigade on the tour have been of a very high standard, the brigade surpassed themselves with singing which ranged from electrifying to deeply moving, all within the space of a few moments. Six of the brigades soloists contributed, along with the timbrelists and the drama team.

Friday 21 October 2005

After setting up in the Kingston SA hall, the brigade were delighted to be taken on a tour of this historic Canadian town. Again we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and consideration of the host Corps who have gone to great lengths to make us feel welcome.

The songsters again contibuted a fine programme of vocal and instrumental music, with our drama team providing some moments of great challenge and blessing.

Thursday 20 October 2005

Our journey to Peterborough was long enough for us to include the compulsory visit to Tim Hortons for lunch - how do we survive without a Tim Hortons in the UK??

We were interested to see that the Peterborough SA hall is a more ' traditional' style of hall, with the others we have visited to far being more modern in concept.

We were again greeted most warmly by our friends who not only prepared a delicious meal, but had provided cakes for those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries. A well filled hall heard the Songsters again contribute a very fine programme, the brigade revelling in the friendly accoustic of this fine building.

Wednesday 19 October 2005

The relatively short journey to Orillia allowed the Songsters to enjoy an hour of free time to shop for souvenirs before meeting continuing on to the Church which was to be the venue for the evening concert. Again the brigade have been impressed by the warmth of the welcome we have received, not only from our Salvationist friends, but from the members of the churches we have visited.

Again the was well filled to hear the songsters provide a varied programme. It is apparent that the drama team have put together a very powerful piece that is challenging and inspiring those who watch and listen. A standing ovation was again accorded to the brigade who provided a programme of great quality.

Tuesday 18 October 2005

An early departure allowed the songsters to visit the wonderful spectacle of Niagara Falls, and we were immediately impressed by the greatness and glory of Gods creation.

On entering the Simcoe hall, the Songsters were pleased to see that a number of extra seats had to be brought in to accomodate the congregation. A number of changes were made to the Songsters programme, including an additional timbrel item, and changes to the evenings soloists. In total eight soloists have participated in our tour meetings so far. All the songsters contributions were well received by the appreciative audience who accorded the brigade a standing ovation at the conclusion of the festival

Monday 17 October 2005

It was with a some regret that we left our new friends in South Windsor. The Songsters felt uplifted by their meetings at Windsor, and that they had been greatly blessed. We pray that those who listened may have been uplifted too.

We travelled for about 2 hours to London, to be met by the sound of the bagpipes, with Jack Barnard of London/Govan playing us into the hall. Following a very pleasant tour of the city, we were again greatly impressed by the welcome from our hosts.

The Songsters presented a fine programme of music and drama, which was again met with a standing ovation at the conclusion of the meeting.

Sunday 16 October 2005

Before our Holiness Meeting Govan Songsters were privileged to join with our friends from South Windsor Corps band for a devotional period. A challenging and thought provoking meeting was led by S/Sgt Elma Stewart. The songsters contributed Above All, featuring Elanor Baxter and Surely He Has Borne Our Griefs, which was sung with an intensity which demonstrated total commitment

Following lunch in the South Windsor Corps, the Songsters then travelled to a retirement home in a nearby town to deliver a short festival to the appreciative residents. We then travelled back to the Salvation Armys Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation centre to be the first Salvation Army group to sing to the the residents there. Few will forget the very moving singing of songs and choruses with the residents. This would surely be a highlight of our tour. Some time for fellowship with our hosts followed before preparing for our journey to London on Monday. This has been a start to our tour which has exceeded all our expectations and we praise Him for the many blessings we have enjoyed already.

Saturday 15 October 2005

Meeting for prayers at Agincourt Corps at 9.00am allowed the brigade to re - focus on our mission, and allowed us into Gods presence at the start of the day. It was good to make the acquaintance of Major John Mills who would act as our guide, path smoother, liaison officer and soon to be very good friend. We then boarded the coach to head for South Windsor Corps and our evening festival. Our driver, Glen, who has assisted a number of Army sections has proved to be invaluable in assisting songsters with luggage, music etc, and we are in his debt already.

A journey of around two hours before our lunch break at Wendys and then a further two hours to Windsor, where we were pleased to see a very beautiful corps building and a very warm welcome for us on arrival.

At time of writing we have set up, had a warm up and a very welcome buffet dinner. The friendship and hospitality of our hosts is wonderful. We look forward to praising Him tonight, and hope that those who join us will benefit from their time with us.

At the start of the festival the brigade were immediately made to feel welcome and at home by the congregation, many of whom had travelled a considerable distance to be present. An interesting and very well presented programme of song, instrumental music and drama was enthusiatically received, culminating in a standing ovation at the end of the evening. We look forward to worshipping with our Canadian friends tomorrow.

Friday 14 October 2005

A slightly delayed departure due to technical difficulties saw the brigade arrive at 7.45pm Canada time (11.45pm Scottish time) Our tour coordinator ,Songster Leader Andrew Burditt of the Agincourt Corps was on hand to meet us at Pearson International Airport. A short trip to the Agincourt Corps allowed us to meet our billets for the night.After travelling to our billets homes and some supper, most of the brigade retired to bed around 11.00pm, 4.am Scottish time.

Monday 10 October 2005

The Songsters and of members of the Corps family met for a prayer vigil to complete our Spiritual preparations for Canada. Our time spent together will be remembered for a long time by those present, and will prove to be of benefit as we travel.

We then travelled to a nearby Indian Restuarant (one of the Brigades favourites) for an informal meal. Photographs on the gallery page.

Sunday 9 October 2005

At the end of the Sunday morning Holiness meeting at Govan, the Songsters offered the song ' All that I am' as their contibution. Major David Radford then offered a prayer of dedication for the Songsters as they travel to Canada, asking for Gods blessing to be on the Songsters and those whom they come into contact with

Saturday 8 October 2005

Songster Leader Kevin Ashman's review of the Govan Songsters CD Alive, published in The Salvationist on 1 October 2005, is added to Recordings page.

Wednesday 5 October 2005

Final preparations have now been made and Songsters have been issued with their Tour Itinerary. Rehearsals have gone well and musical preparations are complete. Due to the production of the Govan Songsters CD Alive, quickly followed by the tour, this has meant that the Brigade have devoted the maximum possible time to consolidating their already large repertoire, although a number of new songs have been added.

The Songsters are now looking towards their prayer vigil at 7.30pm on Monday 10 October in Govan. This should be the culmination of our Spritual preparations for our tour. We look forward to being joined by a number of members of our Corps family, and would ask that if possible anyone unable to be there remembers us in prayer at that time.After the vigil the Songsters will join together for a meal.Songsters are reminded that they must be at Glasgow Airport before 12.15 pm on Friday 14 October. The flight departs at 3.15pm and passengers should check in at least 3 hrs before departure to accomodate the necessary security check. Hand luggage must not contain any sharp objects. This includes nail files, nail scissors, tail combs ect. If in doubt put it in your case for checking in as hold baggage. Remember to bring your Travel Insurance details with you - AND YOUR PASSPORT!!

Monday 3 October 2005

For our last rehearsal before travelling to Canada, the Songsters were delighted to be joined by Songster Hilary Bromage of Boscombe and the International Staff Songsters. Hilary will be joining us for our tour. Hilary and her parents Maureen and Kevin Bromage are former soldiers and songsters at Govan and we were delighted that they took the time to travel to Glasgow and join our rehearsal. We look forward to touring in Canda with Hilary. Our next rehearsal on 10 October has been replaced by a prayer vigil.

Sunday 2 October 2005

The Sunday Holiness and Salvation meetings conducted by the Songsters.

 

Saturday 1 October 2005

A congregation of 300 filled the Sherbrooke St Gilberts Church in Glasgow to share in the Songsters Pre Tour Festival. The Songsters, Glasgow Deaf Action Choir,

Sarah Rimer (Violin) and Bold as Brass (Brass quintet) provided a festival of song, drama, and instrumental playing of the highest standard. Salvation Army congregations may be unused to the playing of the violin in the festival environment, but Sarah Rimer captivated those present with her artistry and command of the instrument. Glasgow Deaf Action Choir and Govan Songsters Drama groups provided some beautiful and uplifting moments throughout the evening. Bold as Brass demonstrated brass playing of the highest quality, providing a range of music to suit all tastes.

Thursday 29 September 2005

Govan Songsters would like to express their appreciation to the Assistant Territorial Music Director, Andrew Blyth for arranging 'A Sottish Melody' for our horn soloist Fraser Ramsay. This is a delightful arrangement of 'My Ain Folk' and will receive its World Premiere at the Songsters Pre Tour Festival on 1 October.

The Songsters were saddened to hear of the Promotion to Glory of Pete Roddans father. We would pass on our condolences.

Tuesday 27 September 2005

Our rehearsal on 10 October will be replaced by a prayer vigil at Govan Hall at 7.30pm. The Songsters would ask that anyone wishing to attend does so, and that anyone unable to attend, but wishing to be associated with the Songsters remembers the brigade in prayer at this time. It was felt that we must seek Gods guidance and Blessing before embarking on the tour.

August 15

Our accompanist, Brian Allan (Bellshill), joins us on his birthday for rehearsal. The piano is decorated with banners and balloons. The brigade would like to express our appreciation to Brian for the work he undertakes for the brigade.

We are joined for part of our rehearsal by the Leader of The International Staff Songsters, Dorothy Nancekievill and her family. Dorothy, a former soldier at Govan conducts the brigade in 'Grace Alone'.

August 8 2005

Rehearsals recommences as we start adding the final touches to our preparations for our tour of Canada.The countdown has started. 10 weeks to go. Our Spiritual preparations continue. A number of guests will join us to assist with our spiritual preparation over the next 10 weeks.

June 27 2005

For our final rehearsal before the summer break, the brigade were joined by many former songsters still worshipping at Govan. A brigade of over 70 joined together to sing songs old and new including 'To the Hills' and 'The Awakeners' These songs were accompanied by former songster pianist Malcolm Cassidy. A good time of music making and fellowship was enjoyed by all, with many reminiscences shared over refreshments.