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The occasion of Boscombe Band's 125th anniversary weekend, attended by large congregations,
was one of the most momentous in the history of the Corps. Outstanding in its conception, and faultless in
its planning, it was not one of self glorification for musical achievements, but rather a God-honouring event
during which the Holy Spirit's presence was evident throughout.
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| Special guests Colonels Robert and Gwenyth Redhead (Canadian Territory) joined
with current and former bandsmen and wives in a celebration meal which was followed by a Saturday afternoon march
of witness to the town's Pavilion. The Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Chris and Val Rochester received the
Colonels, Corps Officer Major Peter Mylechreest, Bandmaster (Dr) Howard Evans, and the organisers of this part
of the week-end, Terence Carey and his father, former Councillor Phil Carey, who made the introductions.
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| The Saturday evening Festival of Celebration featured Boscombe Band with
soloists Barney Lawrence (Horn),
John Starkes (Euphonium) and Craig Snell (Cornet). Band items included Joy
through the Ages, written
especially for the occasion by Bandmaster Howard Evans and The Holy War
(Ray Steadman-Allen). Former bandsmen
joined with the current members for the second half of the evening during which previous Boscombe bandmasters,
Kenneth Downie, Roland Wright and Garry Lawrence conducted their own choice pieces, The
Joy-Bringer, Light Walk
and Reflections in Nature respectively. Colonel Redhead brought a devotional
thought and conducted the band in the final item, The Call of the Righteous.
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| Sunday morning worship was unique in its concept whereby Colonel Robert Redhead took his own composition,
A Pastoral Symphony, as the theme and used the four sections as the Bible message,
interspersed with scripture
and dialogue between himself and his wife. Particular reference was made to how we serve the present age and
the fact that to do so we need to be filled with compassion. Several bandsmen gave spontaneous personal
testimony, and songs from the Singing Company (You Are) and Songsters, who sang
the Colonel's composition
One Life to Live, enhanced the spirit-filled meeting which concluded with several
seekers kneeling at the Mercy Seat.
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| The final meeting of the day, in which the Songsters and Young People's Band also participated, was themed
A Hymn to Christ and featured a number of items from the band, including
To the Chief Musician (Himes) and
a march Heritage written for the occasion by bandsman John Meredith who retired
after 50 years service.
Robert Redhead's Christ Hymn, conducted by the composer, brought to a conclusion
a momentous weekend where
past service was recognised and the future keenly anticipated.
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