author: Kevin Whittingham

After another night’s relaxation with billets, or in the case of four lucky Bandsmen, a top floor hotel apartment with hot tub & sauna (such a tough job being the blog editor!!), our coach departed for Lillehammer. The lengthy journey south was hampered by road blockages due to the recent flooding in the region, but the scenery witnessed from the coach was absolutely breathtaking. Just when you thought that Norway couldn’t possibly be more scenic & beautiful, the trip through the snow capped mountain ranges was awe inspiring. Towering rock faces, waterfalls through the wooded mountains, and we also half expected Julie Andrews to appear on the hills singing, “the hills are alive..etc!” [Ed: wrong country Kev ]

Malcolm led the daily devotions based around The Quiet Heart, which allowed a rare opportunity to sit in peace and gather our thoughts on everything that has taken place. We still think daily of those who we miss back at home & the sacrifices they have made allowing us as a group to undertake this tour. The four members of our Band who couldn’t join us (in no specific order), Karen, Tommy, Vic & Ian are remembered daily, and we wish that you were here to share in all the fun & fellowship.

The tour bus rolled into Lillehammer mid afternoon, with many of us slightly jaded after the longer than expected road trip. There was not much chance to adjust to our new location, as the Band marched through the narrow main shopping street to hold an open air witness. Eric Frampton had recovered sufficiently to resume flag carrying duties, so no excuse for Steve not to march and save his poor little embouchure! The chance to outreach into the communities we visit has been one of the highlights of this visit. Many locals gather around us (drawn in by the purple polo shirt wearing brass players!), and stayed to listen to the varied marches, hymn tunes or worship song arrangements. This has led to people not linked to the Army, attending our concerts, and obviously achieving our aim of bringing new people into contact with the Christian message.

The open air was held within the confines of a local market, and the band was positioned in front of the Best of British stall! The trombones had delusions of grandeur with a picture with the sign behind them! All the success of I Will Follow Him must be going to their heads possibly?!

Our evening concert was held within the confines of the Olympic park, with Lillehammer having hosted the winter games back in 1994. The Nordre Ål Kirke which hosted us had been built especially for the athletes who attended that particular Olympiad. The acoustic was very live and helpful, as the by now familiar programme impressed our large congregation who kindly received us with the fourth standing ovation in a row at its conclusion. Local brass band aficionados were complimentary of the great sound, and were kind enough to say that we were “the finest Salvation Army section to have visited this region in recent years!”

The whole band stayed together again at the Birkebeineren Hotel at the foot of the Olympic ski jump. The ski chalet buildings within the wooded hills were a welcome respite after a lengthy day travelling, playing and witnessing. Certain younger members took the chance to explore the facilities, either playing football or walking up the mountain to the Ski Jump arena. Seeing who could climb the ridiculously high stair case to the top of the jump where the brave/stupid jumpers launch themselves down the side of a hill!!