Easter 2014 in Boscombe saw an invasion of Australians - with our former commanding officers, James and Jan Condon, returning to lead the weekend and our guests being the Sydney Staff Songsters. Throughout the weekend the many people who had gathered were blessed by the words, the music and the message of Easter.

Easter Week had begun in slightly different fashion this year with the wedding of our Flugel Horn player Kevin Whittingham to the Singing Company leader Katie Hornby.  The Band were pleased to provide music for the occasion and we wish Katie and Kevin all the very best wishes for their future. 

The rejoicing nature of Palm Sunday was reflected in the choice of Keep Me Praising (which includes the chorus "Sing Hosanna to the King of Kings") for the Band contribution to the morning service which also featured the enrollment of a new soldier - you can see some photos on the Corps website

In keeping with our recent tradition the Easter weekend began with a meditative study in words and music on Maundy Thursday presented by the Band and the Boscombe Songsters. The size of the congregation was an indication of just how well attended this Easter Convention was going to be.  It was also good that our guests for the weekend were all able to be present right from the start this year.

The Sydney Staff Songsters were at the start of a ten day tour of England and were thus able to take a full part in the Good Friday meetings.  For those who would like to hear the songsters and did not get the opportunity then a visit to their Facebook page will enable you to find numerous videos of them performing on tour.

A full hall was awaiting the songsters on the Saturday evening when they were able to showcase their many talents.  The hall was also very full on Easter Sunday when we gathered again to celebrate the Risen Christ.  Unfortunately the inclement weather meant that the Sunday afternoon march and openair had to be cancelled, however, an impromptu concert was held instead - and there was little doubt about the 'highlight' of the afternoon.

Everyone will have their own highlights of the weekend, but for many the presentation of How Great Thou Art by the massed ranks of the Sydney and Boscombe Songsters accompanied by the Band at the end of the Sunday evening was very special.

As a benediction and blessing for the Sydney Staff Songsters the Band played Bill Gordon's arrangement of God Be With You Till We Meet Again to conclude the weekend.