The cross was still at the centre of worship yesterday at Boscombe - adorned by a prayer chain created by our youngsters it provided a focal point for our worship on the Sunday after Easter. The contribution of the Band to the Holiness Meeting of Dean Goffin's The Road to Emmaus was most both appropriate and appreciated.

What has been a long and busy few weeks for the Band over Easter - starting with our visit to Lower Earley - came to a conclusion with us being on duty for the Annual Divisional Celebration yesterday afternoon and evening. The Band were joined by Southsea Songsters, the divisional worship band, Sarah Grace, the speakers for the occasion, Majors Brian and Liv Slinn (Bromley), as well as a considerable number of Salvationists from across the division who almost filled our hall.

The first drama presentation by Sarah was in itself worth the admission price as it offered a rare opportunity to see Howard, our Bandmaster, dancing!

As you can see from the programme, also featured was a new arrangement of Abide With Me from Kenneth Downie, who is, of course, the Bandmaster at Winchester in this division and a former Bandmaster of our own Band.

The Band support all kinds of events throughout the year and it is always good to receive feedback from those who organise the events. Major Geoff Chape from DHQ had this to say in a message to the Band after the event: