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Our Church Bandmaster had the privilege of playing the Hythe Moot Horn (made in
1582) on the occasion of Speakers Day, 4th October 2008. This
year the Mayor of Hythe is the Speaker for the Confederation of Cinque
Ports, and the occasion was marked by a church service with music by the
Princess of Wales regimental band, and a procession of all the Cinque Port Mayors,
the Lord Warden, Constable of Dover Castle, and various other dignatories.
The Mayor had asked Bandmaster Richard Carroll to compose and play
a fanfare for the event, which was performed at the start of the church
service, and then taken on procession.
The Moot Horn is only played on special occasions, the last time
being for the Millennium, and previous to that was back in 1975 to mark
the 400th anniversary of the
charter.
The pictures include the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Admiral
The Lord Boyce, the bearer of the Silver Oar and the Speaker for the
confederation of the Cinque Ports the Mayor of Hythe,
Cllr Alan Ewart-James. October 2008 |
 Click to see photo |
Click to see collage |
Harvest - Thanking God for His gifts!
This year our traditional harvest service included a sincere time of thanks for all of God's provision, and we were also given a treat when the BBC's Choir Boy of the Year, Joel Whitewood, sang the benediction to our service, reminding us that God's gifts come in a variety of ways. Joel's grandparents, Roy and Patricia, are members of The Salvation Army at Hythe, with Joel being a member at nearby Ashford Corps. In the afternoon we carried on our tradition of taking the band to witness on the Oaklands Bandstand through playing easy-listening music, including music with a gospel message and times of reflection and hymn arrangements, and once again Joel provided delightful variety through his vocal skills. The good weather contributed to a terrific afternoon of praise, worship, and witness, as links within the community continue to be strengthened. September 2008 |
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In traditionally dodgy weather our church held its annual BBQ out in the open fields of a recreation park surrounded by beautiful Hythe scenery along with the company of friends, with food and drink, laughter and times of getting to know each other in this wonderfully informal setting. Since the first corps BBQ in 2003 this event has become increasingly popular, widespread, and useful as a means of encouraging friendships. August 2008 |
 Click to see collage |
Click to see collage |
Captains' Cream Tea
As our friendly Wednesday Club drew to a close for a brief break throughout August, the annual tradition of a Cream Tea in the garden of Captains Karen and Phil was maintained for a 6th consecutive year. With delicious home-made scones brought in by Patricia Whitewood, and cakes kindly donated by other members, the real trick was trying to arrange for everyone to be there at the same time! We are very grateful to Hythe Age Concern who allow us use of their minibus, and together with fabulous weather the afternoon went perfectly. The Club, which is very relaxed and full of fun and trivia, is open to anybody to try each Wednesday between 2:30 and 3:40pm in our hall, and re-starts on September 3rd. July 2008 |
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Once again the Gospel Choir made friends and supporters proud as they were asked to perform a concert at St Paul's Church in Sandgate in aid of their renovation fund. However, the audience got more than the swinging numbers we have become accustomed to enjoying, as the choir boasts several soloists and so contributed vocal, cello, saxophone, and oboe items too! July 2008 |
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Click to see event photos |
British 10K London Run
To raise funds for the work of The Salvation Army in Hythe, Saltwood, Dymchurch and Romney Marsh, Wes Carroll, Captain Phil Layton, and his sister Christina Layton set themselves the challenge of completing the British 10K in an average of less than 60minutes. The weather was perfect as the three achieved their goal, which was all the harder given that this was a new distance for them, and required a great deal of preparation beforehand. Click here to see what the challenge involved, or here to view photos taken during the event. July 2008 |
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As a part of our local Churches Together mission to help make God known within our community, Steve Price, a popular and well known Christian Illusionist, was invited to put on a performance with a Gospel message at a local school as a part of Hope 08. The event was funded by the local churches, with The Salvation Army at the forefront. The attendance of about 200 children and adults indicated that the event was successful as Steve put across the message with great professionalism mixed with humour and amazement! July 2008 |
 Click to see collage |
Click
to see collage |
Wed - nesday Club Rally 2008
This year our Wednesday Club celebrated its annual rally by taking the topic of 'Marriage' and presenting it through many jokes, trivia, brainteasers, songs, and identifying celebrity marriages too which were shown on the big screen at our hall. The time of fellowship was led by Captain Phil Layton who, after recalling snippets of his own marriage to create the scene, introduced his wife, Captain Karen, who came into the hall wearing her wedding dress! Everyone was then reminded that the Gospel of Christ is much like a marriage in that it requires a simple 'I do' to accepting God's gift of salvation...although once married it is important to still work at your relationship. The atmosphere was lovely, with a friendliness and warmth evident from the start at what turned out to be the highest attendance at such an event for many years. Wednesday Club runs every week from 2:30 - 3:35pm except for during August, and if you know someone who might enjoy it, send them along! July 2008 |
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After 19 years of our Salvation Army band visiting New Romney Methodist Church for a songs of praise, this event is still proving to be as enjoyable and popular as ever. Bandmaster Richard Carroll led the singing with great enthusiasm and humour, interspersed by pieces from the band, and the singing was given an extra boost when Wes Carroll took to the piano! The evening included perfect weather, many favourite songs as well as a short Bible thought, and the evening was rounded-off by Richard leading everyone in a benediction which testified to the residents of New Romney with the words; "Praise God, I'm Saved!" July 2008 |
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Consett Salvation Army Brass Band
The oldest Salvation Army corps band in the world were guests of our church here in Hythe as a "Thank You" to the community and the surrounding districts was organised by Bandmaster Richard Carroll, along with the Corps Officer Captain Mark Sellers and Bandmaster Jeff Baker of Consett Corps. As well as an event to show gratitude, the weekend brought with it music ministry, strengthened friendships between corps, and many opportunities to engage with the good folk who came to listen. The busy schedule included 2 parades through the High Street, one of which a Civic Parade with various dignatories, 2 bandstand concerts, a mini-concert outside the Town Hall, an indoor evening festival of soul-stirring music at the Methodist church hall, and, of course, our own Sunday morning worship too! At each of these outreach events many people lined the streets and well over 200 came to each of the bandstands. The Mayor of Hythe, Councillor Alan Ewart-James, provided a civic welcome in which the mutual understanding and bond between our local Corps and the community was emphasised. A great deal of work and preparation went into the event both at Consett and at Hythe (with the Captain's sincere thanks to all involved), but the result was a God-glorifying weekend of fine music and evangelistic opportunities...which were taken! June 2008 |
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Our Wednesday Fellowship always likes to keep things fresh and fun, and on this occasion the weather encouraged us to take the club out for an afternoon of people-watching, sunbathing, and ice-creams!!! The Wednesday Club is every week from 2:30 - 3:30pm, and for 25p includes tea & biscuits, fun presentations, trivia, jokes, and songs, plus superb friendship...if you know someone who might like to come along for an hour, just tell them to turn up - and they'll be warmly welcomed! Alternatively contact Captain Phil for more details May 2008 |
| Success for the Salvation Army Football Club! In only their second tournament since its formation 6 months ago, our football club for 10 - 16yrs enjoyed a day of glory as it entered 2 teams into a 5-a-side competition held at Lympne. Both teams played their respective matches with great integrity, skill, and passion which, along with a behaviour and deportment which represented their church beautifully, drew admiration from the organisers of the event. Competing players from the 5-team competition apparently commented on how The Salvation Army's teams had raised the standard of more than just the football played, and on top of this we were delighted that one of our teams made it through to the final...which at 1-1 after extra time, went to a penalty shoot-out, winning 3-0. Much needed support came from our church members at the sidelines who made their presence known, as the 10 players made us all proud! The football club has grown over the months, and remains an attractive way of maintaining a valuable link between the church and this age group within the community under the motto; "Pure football in a Christian environment". The Salvation Army football club is for boys and girls aged between 10 - 16 yrs, and takes place on Sundays from 11:45am - 1pm, meeting at our hall in Portland Road for drinks before and after going to the park to play the beautiful game. Click here to view our invitation to you or someone you know! |
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Rowathon Along Hythe's Royal Military Canal While the London Marathon took place in our nation's capital, here at Hythe we had our
own athlete, Eric Godden, who decided to row along a mile-long
section of the town’s Royal Military Canal 13 times, amounting to a mammoth
half-marathon in total.
Eric hopes to have raised nearly £700 in sponsorship, all of which will go toward our work within the community of Hythe, Saltwood, Dymchurch, and Romney Marsh If you would like to make a secure donation online, please click here! |
| Young church member makes special promise to God Hythe Corps celebrated the enrolment of their latest Junior Soldier with a service entitled 'I love You too!'. It focused on the Junior Soldier Promise as a way of any Christian trying to live for God and to love Him for all that He has done in love for us. After playing on cornet her testimony song 'Jesus loves me' , Anastasia Layton was enrolled by her uncle, Captain Kingsley Layton (Harrow), and reminded of the support she has, and the example she will be within her spiritual family at this church in The Salvation Army. Captains Karen and Phil Layton, together with her Aunt Karen Chambers (YPSM, Llanelli) led the service during which everyone was challenged to make the Junior Soldier Promise a personal one. The Junior Soldier Promise Having asked God for forgiveness,
I will be His loving and obedient child. Because Jesus is my Saviour from sin,
I will trust Him to keep me good, and will try to help others to follow Him.
I promise to pray, to read my Bible and, by His help, to lead a life that is clean in thought, word and deed. |
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Wedding Jingles! Instead of ringing wedding bells to mark the happy occasion, the couple asked for the famous Salvation Army timbrelist duo to start the service and to encourage friends and family to relax and acknowledge that this solemn ceremony would be cushioned with joy and humour. Captain Phil Layton led the service and ceremony, while best friends Heather and Ted Knivett (Adherents) read the Bible and gave the Bride away respectively. The place of God within the marriage was emphasised, and the exchange of vows were introduced and given with deep respect, before the pianist (Songster Leader Wes Carroll) led the congregation into a time of rejoicing once more. This was followed by photos along the adjacent Royal Military Canal, speeches directed by Bandmaster Richard Carroll, and then Mr & Mrs Ashley were finally given a farewell on their scooters which had been decorated appropriately! March 2008 |
| Good Friday Outdoor/Indoor Services There was yet another effective and encouraging outdoor service in the High Street on Good Friday, led by the Churches Together in Hythe and Saltwood. The traditional procession down the High Street, preceded by the carrying of a cross to a single drum beat, led the way to a gathering of over 250 people in the Town Square. The Salvation Army band helped create an intensely spiritual atmosphere through its sensitive playing of appropriate music prior to the event. This year the service included some modifications including new songs, less talk, and with the various elements being interspersed with drama surrounding the cross. The Salvation Army was well represented among the ministers, the marshalls, the congregation, and the accompaniment from the band. Afterwards the United Reformed and Methodist churches joined with us at our hall for refreshments, and then an intimate time of worship and reflection through Scripture and song, led by Captain Phil Layton and Songster Leader Wes Carroll. This had its highest attendance in 5 years and continues to be a powerful time of prayer and praise. On Resurrection Sunday we all enjoyed a lively time of reverent worship together as we celebrated Christ's victory over death, and focused on His promise that we too will be resurrected if our trust is in Him. March 2008 |
(this thumbnail is of a painting by Hythe Salvation Army member, Joanna Simms, and was used within our time of reflection.) |
 Click to see collage |
United Band
Concert There was an air of anticipation as the Hythe Town Concert band
took centre stage to perform a mixture of classical, original wind band
music plus themes from blockbuster films such as Indiana Jones.
The
second half of the programme featured the Salvation Army band, and got
off to a great start with Righteous
Peace & Joy, with the band members making their entry to the stage
as and when required. This section included two classic marches,
Southern
New England and Golden Jubillee, and contrasted them with a piece
written for the band by Wes Carroll. "Just a piece of music?" which
takes both the performers and audience on a journey through life
based
on the childrens hymn Gentle Jesus meek & mild. This
piece coupled with the introduction by Captain
Phil Layton left the listeners in no doubt as to the purpose of
Salvation Army banding.
It
has become a tradition that a "Last Night of the Proms" segment be
included and the audience entered into the spirit with enthusiasm.
Our
guest this year was a young brilliant Australian cornet soloist,
Cameron Ivers, Chatham, who displayed great sensitivity in "I'd Rather
have Jesus" and created a happy joyous atmosphere with a jazz
arrangement of "Joshua" accompanied on piano by Wes Carroll.
On a blustery evening it was great to see this event so well supported. March 2008 |
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Mothering Sunday Dedication of baby Grace
When Alison and Stuart Rudge decided to have their son, Grant, dedicated at The Salvation Army in March 2007, they were not anticipating making a similar promise before God a year later, this time with a baby girl, Grace. Everyone was delighted, however, that these parents wanted the ceremony as a demonstration of their desire to set a good example to their little girl. As per last year, the ceremony was tied in with Mothers Day, and the hall was charged with pride, excitement, and fondness toward Mothers and their God-given responsibility to influence us all in our walk with the Lord. March 2008 |
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During the first school holiday of the year our church entered its newly formed football club into its first ever competition, a 5-a-side tournament at Lympne organised by an established footballing outfit which provided several of the competing teams too. As this was the first time our players had ever played together in such an environment, the aim of entering the event was to have fun, do our best, and demonstrate that belonging to a lively church and playing football with Christian principles is possible, enjoyable, and beneficial. After putting on their new football shirts (purchased through kinds donations by church members) the team gathered for a team talk, followed by a prayer, and then took to the field. As expected, the competition was well organised and had played together regularly at other events. Nevertheless, our team of 5 maintained its composure and, despite one 0-3 loss, managed to give the other teams a series of very tight games and narrowly lost the other 4 initial games just 0-1. This marked the halfway point of the 10-game competition, and so at this point some strategic changes were made. For the last 5 games our team excelled themselves, drawing one game at 0-0, and winning the remaining 4 matches, 1-0, 1-0, 2-0, and 1-0 respectively. The team narrowly missed out on a place in the final, by just 3 points, but they had gained an enormous amount of confidence and experience throughout the competition. All of the other competitors were aware of our church background and the team played exceptionally pure and clean football, making Captain Phil Layton very proud indeed from the sidelines. If you would like to come along to our football club, click here. February 2008 |
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Valentine's Day Musical Fundraiser
Shepway's exciting young jazz band, The Red Herrings, played to a
full house for their charity concert to raise funds for the work of the
Salvation Army in Hythe and Romney Marsh. Sold out signs were up
several days prior to the concert which took place on Valentines Day.
The
band, made up of pupils from the Folkestone School for Girls and the
Harvey Grammar School, provided a very tight set that included some well
established numbers made famous by artists such as Nat King Cole, Fats
Waller and Glen Miller. However several of their numbers were arranged
by members of the band themselves displaying a wide variety of styles
and a high degree of musicality.
We enjoyed a fantastic evening with
some lovely toe tapping music. This group of teenagers gave of their
time and talents freely, and they are a credit to themselves and their
parents who so obviously encourage and support them.
The
event was organised by Charlotte Watkinson, one of the musician's
parents and a supporter of The Salvation Army, along with Bandmaster
Richard Carroll.
On
behalf of all those who will benefit from the generosity of seven
teenagers and their parents and sponsors, we thank all involved for a fantastic
total of £1243, more than double what we had originally anticipated".
The photo shows (from left to right);
Harry
Evans, Fred Smith, Danny Brookwell, Ed Watkinson, Alice Godwin, Chris
Pilgrim, Prim Briggs, and Mayor Alan Ewart-James.
February 2008 |
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2008 continues with plenty more for us to thank God for.... The Salvation Army at Hythe enjoyed another exciting Sunday as family members came to support the young folk who are a part of KidZone, a thriving Sunday school for 3-12yrs led by YPSM Wendy Margott. Cadet Gavin Friday (William Booth College, London) came especially to lead the service which had the theme "Hands", providing an opportunity to pray, clap, and consider what we can do for God. The morning provided a special opportunity to let the younger generation know that they are such an important and valued part of the spiritual family here. "Prizes" were given to the children such as Christian books, puzzles and DVDs which we hope will be refered to time and time again as they grow in the faith of Jesus Christ. In addition, there was an awards ceremony for members of the recently formed Football Club, presented with good humour and followed by an hour of sporting fun in the local park. After the service KidZone stayed for games and a meal together. January 2008 |
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What a start to the Year!
Barely 2 weeks into 2008 and the church was celebrating 'Commitment Sunday' with 2 good reasons to give thanks for God's faithfulness; First of all Hythe Corps enrolled Len Redford and Les Ashley as a Salvation Army Soldier and Adherent respectively, professing their Christian faith publically. For Len, this included making specific promises attached to becoming a Salvationist (click here to read them). Both of these gentlemen were drawn to the church through its warm fellowship following spiritual awakenings in their lives over the past few years, which have led to them putting their faith in Jesus Christ. The photo shows (from left to right) Recruiting Sergeant Robert Washford, Salvationist Len Redford, Bandmaster Richard Carroll (with flag), Adherent Les Ashley, and Captain Phil Layton (Corps Officer). Then the church was taken through the Vision for 2008, relying once again upon the Corps Prayer which is based upon 1 Chronicles 4:10, and asked to re-commit themselves to praying for God's continued provision throughout the year. We now wait excitedly in obedient patience to see what the year holds! January 2008 |
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