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ONLOOKER

Issue 75

Chairman's Word

Dear Friends,

Greetings, once again in the name of our beloved Jesus!

2010! How times are flying past us! On the other hand, this is going to be a very special year for all in our London Stedfast Association as we are privileged to host the Federation event at Bromley over the period 21st to 23rd May 2010. I really do hope and pray that you have put these dates into your diary and booked a place to be there. If through any reason you will not be able to attend, I would ask you for your prayerful support. We have a great tradition behind us and I know that our ever-efficient Secretary and others have put a tremendous amount of hard work in already. One of the most wonderful things to come out of the Federation weekend is how we are working closely together with Bromley Battalion. They have invited me to lead the Joint Sunday Parade service, which is a delight for me. On top of this various Companies in the Battalion will be providing items over the weekend, for instance the Pacemakers will be giving one of their fantastic displays. I have always felt that Stedfast has a very important role within the family of Church and The Boys' Brigade and this closeness of purpose as we work together is a wonderful example of this. We owe it to all who have worked for the event to make this a very BIG must in our diaries!

However, this is not our only event, we have our Annual General Meeting at Wesley's Chapel on Saturday 20th March 2010. Again I know that a great deal of work has already gone into staging this event, please make sure that you are with us that day. There is still time for you to hone up on your talents and take part in the time of entertainment our President, Sir Douglas Lovelock, suggested. I had the wonderful opportunity to go and share with the members of the Plymouth Stedfast Association at their Annual General Meeting in November 2009 and, despite the long distance, it was really great to meet old friends from London District and also make new ones. To see the programme they were looking forward to and their enthusiasm to talk about their faith and BB/GLB/GB service was really great. Even more interesting was their enthusiasm for the ‘Onlooker's' that I had been able to take with me for their delectation. I really do believe that Stedfast is a fantastic outreach opportunity for God's Church - long may it be so!

As I sit here trying to put words onto paper, my mind is full of the world around me. I have just represented the Rotary Club, as their President, at a meeting to remember the Holocaust. As I stood, surrounded by the local MP, various local Mayors, dignitaries and young people who were making presentations about their studies on the Holocaust I could not but recall back to my young days during the Second World War and the bombing. My Mother and I were bombed out twice, vivid memories to me, plus some of the sights I saw as we tried to escape from our wrecked home. These reflections were, in some way, made even fresher by the sheer devastation that the earthquake had caused in Haiti. Our media has opened our eyes to that terrible suffering that has been wreaked on an already impoverished nation. There is a great deal being done by so many nations, but it is a salutary thought to try and imagine how long it will take to rebuild not only the buildings and the infrastructure of that country, but also those shattered lives. Maybe it would be right to give our offering at the Annual General Meeting to the Haiti Appeal, maybe something towards meeting the needs of young people in that country. I know that there used to be Boys' Brigade there at one time, but am not sure whether that is still the case now. So although it is going to be a special year for us, it will be far from that for so many people across this wonderful world that God has given us. My hope is that we all will be able to help in some tangible way by gifts, not only of money and resources, but also in the real power of prayer itself.

Sharing with people in Churches, the Immigration Centre and around the area where I live indicates to me that young and old are looking for something more out of life than what they have already. For me, and I hope that for you also, this really is a challenge of sharing our faith. As I looked at the pictures of the Holocaust, those of Haiti and in our area I note in the faces of the young people the very same as I recall as an Officer on The Boys' Brigade parade night, a real sense of need and wanting to be valued. All too often we see people from other countries as different, maybe in some ways they are, but at the root is that fact that we are all part of the family of God. Just as Stedfast draws us together because we want to recall that part The Boys' Brigade or Girls' Brigade has played in our personal pilgrimage towards God, so, I believe, does being united in our common humanity.

This year will see a General Election in our country; I suspect that soon the door knocking and literature delivering will swing into action and we will all be weighing up the pro's and con's of which party will receive our vote. Despite our differences of political opinions, I dare to hazard a guess that we have all elected one Saviour into each of our lives!

In closing, some thoughts to share with you about our Association and the work we are called to. Firstly, I understand that our most talented Bugle Band Coordinator, one David Kemp, will be standing down from that role at the AGM. Many of you will know that David has not enjoyed the best of health in recent times, ending up with an operation which, hopefully, will see him back to his normal self. David has given heart and soul to developing the band, its success must be a sure sign of all the hard work he has engaged in. The band's management are making arrangements to cover David's role so, hopefully, it will be business as usual! In thanking David, I am thrilled that he will still be offering to serve as our Events and Publicity Coordinator, another task he carries out in a most admirable way. A further thank you is due to all members of the Leadership Team for all they do for London Stedfast, without you all we would not be going very far, so thank you all for everything! Lastly, may I give a grateful thanks to all who have paid their subscriptions and, in many cases added a generous donation, it is greatly appreciated.

Once again I must say just how much I am looking forward to sharing with you all at Bromley in May, only a few weeks now! Let's make sure that it is a real time of fellowship that leaves great memories for the years to come!

Every blessing to you all as you seek to serve our Lord.

I am yours because I am His

John.

ONLOOKER

Issue 75

Secretary's NEWS

When the 1st January arrived, the new calendar year somehow didn't have quite the same magic for me as that of previous years. This was mainly due to the fact that the Association Secretary and Membership Secretary Roger Wallis, had been telephoning, meeting and e-mailing the number 2010 for most of the previous twelve months, in conjunction with our Association hosting the annual Federation event in May.

Well the special year for London Stedfast has finally arrived, and May not far off. Most of you are aware by now I hope, that we are hosting this years Federation of Stedfast Associations UK & ROI - Fellowship Weekend, which also includes the Annual Council Meeting of the Federation, at Bromley Court Hotel Kent, 21st to 23 rd May. Have you booked yet?

If not full details covering the weekend programme and booking form, have been included in Onlooker again for your information. Please be advised that these two documents are also on our LSA website, and can easily be downloaded if you require more copies. I know I have spoken about our website in most recent issues, and it must irritate those of you that do not have a computer, or if you have one, do not use the Internet. But let me inform you around 18,000 (hits) visits, have been registered on our site since I wrote the last Secretary's News. No doubt it will reach 50,000 by the time you are reading this. There are lots details and information on the there, do visit it when you have a moment. www.londonstedfastassociation.org

The World Wide Web is a truly amazing piece of technology. A few weeks ago somebody in South Africa looked at out website, e-mailed me and asked if I knew of, or could put them in touch via e-mail, with a certain BB/Stedfast person in Manchester with some sad news. In a short while I was able to link up those concerned. How wonderful that was for me (and them).

Can I return to our busy year? Production of this Onlooker has been hurried through to ensure it reaches you in good time for details of our LSA Annual General Meeting and Thanksgiving Service at Wesley's Chapel Saturday, Saturday 20th March. You will see we have a similar type of programme as last year. A number of you said how good it was, so we are going with it again. Our Chairman has already endorsed that day and the Federation event in May, so do please make every effort to be present.

I was surprised when someone telephoned me recently to enquire, if non -committee /office bearers of Stedfast Associations could attend the Federation event at Bromley? My answer was of course -YES. Bring wives, partners, BB & Stedfast friends - all are welcome. It is intended, and planned, to be a fun and fellowship weekend. Even the short business meeting should be interesting. They may attend that too if they wish. If not, they can join one of the groups, visiting local places like Greenwich and Blackheath Villages, plus looking at the O2 Arena, returning in time for lunch. Afterwards we are all off to visit Hall Place Bexley (featured in the national press recently) and be welcomed there by the Mayor of Bexley Councillor Bernard Clewes MBE. Bernard Clewes was a former captain of the 14th West Kent BB, and is a member of our member LSA.
The Mayoress Mrs Edna Clewes will accompany him. Our tour of Hall Place gets off to a rousing start with a champion BB/GB band display by the famous Pacemakers marching band.
There was a problem surrounding the Sunday parade service venue (Bromley Council cancelled the booking at the Civic Centre due to the pending General Election) but that has now been resolved. The Trinity URC Freelands Road Bromley, have very kindly offered their church for the combined parade service at 11.00am. They are planning to move their regular service and congregation to another church in Bromley. This will allow the BB & Stedfast to have full use of their church that morning; we are very fortunate to have found a sympathetic Minister, who is prepared to go to all that trouble. With over 200 BB members and a number of Bands on parade (plus Stedfast Associations) the church will be filled to capacity. I am sure it will be a day to remember. Hope you will be there.

Roger Wallis and I were rather pleased, and disappointed, at our planning meeting for the May Federation weekend. Pleased that delegates from seven Stedfast Associations around the UK, and one international representative John Alexander from New Zealand have already booked. But disappointed that not as many as we had anticipated by that meeting, were booked from the London Association. If you are still intending to be present - BUT have not yet registered, (whether it is residential or just attending on a daily basis), please do so very quickly. Roger is waiting to hear from you. I need to point out that the room reserved for our "Welcome & Gala Dinners" can only accommodate 60 guests. At the time of writing my news notes, we have around 50% of those places already booked, so don't delay.

Your Secretary has spoken a lot about our two main events taking place in the first half of the year, we need to remember that the Bugle, Brass and Bowls groups have also lots going on- do read and support their activities, which are reported in the magazine, and on our website.

In out last issue we made you aware of the hard work and the preparations going on by the Massed Stedfast Bugle Band for the London Lord Mayor's show parade in November. Well what a fantastic (wet) day that was. I felt privileged to be part of the band on parade that day in the colour party. Did you see us on TV? The BBC covered the Stedfast Band extremely well; in fact it featured the Band for a minute plus during the live coverage. If you missed it on the day, visit our website, it is available there on the News & Bugle Band pages.

Talking about bands, the FDF National Brass Band is touring England again! Many of us remember what fantastic music and sounds they made when they last toured in 2005. Peter Smith of the Kempston Bedford BB is the main organiser for the FDF tour programme. Richard Westbrook (Captain 13th Bromley Company) has kindly agreed to host them at their BB church for the first five days of their tour.

I have managed to arrange a lunchtime concert on Thursday 1st April at the Geddes Place United Reformed Church (town centre) Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 7DJ. Starting at 1.00pm to 2.00pm, when the Mayor and Mayoress of Bexley will be present. Following the concert the Mayor Bernard Clewes, has kindly arranged to meet the FDF Band in the Mayor's Parlour for a civic welcome. Later that day the FDF group will join with members of the14th BB, who will provide food and fellowship. It is their band practice night; so no doubt the evening will involve the playing of bugle and brass instruments - another great sound. Richard Westbrook is trying to arrange a number of Concerts too. One of them will be on Wednesday 31st March, 7.30pm at their church, The Temple URC High Street, St Mary's Cray Kent BR5 4AX. He has also arranged another morning Concert for 10.00am at Walnuts Centre, High Street, Orpington Kent. Others concerts in the area are also being planned. You are most welcome to attend these free concerts. Please e-mail Richard richard.westbrook@ntlworld.com to find out more details and confirm times and venues

You will find in this Onlooker, a number of good reports from our BB and Stedfast friends around the world. How wonderful to see the BB in Honk Kong, celebrating their 50th anniversary. I have received an excellent report from Eddie Sham (HK BB & LSA member) along many wonderful colour pictures (a shame to print them in black & white) so we have decided to use our centre spread for full colour reproduction. I felt privileged (along with John Russell and other Stedfast members) to have our names in their special Anniversary Journal, along with a copy to keep. Having been in print and finishing along with associated industries all my working life, I must confess I am amazed at the quality of production associated with their celebration A4 Journal. It is outstanding. To have a hard front and back cover, with matt lamination, foil blocking, and spot UV varnish is very rare these days. The 264 pages have full colour printing throughout on heavy weight paper. The publication also has 12 pages in English covering the history of the BB in Hong Kong. We must congratulate and thank Eddie Sham of the BB in Hong Kong, (who is a LSA member) for supplying file copies plus the pictures and report about the special events there. I shall bring this and their 54 pages Annual Report along to the AGM Wesley's Chapel, so that you can look through them. Eddie Sham can be contacted by e-mail eddiesham@yahoo.com if you require more information about how to get your own copies of these publications.

Funding is a key word that we seem to hear or read every day of the week. Keeping in touch with the Treasurer and Membership Secretary on a regular basis, it has been most encouraging to see so many pay their annual subs so promptly.
These are difficult times financially, so we promise to use the Association funds carefully. Unfortunately, still a large number of annual members owe subscriptions (approx £1350 outstanding). The Membership Secretary will be jogging some members memories, with a gentle reminder sent out with this Onlooker. The management team wish to remind all those who have not paid their subs by JUNE this year; they will be suspended from membership and will not receive the next issue of Onlooker. You wouldn't want that would you?

At our March AGM, your management committee are prepared to stand again for re-election. Our Chairman Rev John Lines is indicating to the committee, that this could be his last term as our Chairman. John has served the LSA for many years, and he may have more to say at our gathering on 20th March. We must accept that there comes a time when all of us on the LSA committee will need to consider what is best for themselves and the task (s) they take on. David Kemp ‘s position has already been explained well by our Chairman. His comments are shared by all of us I am sure. I look forward to learning who will be nominated to continue as Co-ordinator of the LSA Bugle Band. I am delighted David is prepared to continue with his other important jobs, Publicity and Events, which he carries out for the benefit of our Association and Stedfast generally.

We are always keen to add new members to our management committee. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you feel you can offer some of your time to serve the LSA. Your offer of help will be most welcome- thank you in advance.

There are lots to read and plenty of pictures to look at in this bumper issue of Onlooker. I hope you will enjoy reading it. When you have read it from cover to cover, why not pass it on to a former BB member or friend, and ask them to join the Association.
I should like to take this opportunity to thank the directors of our Onlooker printer, Colour Factory Ltd, for agreeing to hold last years print prices for the production of our three issue during 2010.
Paper and labour costs in that industry, have increased over the past year, I was delighted to have negotiated these terms on behalf of the Association.

Please continue to send in your contributions to the editorial team for the next issue in July.

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at Wesley's Chapel in March, and Bromley Court Hotel in May.

Stedfastly
John A Bates
Hon Secretary London Stedfast Association
Vice Chairman Federation SA UK & ROI