1950
YP Annual a good success. Captain Elsie Sharp.
General Osborn conducted the holiness meeting prior to leaving on Australian tour.
SD launched and completed within the month.
Senior altar – Captain Hamlin.
YP Altar – Major Wells
Visit of Thornton Heath Band – full hall.
Lt. Col. Lockyer & party conducted a musical evening in the interest of the N&M Self Denial appeal.
Songsters visited Catford – S.E. London.
Sutton Band gave a musical festival. Hall full.
Sis. Wade celebrated Diamond Jubilee as a Company Guard at Chatham & received a Bible as a token of appreciation.
Visit of Gravesend Hand Bell ringers – good programme – hall full.
Lt. Col. & Mrs. Rolls conducted day’s meetings. Very good day.
Mothers’ Day. Hall tastefully decorated by YPSM. Meetings conducted by CO.
Good day with Brigadier Kitching. 6 souls.
Life Saving display in interest of new scout troop
YP Anniversary meetings conducted by Brigadier F. Barker. Very good weekend.
Home League outing to Worthing. Perfect weather.
Memorial Service for Publications Serg. Syd. Davies who died suddenly. A hard worker in Senior and YP corps.
Scout Troop inaugurated. Bro. Read – Scoutmaster, Bro. Ron Warner – Assistant Scoutmaster.
Bring and Buy Sale & variety programme in aid of annual sale of work.
YP outing to Ramsgate. Wet day – bright spirits.
Home League weekend conducted by Brigadier & Mrs. Pincklbeek, ex. India. Rally on Monday conducted by Brigadier F. Barker. Programme at night by Gravesend Home League Singers.
YP and Senior Campaigns. Good crowds – seekers.
Sale of Work opened by Mayoress. £108. Carolling effort a happy one.
Brigadier Taylor conducted campaign. Good results in YP meetings.
SD launched and completed in the month and losses due to transfer of WSW Home made good.
Commissioner and Mrs. Moffat conducted Easter campaign.
Mothers Day meetings most helpful. Good crowds.
YP outing to Hastings – most enjoyable day.
HF launched and concluded successfully. YPSM appointed.
Cadets field day. YP drama organised and effected. Good response from workers & good results.
Good penitent form results. Comrades doing well.
Corps flag donated by Bro. A. L. Rosie.
Corps flag dedicated by CO. New soldiers sworn in. CO’s farewell announced.
Sale of work realised £130
Major and Mrs. Beattie transferred to Folkestone.
In some respects a difficult stay owing to difficulties prior to our appointment. Difficulties were tackled and resolved. Soul saving resulted. Number of new soldiers added. Glory to God.
Bus tragedy in which 24 boys were killed. CO visited homes of all bereaved with DC and arranged for injured boys parents to be visited. CO attended, officially, the funeral of victims in Rochester Cathedral.
Hall thoroughly renovated by Goodsells.
Major and Mrs. E. Edward Robinson welcomed from Folkestone.
Drama group gave “Caravan to Bethlehem”. A very fine production repeated on Sunday 23rd.
1952
January
Sun. 6
Launched “Midnight Cry” campaign. 4 seekers.
Sat. 12
Visit of Harlesden Songsters (Leader Major Grant). Some fine singing and a good crowd.
Wed. 16
Divisional soldiers rally conducted by Lt. Col. Westcott, NHQ.
W/E 26/27/28
YP Annual conducted by Major & Mrs. Tremaine. Saturday programme by musical sections & prize giving. Sunday afternoon Senior prizegiving. Junior Soldiers enrolled at night. Monday: “The Salvation Mill” 12 seekers. A worthwhile weekend.
February
Sat. 16
Visit of Plumstead Band. A good crowd attended.
Sun. 17
Theme – “The King” Evening meeting a memorial to King George VI.
Sun. 24
Visit of Brigadier & Mrs. Stobart, DC’s. Good meetings. Altar service good.
March
W/E 1/2/3
Visit of Bro. Harold Watson, a former CO, now an evangelist. Good special. One seeker.
Wed. 5
British Commissioner, W. Kitching gave film show in aid of SD. Hall almost full.
Sun. 16
“Friendship Sunday”. All our folks encouraged to bring at least one friend. Some responded.
Sat. 22
Visit of Folkestone Songsters launching Songster Weekend. Our Songsters did well.
Sat. 29
Pageant “Crowning the Year” Very bad weather – crowd poor, but our folks did well. SD this year £300. £15 increase on last year.
April
Fri. 11
Good Friday. DHQ staff led meetings. Drama group gave “The Fellowship” at night. A good day.
W/E 12/13
Commissioner & Mrs. Booth Davey for the weekend. Sunday 10.00am march. 8 seekers. A grand time.
Sun. 20
Corps Cadet Sunday conducted by Brigadier Homing.
Sat. 26
“A Spring Sale” in aid of the YP funds. About £12 raised.
May
Sun. 4
Mothers Day. Mothers took part. Presentation at night “The Statue of Motherhood”
W/E 17/18
Band Weekend conducted by Brigadier Robert Brown. Saturday tea & festival. Good meetings on Sunday.
Sat. 31
Wedding of Lieut. Watson and Capt. Liddle conducted by Colonel Mitchell, ITC.
June
Tues. 3
Sister Mrs. Hudson promoted to Glory. CO conducted funeral. 3 seekers at Memorial Service.
Sat. 14
Visit of Folkestone Band.
Sat. 21
Life Savers Rally at Canterbury. Our sections did well. Cups came to scouts, Cubs, Sunbeams.
W/E 28/29
YP Annual conducted by S/Capt. & Mrs. Barnes, DYPS. Saturday, “Echoes of the Nursery Rhymes”. Sunday – full meetings. 2 seekers.
July
Sun. 6
Founders Day conducted by CO’s. 7 seekers.
Sun. 13
S/Capt. & Mrs. Watson conducted meetings. CO’s on furlough.
Sun. 20
Brigadier and Mrs. Rowlands from USA conducted meetings. An enjoyable day.
Sun. 27
Local officers leading.
August
Holiday series conducted by CO’s
Sun. 3
Holiness and holidays.
Sun. 10
Recreation and Re-Creation
Sun. 17
The Saviour at the Seaside.
Sun. 24
Holidays at Home.
September
Sun. 7
Flower Service conducted by CO’s. Four special speakers, Scout Master R. Warner, B/M Andrews, Sis. Mrs. S. Jones and Mrs. Major Robinson.
Wed. 10
Welcome to new DYPS Major and Mrs. Powell. Good crowds and meetings.
Sun. 14
Senior HF conducted by CO’s. £158.2.8. raised. (up).
Sat. 20
Wedding of Songster Ellen Froome and Bandsman Ken Lloyd conducted by CO.
Sun. 21
YP HF conducted by Captain Jones and Lieut. Attar of Strood. (CO’s changed over)
Sun. 28
Harvest of the Sea. Front of platform decorated like a ship. A good venture.
October
W/E 4/5/6
Home League Annual conducted by Mrs. Lt. Col. Coote. Saturday, “Home League Gipsy Camp”. Sunday Home League Singers took part. One seeker. Monday afternoon Womens rally. Night programme by Gravesend Singers.
Week 18 to 26
Bible Week. Some good meetings but congregations not up to expectations.
November
Sat. 1
Home League Arts and Crafts exhibition, Canterbury. Our Home League won many awards. 4 firsts, 16 seconds and 14 thirds.
Sun. 2
Visit of Tunbridge Wells Songsters. Wet day but good crowds.
Sat. 8
Sittingbourne Band gave programme in aid of our Band Fund. Quite good.
Sun. 9
Remembrance Day. Illuminated soldiers grave & cenotaph at night.
Mon. 10
Welcome to new DC’s Lt. Col. & Mrs. Stevens. They come from India.
W/E 15/16/17
79th Anniversary. Saturday, Medway Festival. A good crowd attended. Excellent programme. Sunday, Lt. Col. Hollis conducted inspiring meetings. Monday, pageant, “God’s Glorious Gifts”. Over 100 took part.
Sun. 23
Corps Cadet Sunday – the Cadets did well. One seeker.
Fri. 28
Sis. Mrs. Vincer, one of our oldest soldiers, “Promoted to Glory”. CO’s conducted funeral. Mrs. Major Robinson conducted the Memorial Service.
Sat. 29
Sale of Work in Jubilee Hall. Bad weather but attendace good. Hall was cold but our folks did well. Both Chairman, Retired B/M Durrant and opener, Mrs. W. E. Barnes, did well for us. Gravesend Band gave a programme at night. About £80 raised.
December
Sun. 21
Carol Service. Xmas playing by the Band very good. £67 raised.
1953
January
W/E 3/4
Soldiers Conference conducted by the DC, Lt. Col. & Mrs. Stevens. Good meetings.
Sat. 24
Brigade of men cadets under S/Captain Holmes visiting for the weekend. 7 seekers.
Sat. 31
YP Annual conducted by S/Major & Mrs. Powell
February
W/E 1/2
DYPS Saturday prizegiving & programme. Presentation of “Battle of the Weeds” arranged by YPSM Mrs. Ward. 4 seekers.
Mon. 2 to Wed. 11
CO organising flood relief at Sheerness. Hall at Chatham opened as a clothing depot. About 3 ½ tons of clothing taken to Sheerness by boat. Specials during SD period, Major Everitt, S/Captain & Mrs. Watson, Brigadier Homing, S/Captain W. Warner, Major Marshall.
SD a good success. £304.10.8. raised. £4.10.5 increase. A steady effort. Comrades worked well.
Mon. 23
Visit of the International Staff Band.
This was an outstanding effort. Much interest aroused in the town. Civic reception extended to the band by the Mayor and all council. The band was entertained to tea in the council chamber.
April
Fri. 3
Good Friday. Lt. Cool. & Mrs. Stevens and S/Captain West from DHQ conducted excellent meetings.
W/E 4/5
Visit of Thornton Heath Band under B/M Dobson. Saturday night chairman L. Col. B. Rools supported by H. Goodsell Esq. Sunday afternoon festival chaired by Retired B/M Durrant and the final festival on Monday night chaired by Alderman G. W. Rhodes. The weather changeable but crowds fairly good. Band played well and covered financially. Billets difficult to obtain. 36 bandsmen accommodated by the following comrades.
CSM & Mrs. Friend, B/M & Mrs. Andrews, S/Capt. & Mrs. Watson, CSM & Mrs. Tester from Gillingham, Bro. & Sis. R. Warner, Bro. & Sis. Wood, Mr. & Mrs. Horne, Bro. & Sis. Acott, Bro. & Sis. James, Bro. & Sis. Elliott, S/Company Ldr. & Mrs. Jones, Bro. & Sis. Froom, Bro. & Sis. Smith, YP Treas. & Mrs. Wright and the CO’s.
May
Thurs. 14
Major & Mrs. Robinson farewelled. Appointed to Red Shield Work in the Middle East. 17 months very happy stay.
November
Mon. 9
80th Corps Anniverary. Silver Tree and letters read out from previous officers. Very interesting.
Fri. 13 to Mon. 23
Special Campaign.
13 Back to the Bible No. 1 conducted by CO
14 Band and Songsters – Gravesend
15 Gravesend Corps Cadets
16 “Youth Attacks”
17 “Playing and Praising God”, Band on duty
18 United Holiness meeting
19 “Battle of Song”, Songsters on duty
20 Back to the Bible No. 2 conducted by the CO
21 Testimony meeting
22 “A day at the Cross”
23 Grand meeting conducted by Lt. Col. J. Stewart (Retired)
December
Sat. 5
Life Saving Guards 10th Anniversary. Captain P. Staniford conducted this. A fine weekend. A programme rendered on the Saturday following a tea arranged by the Guard Leader, Mrs. Wood.
Sat. 12
Annual Sale of Work. This year held in the YP Hall instead of the Chapel and the comrades felt it was more homely. Everyone worked well. The shops were canvassed by Mrs. Snary & Mrs. Biles. Result £96.
Thurs. 31
Watch night service preceded by a corps social evening. An “At Home” was arranged and a large number gathered.
1954
January
W/E 2/3/4
Commissioner Jolliffe led a series of meetings including the Home League. An inspiring time.
W/E 16/17
Young Peoples Annual conducted by the YP workers.
Sat. 23
YP Singing Company went to Gravesend Corps for the evening.
Wed. 27
Col. Miller Secretary for Special Efforts for the weeknight Holiness meeting.
February
Thurs. 18
Band and Songsters visit to East Peckham and a good time had by all.
Sat. 27
Divisional YP Festival in aid of Self Denial.
Self Denial effort was very successful. The total raised being £307.11.2. and increase of £5.0.0.
March
Sat. 20
Youth weekend conducted by the DYPS S/Major Powell and his wife. On the Saturday evening a meeting was given by the youth of the corps making a splendid meeting.
April
Sat. 3
Young peoples Spring sale opened by Mrs. Turner of Borstal. A very splendid effort and the sum of £20 towards the YP outing was raised.
Fri. 16
Good Friday meetings were led by S/Major & Mrs. Powell assisted by the corps officers.
May
W/E 15/16
Farewell of S/Major and Mrs. Snary for Barnsley. A short but happy stay, over 100 seekers were registered for Salvationists and Consecrations. Officers and Comrades sorry to part after such a happy stay.
W/E 22/23
Welcome to S/Major & Mrs. V. Bloom. All sections taking part and flag ceremony was held on the Sunday morning. Also welcome to Major C. Irvine & Captain M. Tapsell to Green Acre Home.
Sun. 30
Major & Mrs. Markham conducted the days meetings and told of their experience of the House of the Trees among the boys.
June
Sat. 19
Life Saving field day – Canterbury. Was a very happy day for the sections of the corps. Scouts won their cup, Cubs won their cup Sunbeams won the challenge cup. Great rejoicings for all.
July
Thurs. 8
Sudden passing of retired treasurer Bro. Percy Seaton after many years of faithful service. Brigadier MacLauchlin assisted S/Major Bloom in the memorial service and at the internment.
September
W/E 11/12/13
Senior Harvest weekend. Quite a good show. S/Capt. & Mrs. Lambert conducted the meetings. Sale was a great success making a good increase.
W/E 18/19/20
Young Peoples harvest. S/Major Graver, a former commanding officer conducted the weekend’s meeting. All sections of YP giving programme on the Saturday evening. A good array of fruit etc. Sale of fruit exceeded last year.
Sat. 25
Visit of Thornton Heath Songsters. A most welcome programme given in aid of the Band Instrument Scheme. Songster Leader H. Main was the chairman, supported by S/L Finn of Strood & S/L Crain of Sittingbourne, together with our own locals.
October
W/E 23/24
Band Weekend. Special visit of overseas officers. A good time was had and a good spirit prevailed in all meetings.
November
Sat. 13
Dartford Band spent the Saturday evening with us and gave quite a pleasant programme which was quite an enjoyable time.
Sat. 20
Home League weekend. Mrs. S/Major Graver was the special for the weekend. Saturday night Gillingham Home League Singers – Monday night Ashford Home League gave a special evening programme. Was very good and enjoyable.
W/E 27/28
Corps Anniversary – 81st year. Mrs. Lt. Col. Pennick was in charge for the weekend. Saturday programme given by guest artists which were S/Major Walker, monologues, Staff Bandsman Will Jenkins, Solo Horn, Mr. Robert Warner, Vocalist, also Staff Bandsman Ron Symonds, Vocalist. Quite a good programme including band and songsters.
December
Sat. 11
Sale of Work.
Stalls were assembled on Friday night in the YP hall.
The sale was opened by Sis. Mrs. Alden and the sale was well attended.
The stalls were looked after by Sis. Mrs. Biles & Sis. Mrs. Symonds (Legion), S/Capt. & Mrs. Maston, YPSM Sis. Mrs. Acott & Sis. Mrs. Andrews (corps), Sis. Mrs. Jones Sis. Mrs. Durrant (Singing Company), Home League Sec. Sis. Mrs. Stiff, H.L. Treas. Sis. Mrs. Fowler & Sis. Mrs. Smith (Home League), Guard Ldr. Sis. Mrs. Wood, (Guards), Songster Sec. Sis. Mrs. Bannister & Sis. Mrs. Friend (Songsters), Sunbeam Ldr. Sis. Mrs. Young & Sis. Mrs. Ottoway (Sunbeams), Sis. Mrs. Russell, Songster Sgt. Sis. Mrs. Ward & Mrs. S/Major Warner (Teas).
Evening programme chaired by Bro. Alden. Evening was out of the ordinary. The whole meeting was by individual items by comrades from Leigh on Sea & Gravesend.
The amount of £67.2.3. was made up as follows:
Corps £18.6.11, Legion £7.13.1, Singing Company £6.10.8, Home League £12.10.8, Guards £2.15.9, Sunbeams £3.15.0, Songsters £5.5.7, Teas £6.7.0, Collections £3.17.7.
Sun.19
Carol Service in the evening meeting.
Fri. 24
Carol playing. Finished up with a good effort. The amount raised £100.12.0. Xmas morning played in the wards of two hospitals.
Fri. 31
Watch night – a record attendance.
1955
January
Wed. 12
Installation of the new DC by Lt. Col. R. Miller. Gillingham Band and Chatham Songsters supplied the music.
February
Sat. 19
Welcome visit by the Dartford Songsters in aid of SD. A good programme well put over.
March
W/E 5/6
Assurance weekend conducted by Col. Hughes of Chief Office assisted by the Kent Division Staff. Several seekers. A good programme on Saturday evening. A most welcome weekend.
W/E 13/14
A good Band weekend. Maidstone band gave a splendid programme on Saturday evening. Playing was of a good standard.
A visit of Tunbridge Wells band, newly transferred to the Division, gave splendid service on Sunday starting at 9.45 am and ending at 9.30 pm. Quite a good crowd attending. Meetings were of a high standard.
April
W/E 2/3
ITC Cadets for the weekend.
Fri. 8
Good Friday meetings conducted by S/Major Prince & officers of the Division. Meetings well attended.
Sat. 23
YP Spring Sale. Good effort. Torch Bearers gave quite a good programme in the evening.
May
Sat. 21
Special Band Weekend conducted by Hastings Citadel Band. The band set a high standard from the very first note of the evening, but before that was played the band were entertained by the home band to tea. Seekers were registered at the end of the weekend’s meetings. A good Spiritual influence was felt throughout the whole of the meetings.
June
W/E 4/5
Songster Weekend. This was conducted by the Songster Leader’s brother, Brigadier W. Friend. Saturday evening was out of the ordinary festival as Sittingbourne united with the home brigade and did a massed items programme with individual items in between. Quite a good weekend.
July
16
YP Anniversary. Quite a good weekend conducted by Major Webb. Young people did their part quite well.
September
W/E 3/4/5
YP Harvest. A very good show.
W/E 10/11/12
Senior Harvest conducted by Major Barnes of Hadleigh Farm Colony.
Fri. 16
Copenhagen String Band. A Divisional night but one that was enjoyed by the best filled hall we have had for some time. Mr. Robert Warner and his good lady were the chairman supported by Divisional Staff. Seldom has anything stirred one so much as the strings and singing. Lt. Col. E. Rance and his wife accompanied the band on its tour of the country. The band visited the oil refinery in the afternoon.
October
Sun. 16
S/Major Edgar, the evangelist campaigned. Quite a good spiritual uplift and a good percentage of the district covered.
W/E 29/30
Guard weekend conducted by Major Asplin. All life saving sections were on parade and on Saturday night the Guards combined with the Sunbeams to give a demonstration.
November
W/E 19/20
Campaign party from National Headquarters for the weekend. Leader was Brigadier Pugmire. On Saturday afternoon the party visited the different streets and had contact with the people of Chatham. Separate open-airs in the morning and afternoon, uniting at evening. Quite a good time for all.
W/E 26/27
Leigh-on-Sea Band conducted the 82nd Anniversary weekened. The weekend was a great success. A well filled hall on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. The band was on good form and the music was enjoyed by all, especially the piece “Go Down Moses”. This was the best played piece of the weekend.
December
Sun. 4
Sale of Work. This was held in the Senior Hall this year, was more compact and Gravesend Band gave a programme in the evening.
The following were the stall holders and the amounts they brought in:
Home League – £7.12.6, Songsters – £12.8.9 ½, Officers – £7.14.0, Mrs. Biles and Helpers, £7.5.2, Singing Company – £6.3.3, Guards – £1.18.2, Sunbeams – £2.19.10 ½, Cake Stall – £2.9.7, Refreshments – £4.6.10, Collections and door to festival – £4.5.0, Grand Total was £56.9.11. To Greenacre for soaps etc… £2.19.10. Total to Corps – £53.10.1.
1956
January
22
YP Annual. S/Major Gaze. Quite a good weekend.
March
Sun. 4
ITC Cadets for the Sunday.
Sun. 25
Lt. Com. Coates & Cadets singing party for the Sunday evening only. A very good time was had with some converts new to the Army.
Wed. 28
Self Denial Ingathering. Had £5 increase on last year’s total. Rather a long effort.
April
Sat. 14
The YP Spring Sale. This was a good effort and the sum raised was £20. There were eight stalls presided over by the Company Guards. The Corps Cadet Guardian opened the sale and in the evening a festival from the YP Band and Singing Company, which was chaired by Bro. Dodson.
May
Sun. 6
Farewell of S/Major and Mrs. Bloom after two years of loyal service.
W/E 12/13
Welcome to S/Major and Mrs. E. Gregson. Quite a good weekend and all sections taking part.
Sun. 20
Senior Major & Mrs. Frost conducted the weekend’s meetings. One seeker, are returning to Kenya.
June
W/E 9/10
Songster Weekend. Brigadier and Mrs. Friend conducted the weekend, together with Bro. H. Kniveton of Assurance Headquarters. A successful weekend and proceeds were given to the corps funds. £20.9.10.
September
W/E 9/10
Senior Harvest Weekend. The best show of produce that has been seen for years. Meetings were well attended.
W/E 16/17
YP Harvest Weekend. Lieut. Olive Friend conducted Sunday morning service. Afternoon baskets brought by children were a great sight. Again meetings were well attended.
W/E 29/30
Scout and Cub weekend. S/Capt. Joseph Evans, Territorial Scout and Cub Organiser conducted the weekend meetings, the first of its kind to be held at the corps. Suggested that this be held once a year in the future. Also attached to this weekend was the farewell of CSM & Mrs. R. Friend.
October
Sun. 21
Southsea Band. A good weekend was had and was enjoyed by a good crowd.
November
Sun. 11
Colonel Grinstead and Cadets. This was a very happy weekend and was enjoyed by a good crowd. Twenty-five seekers were registered. Cadets and the Colonel went home very tired but happy.
December
Tues. 25
Christmas playing this year was a grand effort making the grand total of £110 finishing at the hospitals on Christmas morning.
1957
January
Sun. 20
A visit of the evangelist Harold Watson.
Sun. 27
YP Annual. Major and Mrs. Bates. Had a good weekend.
February
Sun. 3
Special visit of Colonel Grinstead to enrol eleven soldiers, which was the best enrolment that we have seen and at the end of the service 52 seekers were registered.
May
Sat. 4
YP Spring Sale. A very good effort was had again and raised £23.0.0 towards the YP funds.
Sun. 12
Corps Cadet Sunday. Meetings were good and well attended. The corps cadets were good in their witness and several gave testimonies for the first time. Six seekers in the morning and six seekers in the evening.
June
W/E 1/2
Mrs. Lieut. Col. Gilliard and party from Home League Congress. Had quite a good weekend.
October
Sat. 19
Flag Day in aid of Building Extension Scheme. Raised £80.0.0m after expenses deducted putting £67 in the bank.
November
W/E 2/3
Regent Hall Band. Spent a very enjoyable weekend with the band. The proceeds were in connection of the re-building scheme and £17 was put away for the scheme and several seekers were registered.
Sun. 17
Lt. Col. Grinstead and party of Cadets. A very good weekend and several seekers were registered.
Sat. 30
Sale of Work. This was a success again this year with a total of £136.3.8. a part of which was put to the renovation of the hall and repairs.
December
Christmas playing was a good effort again and £50 was handed to the band for instruments and repairs and some to the building improvement scheme.
1958
February
Assurance Weekend. Led by Brigadier H. Young supported by the Kent Divisional Assurance Staff. A good weekend.
May
Sat. 10
Silver wedding of Major & Mrs. Gregson. First time that this has happened at the corps. A buffet tea was arranged and a festival in the evening.
June
Sat. 7
Flag day arranged in aid of the building scheme. £112 raised for this. Suggested to make it a yearly do.
July
Sat. 5
Dedication of YP Penitent Form. This was made by two of the corps in remembrance of YP Treasurer Woodger.
October
Sun. 19
Lt. Com. & Mrs. Hughes spent a happy weekend with us.
November
Sat. 1
Southsea Band visit. A good programme given on the Saturday evening and good meetings on Sunday.
Sun. 16
Men cadets with Col. Smith visited the corps again. A good weekend was had.
Sat. 22
Sale of Work. A very special effort was made and a total of £135 was raised. £50 being put aside for the building fund.
December
Christmas playing this year was a great success again. £166 was raised and again £30 was put aside for the building fund and the rest was shared between Band and Corps.
1959
March
Sat. 7
Strood Gospel Mission Band visited the corps and a good evening was held with some very good male voice singing.
May
Sun. 17
Farewell of Major & Mrs. Gregson after a stay of three years. Also a new CCG was commissioned.
W/E 23/24
Welcome of Brig. & Mrs. Barrass. A good welcome meeting was had.
June
Sat. 6
Flag Day once again brought a good response from the people and £115.10.0 was raised and £110 was put towards the re-building fund. Margate Band gave a festival in the evening and quite a good crowd gathered.
July
Sun. 5
YP Anniversary was conducted by Brigadier Pridmore Smith. Quite a change and useful messages were heard.
Sun. 12
Farewell to Bandsman $ Mrs. Russell Adams to Australia. A good comrade and he is much missed for his jolly ways.
August
Sat. 29
Re-Opening of hall after renovations. These do look quite nice after the painters have finished with the different shades of paint to what one has been used to, but very pleasant and restful for a change. The crest at the back of the platform was painted by a prisoner of the open prison at Sheerness.
September
W/E 19/20/21
Senior Harvest Festival. Not a very good show this year.
W/E 26/27/28
YP Harvest. A wonderful show. S/M Anderson of the Salvation Army Assurance Society and the Kent Divisional Staff. Quite a good weekend.
October
W/E 3/4/5
Home League weekend. Special did not come but otherwise a good weekend.
Mon. 12
Netherlands Youth Choir. This was well attended and a very interesting festival was held.
Wed. 14
Major Doctor Harry Williams. An interesting item of slides and films was given and a glimpse of Army work overseas.
November
Sun. 15
Songster Weekend. Leader of Sunday morning was D/S/L James. Bro. J. Shaw gave the address. Evening was led by the Songster Leader.
Sun. 22
Corps Cadet Sunday. Was disappointing that the special did not turn up, but the Sunday meeting proved an extra special one.
December
Sat. 5
Sale of Work proved to be a success again this year. The total raised was £145.0.0.
Thurs. 25
Found the finish of another Christmas playing effort with a visit to the hospitals. This effort was enjoyed by all who took part and the sum raised was beyond our expectations. The amount raise was £215.13.6.
Thurs. 31
End of another year. The Watch Night service was held after a band festival which included a hot supper.