C.M.H.A. Convention

There is no doubt that this year’s Convention was a great success. It was a real delight to hold this Convention in conjunction with the Salvation Army Philatelic Circle. A family atmosphere prevailed from the start with a total of 36 friends coming from far and near. The day was bright and early purchasing from the sales tables was brisk. After coffee and introductions, David Copper gave an excellent and well illustrated talk on Le Palais de La Femme. (David has clearly been fired by the whole subject and his enthusiasm transmitted itself to the audience. David was followed by Rob Brettle whose talk on The Salvation Army at the Movies was much anticipated following his article in last year’s Journal. What an excellent talk it was giving updated information and showing several excerpts from films. These included copies of early film footage from Australia plus some more recent favourites such as the Orbeston Parva Salvation Army Band marching into the crowds in Heaven’s Above. Rob’s recent researches will be reported in a forthcoming issue of The Salvationist.

After a splendid lunch, we had an exciting ‘Meet the Authors’ session. Unfortunately, due to ill health, Ken Elliott was unable to attend but he sent in a report on his forthcoming new book. Ken is already an established author with his first book being a history of Coventry Citadel Band. He has subsequently spent much time researching Eliza Shirley and her family. Very few people would have realized Eliza’s personal sacrifices and struggles. It should be a stimulating and informative read when it is published in the middle of next year. It was then a great delight to greet author Bob Early. His autobiography, I Well Remember, was published in 1998. The book is the story of one man’s experiences as a Christian soldier during World War Two. It is both an inspiring and moving and book which cannot be recommended highly enough. The book was declined review in the Salvationist due to its limited run, but if you have not yet read it, copies can still be obtained through Colonel Williams or from Bob himself via the Association. 

Another moving experience was to follow with Colonel Williams describing the development of Bookworm Alley and where her profits are spent. Clearly the money she raises goes a long way in India but equally, Joan is giving a wonderful service (which she clearly enjoys) in supplying material to individuals and museums around the world. 

Each speaker in this section had been allocated a few minutes but what a stunning surprise was in store with Simon Harmer. We were treated to a display of pictures and a fascinating insight into how description of Simon started his interest.  He then talked about the early days at Portsmouth and left people wanying to know more. The next invitation to Simon will allocaite him an hour!
 
The final session before the close and tea saw the return of Major John Matthews. A report of his A Whitechapel Meeting of the 1880’s can be found in Journal Volume 3 but it was again delivered with a real passion with the words and singing transporting us back to our early days. After prayer, we had tea and a chat before heading home. I personally must thank the speakers, the delegates for coming from near and far and my wife Christine for providing and preparing all the food. Our next Convention will be in 2005, probably in the north of England.