Adelaide - a quieter state capital in the Central South (Congress Hall and Ingle Farm Corps). Perth - an isolated city on the West Coast surrounded by dry bushland (Perth Fortress Corps).

-Logistics - six flights, 46 hours in the air, 3 time zones, modern mini buses with very obliging Singapore Salvationists, coaches with huge kangaroo bars across the front - amazing we ever made it back in one piece!

-'Old' friends - It was great to meet up with Brit's who are now serving over there - Lt. Col. Keith Burridge (General Secretary - Singapore), Captain Mark Bearcroft (Director for Music and Gospel Arts - Southern Territory) and Jacqui Proctor (Perth Fortress) all of whom assisted in supporting us on tour, plus many hundreds of other personal contacts too numerous to mention here - it seemed like nearly half the UK Territory was over there!!

- Who did we contact? Obviously there were the varied corps we visited and in each one, there was that overriding sense that despite cultural differences we were linked through our common bond of Salvationism and faith. The venues were packed with enthusiastic crowds willing to cheer, chat, shake your hand, give a standing ovation, pray and enjoy a bit of a laugh every now and again!

The Troops witnessed in modern schools where hundreds of 8 and 11-15 year olds were kept rapturously and expertly entertained by the three music teachers in the band, under the leadership of Deputy Bandmaster Carl Saunders. One school following this is to be given enough instruments to start 5 brass bands - one for each form group! Fun yes, but still the opportunity was given to pray and speak about our faith to the kids there. Although the troops are relatively youthful, age was not a barrier as we held services for many retired officers in Inala Village (Melbourne) and communicated in three languages in Singapore for the older residents of a large complex.

Public relations for The Salvation Army is very important and so for the Troops to be invited to play to the British High Commissioner in Singapore was a great honour. The experience was rather bizarre being held in a beautiful old colonial mansion complete with Union Jack in the front garden to an audience of a host of classy ex-pat wives with high tea to follow! - However the work of the Salvation Army in Singapore was highlighted and focussed on as a result of our visit in front of a very influential group.

The Household Troops Band are the first United Kingdom Band to ever visit the Singapore Territory and so it was a great privilege to be ambassadors there. Singapore Central Corps was something to be seen - packed with a crowd of Christians and friends the majority of which were under 40 years old - what a great encouragement to know that our Salvation Army is growing and thriving internationally and the message which Salvation Army bands proclaim is still relevant and winning souls.

Perth city centre saw the Troops proudly on the march behind the Salvation Army colours through the central plaza area bringing the crowd to an abrupt halt. This provided a focal point for us to communicate once more out on the street where crowds were gathered and giving them a bit more for their lives than just the shopping they'd originally set out for.

- 'Meet the composers'! It's always a joy to meet Salvation Army composers and to have them share their experience and testimony. This tour was no exception as we shared with Captain Ian Robinson (Singapore) who took us through 'A little number I wrote a few years ago - never seen it since!' (Beyond the Blue - flugel solo); William Broughton (Adelaide) who in his large American accent said 'Let's have some fun with this' and proceeded to point, wave, shake and smile all over the stage in a real chilled-out blues manner (Deep River); a very humble and spiritual Major Howard Davies (Perth) spoke about his ministry before taking us through 'Lord You Know That We Love You'.

- Good Old Army?! It was pleasing to see some aspects of Salvationism still being used such as the very slick Timbrel displays in Melbourne and the enthusiastic cries of 'Fire a volley!'...'Amen', which reflect the 'older days of yore', but alongside that are more modern methods of outreach such as dinner clubs, Mandarin bible church for local oriental communities..etc.

- Most moving moment 1? Changi prison camp memorial service - Singapore. Here the Troops were able to hold a memorial service of remembrance in the camp where 800+ servicemen died during WW2 and witness to relatives who were visiting that day. It was quite an emotional occasion in the tropical heat so far away from home and now far away in time for the younger generation to remember the sacrifices many have made.

- Most moving moment 2? At the end of a long tour following some simple but nevertheless inspiring words on 'The Holy Spirit at Work' from our ever faithful Executive Officer 'Vicar' Lt. Col. David Phillips, to see many seekers come to the mercy seat and find the Lord. That's what its really all about folks! The whole point of all our endeavours whether we're on tour or serving in our local corps, this is the crux of the matter:

'Whosoever will may come and who comes to Him shall never, disappointed turn away - Praise the Lord 'tis whosoever!'

So in conclusion I would just like you to say a prayer for:
- our Southern Australia Territory and the work particularly of Captain Mark Bearcroft as he seeks to develop the music ministries in the territory - particularly with reference to youth music.
-Major John Mott, Lt. Col. David Phillips, the band locals and each individual Trooper for their devotion to the task and guidance and faith for the future.
-For the Singapore Territory - that they may continue to develop the Salvation Army work and bring many more people to faith.

Just remember wherever you are:

'To all kingdoms and all people 'tis the same and shall be ever
- there's no difference in the message - But to all 'tis whosoever!'

Songster Leader Martin Bennett (aka Trooper 'Granddad' Bennett)
William Booth Memorial Halls Nottingham