1997 was our 10th anniversary year and so our overseas tour this year had to be something extra special – and so it proved to be, for we flew to Jamaica to support the work of the National Children’s Home in Kingston. But first we flew to New York and then coached on to our friends in Bloomsburg – friends made on our very first overseas tour back in 1989. We shared worship there and gave a concert and then travelled south through the autumn foliage to Hanover. The highlight here was our visit to the Harley Davidson motor bike factory. Then on to Washington staying with folk from the Falls Church Methodist Church which they call ‘The Friendship Church’. And it certainly was. A concert here and shared worship before sight seeing in Washington. Then the real adventure – a flight to Kingston, Jamaica! We landed in the late evening and walked out of the plane into what felt like an oven! – to be taken by police vehicles to the orphanage in Hope Road where most of the band stayed and where we all ate together. We had a great deal of fun with the children, went to a deserted island in Kingston bay (a spot of paradise – just like the Bounty Bar advert), climbed the falls at Dunns River, lazed in the sea in Montego Bay and amongst all this managed to give a few concerts and shared worship. Yes ‘managed’ because of the heat – it was too hot to play in uniform – and we never did get to grips with their so laid back attitude. We learnt quickly the meaning of “soon come”!! We all took with us presents for the children which when laid out covered to large boardroom table. This was in addition to the cheques for over a £1000 that with much delight we handed over to then – donations from our funds and friends and ‘earnings’ from our concerts in America. It was fantastic. We are all looking forward to our return to Jamaica —- some day!
