Going to the Army - Episode 36 - Norman Bearcroft Tribute - part 2 (July 2020)

"Going to the Army!" - Marc Harry's Podcast

"Going to the Army!" is a podcast series featuring Salvation Army music. This 36th Episode is for April 2020 and continues the "Going to the Army!" ministry, which is now in its 7th year of broadcasting.
This episode is the second of a 2-part special tribute to Lt Colonel Norman Bearcroft who was Promoted to Glory last week from his home in New Jersey at the age of 94. Norman was a very special man - a great musicians in his own right then composer and arranger of several hundred pieces of music. In the UK he served as both national Bandmaster and National Secretary for Bands and Songster Brigades. In addition he brought into being two Staff Sections - firstly, the Canadian Staff Band (55 years after the previous band had largely been lost in a tragic sea accident) and then the International Staff Songsters who have recently celbrated their 40th anniversary.
The 2 episodes contain over 3 1/2 hours of Norman's best music for bands, songsters and soloists with many recollections of of his life, his infectious and relentless humour - and also the deep Spiritual feeling he had for God's work here on Earth.
Soloists featured include Deryck Diffey, Richard martin, Derick Kane, Deryn Edwards and Roy Castle.
Originally begun for just a few friends and family members GttA has become SO MUCH MORE than that. The Episodes and 'specials' have been listened to or downloaded HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of times in all continents and more than 50 countries throughout the world - and has been played to even more by listeners who share them with family, church shut-ins and other friends who do not have access to the internet.
This new podcast continues the ever-growing ministry of GttA around the world and features both new songs and pieces and others that have been well-loved and very well-blessed for many years throughout the Salvation Army World. I am particularly grateful to people who send me requests for items they would like featured on GttA.
"Going to the Army!" has also grown far more than I ever envisaged or even hoped! As a result we have needed to upgrade the hosting service on Podomatic many times and the renewal costs are now quite substantial - however donations to theis ministry have been generously made and continue - particularly as a result of a recent JustGiving appeal. I am hoping to complete work on a new, purpose-built stuidion to continue and expand my ministry further in the coming days.
Any further donations to this ministry are gratefully received and my be sent via PayPal through the link on the right hand side of the podcast's main page at: www.goingtothearmy.podomatic.com The "Going to the Army" Facebook group recently passed 4,100 members from all around the world. "They shall come from the East, They shall come from the West and sit down in the Kingdom of God". Hallelujah!
Much of the featured music is from my own transfers of old SA LPs, 78s and cassettes but some CD and original recordings are also included. Presented by lifelong Salvationist musician and actor Marc Harry this podcast features music by bands, songsters, singing companies and soloists. In addition, background information about the music, the Salvation Army and the presenter's own experiences are included.
Feedback is welcomed - as are requests for songs/pieces that can be considered for future podcasts. - either here, on this page or to [email protected]