Estonia summer campaign - day 3

Evelin interviewed by phone on Family radio

Day 3 began a little earlier than usual as songsters made their way by mini bus and trolley bus to Kopli corps for breakfast. As usual, a sumptuous feast was enjoyed – followed by a thought provoking prayer time led by Barry.

The coach arrived promptly and we boarded to make the journey to Narva. We delayed the journey a few minutes as Evelin (translator extrordinaire) conducted an interview by telephone with Family Radio.

The driver made good time and we arrived bang on time, to be met by Captains Liudmila and Mihal Baglai. They ushered us all into the small dining area where a ‘snack’ had been prepared. The snack turned out to be a full cooked lunch

Lunch at Narva corps

– many of the songsters were starting to question whether this was a music tour or a munching one! Hospitality has been excellent and the red carpet rolled out for visitors in typical Estonian style.

After lunch the heavens opened (metaphorically speaking) and we watched from the 3^rd floor worship hall as a deluge poured down. The enforced delay in leaving for the open air gave opportunity for a tour of the corps building-

A lull in the rain gave us chance to make a dash for the bus and, by the time we arrived at the very recently opened Artis shopping centre then rain had stopped and the sun was shining. The songsters formed up outside, where a small group of corps members were already waiting and ready. The music, and the crowd, attracted others to stop and listen and the music went down really well. Many people wanted to chat or have photos taken with the brigade and the songsters immediately felt very much at home in Narva.

Being so far east – and so close to the border – we couldn’t let visitors come without a short tour of the city. Captain Mihail had planned an interesting route and the coach driver expertly negotiated some rather tight roads around the city. The bus stopped on a hill overlooking the bridge crossing the river Narva. This marks the border between Estonia and Russia and the bridge was lined with vehicles waiting in the ‘no man’s land’

Russia on the left - Estonia on the right

area between the 2 countries.  The river is just a few metres wide at this point and gave a real experience of the geographical closeness between these two countries. The east/west divide that the media so often play on seemed remarkably small at this point.  It was a wonderful photo opportunity and the chance to sing at the border too great to miss – so a verse was sung with John Ellwood videoing to a backdrop of the view over to Russia (much to the delight of a small group of visiting tourists).

Songtsers sing - with Russia in the background

The 2^nd tour stop was at Narva castle (or fortress) which gave another view of the river and a reminder of the battles that have been fought over this strategic location.

The delayed open air meant that time was short and a dash back to the hall for tea – another cooked meal – and a very brief ‘loo stop’. Not so easy in a rather old building with only 2 toilets J With the evening concert due to begin at 6pm and the songsters still in the coach at 5.40 it was a rather anxious journey to the Alexander cathedral.  

As we drew up outside there was a group being given a tour of the building outside and a briefing from the Minister in charge. We made our way through into the empty church. to set up. The

historic building is an amazing place for a concert – but the fact that not one person was waiting in the congregation when the concert was due to start in 15 minutes was rather disappointing. Our concern turned out to be a misplaced lack of faith – as a crowd of people suddenly entered the church in unison. Equipment was set up, an impromptu sound test was carried out and Julie led the songsters into the first item. The audience of 140 people lapped up everything that was offered.  Few of the audience would have been familiar with Salvation Army songster tradition, but the quality of singing and the superb programme choice immediately won them over. As usual, timbrels brought the house down and the singing of the male quintet worked especially well.

Afterwards, songsters confessed that the building had been really difficult to sing in – the acoustics being hard work on the vocals and leaving each person feeling as if they were singing alone. This feeling certainly hadn’t translated to the audience and the sound of the brigade was excellent.

After the programme the songsters were mobbed with friendship! Hugs, kisses and requests for photos. John Ellwood was particularly flattered by the approach from a very attractive young lady for a photo – only to realise that it was his unique bass guitar she was really interested in! John managed to squeeze into the shot as she posed proudly wearing the bass!

Corps members had turned out in good number, including a small group from Johvi corps (1 hour’s drive away) – and the signs of open friendship were quite moving.

One of the problems of historic buildings is the lack of ‘facilities’ and the one portacabin loo outside was not a great attraction – so an unscheduled trip back to the hall was quickly added to the itinerary and songsters lined the corridors waiting for their turn in the bathroom – rationed to 15 seconds each as we were in a hurry to get back on the road home. The departure was delayed a little as we tried to prise Mona Lisa away from 2 teenage corps members (male) who she seemed to have made a special impression upon.

The driver made excellent time and we arrived home at 11pm, still broad daylight.

Tomorrow is a free morning before the songsters return to Hope House for 2 sessions at the Paljassaare music festival.