An eclectic mix of favourites

Major Yvonne Field reviews Beyond... by Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls Songsters

UNDER the leadership of Songster Leader Martin Bennett, Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls Songsters have faithfully undertaken music ministry on a weekly basis, endeavouring to communicate the truths of the gospel through the medium of music. Their latest album was inspired by and based on the words of Jeremiah 29:11, in which God promised a future filled with hope: ‘I have it all planned out –plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you hope and a future’ (The Message).

The introductory comments on the CD sleeve say: ‘Throughout history people have searched for a way ahead, looking beyond their horizon to worlds and futures undiscovered. In recent days with global pandemics, environmental concerns, international unrest, people isolated in lockdown, this sense of searching for something better beyond the present continues to dwell in people’s minds.’

With those thoughts in mind, the recording has three sections: ‘Beyond Your Door… Into the World’, ‘Beyond Your Time… Into the Future’ and ‘Beyond Your Life… Into Heaven’.

The collection includes an eclectic mix of well-known favourites and more recent material, spanning a range of reflective, joyful and foot-tapping songs. Of particular