The Church of God of Prophesy in Bunyan Road Kempston Bedford was the location
for Barbadians across the UK to celebrate the Barbados 58th anniversary of
Independence and three years as a republic. In a packed building, Pastor Stephen
Nelson of the Calvary Church of God in Christ - Cardiff led the clergy procession
as the congregation sang "All things bright and Beautiful," a fitting choice for this
interdenominational service with the theme "Conserving the planet, preserving the
future."

Local resident Rafael Francis presented the national flag while his brother Joel
Francis read the national pledge of Barbados. This event was followed by the hymn
“All creatures of God and King.”

In a joyful atmosphere, Esther Pitt—Leicester read the Bible readings and a poem by
Leeds member Sharon Patricia Jones. International Opera Singer Alison
Buchanan, who grew up in Bedford, added to the jubilation. Her rendition of The
Lord's Prayer was not just powerful and emotional but also uplifting, so much so that
Pastor Nelson responded, "Wow," before asking Alison to take another bow.
Bishop Richard Trotman, the senior Pastor at this Church of God of Prophecy,
delivered a powerful sermon entitled "Independence to Interdependent," which
referred to the Bible reading. On completion of the sermon, Sandra King sang, “This
so sweet to trust in Jesus. Bishop Wesley Sealy of NTGC Oxford, Carlston Medford
of Alleyne Alumni UK, Tyrone Roach, and Olivia Worrell of BOCFA led the prayers.

Image credits: Tyrone Roach

This musical celebration continued as the band, which incidentally consisted of
keyboards Ronnie Harris, drums j, Tenor Saxophone – Carlston Medford, and
occasional guitar – Ezra Hinds, kept the tempo in a reggae-like beat. The
congregation responded and sang, "He got the whole world in his hands." This was
an interesting choice before the Barbados High Commissioner HE, Milton Inniss,
delivered the Independence message, followed by the national anthem.
Organised by the National Council of Barbadian Association UK, the occasion was a
true reflection of community spirit, with members from all over the UK coming
together. Local MP Mohammad Yasin, Kempston and Bedford, NCBA Chair
Sherry Maxwell and Phillips Alls from the North Pole expedition were among the
many invitees.

Image credits: Tyrone Roach

Cedric Lynch sang a medley of Bajan Folk songs by Joseph Niles, inviting the
audience to sing along as they swayed from side to side in authentic gospel style,
singing tunes like The Royal Telephone and Holy Train, to name a few.
After retrieving the National flag, Pastor Nelson gave the blessing, and the service
ended with "Great is thy Faithfulness." The congregation then headed downstairs for
lunch and conkies with a full Barbadian menu, plus Bishop Richard Trotman, said that his team was delighted and honoured to host the Thanksgiving service on behalf of Barbadians and friends of Barbados. “It’s occasions like this that leads to greater community cohesion.”