Leading Edge is an event I’ve been going to since I was about 12, it’s a place where I learnt a lot about God and living His lifestyle that I’m still only just getting to grips with and it’s a place where I’ve made lasting friendships and had spiritual input that I’ll never forget. It’s also the place where I first saw Taste and, as a star-struck pre teen, decided that I had to be in the band when I was old enough! This year was the last ever Leading Edge and so it seemed extra special, if a little sad. We were doing our usual thing of playing our music and leading some worship, as well as speaking and leading seminars/workshops throughout the week. The programme was for 11-15 year olds and involved lots of fun games and some very messy ones, as well as the intimidating ‘Unicycle Challenge’ (which it seems I was particularly good at!). Throughout the week we were looking at the theme of ‘Walking the Wire: living Jesus’ way in a confusing world.’ and focusing particularly on the beatitudes (see Matthew 5). This is a pretty tough topic to speak on, especially when you’re trying to make it relevant to 11 year olds just finished primary school, and 15 year olds going into their last year of school! We all learnt loads ourselves and I think we did ok…although only God can be the judge of that! It was a really good week socially too, with lots of old friends there and my family as well, and although it was camping we all seemed to get enough sleep (just about!). We had about 160 kids in our venue and they all seemed to really enjoy it and benefit from the programme, which is awesome J. We also had our last ever gig and towards the end were joined by many many ex-Tasties: Sammy J, Luke Capon, Simon Bower (so we had FOUR BASS PLAYERS!), Jo H, Claire, Joy (and FOUR TASTY GIRLS hehe), Matt Hollidge and the original Taste volunteer (who we all saluted as he came on stage), Andy B. It was a bit of a squeeze but lots of fun, and Jack finally achieved his year-long ambition of climbing up onto the bass amp during a gig.
