The Boys’ Brigade in the North West

Winter 2009

One hundred and fifteen members of the District family braved atrocious weather conditions for a ‘Gathering’ at the District Training and Activity Centre on Sunday 22 November to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Official Opening of the Centre in 1989.The event began with a soft drinks reception at 2.00pm then the District President extended a welcome to representatives of major charitable trusts, Friends of the District and the representatives of 24 Companies (11 Battalions).The District Patron His Honour Reg Lockett read the Greeting and apologies followed by an audio-visual presentation by John Chappell MBE District Honorary Vice President.

The Venerable Bob Metcalf conducted a service of thanksgiving and re-commitment.

The event concluded with ‘sumptuous’ High Tea prepared by the District Catering Team.

During the afternoon it was a great pleasure to welcome 7 Queensmen who had received their awards from Lord Thurso on the occasion of the Official Opening.Photographs taken at the event can be found at www.johngaffneyphotos.talktalk.net

QUALIFIEDINSTRUCTORS

The bells of the ancient Parish Church of All Saints, Childwall rang out to welcome some 45 Officers representing 17 Companies and 9 Battalions.A further welcome was extended by the Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councillor Mike Storey CBE who spoke passionately about the ‘new’ Liverpool and the contribution made by its voluntary organisations.The Battalion President Mr Andrew Sefton responded by speaking of a vibrant Battalion seeking to re-engage with the young people in the inner city and on the estates.The Annual Report and Accounts were received .The District President formally thanked the retiring office bearers and welcomed those coming into the post.Then followed an inspiring presentation by Andrew Gallimore of the ‘Walk through the Bible Ministries’.The meeting closed with a challenging address by the Vicar of Childwall the Rev. Gary Renison.As usual on these occasions the day ended with BB fellowship over a meal.

The October Meeting of the District Executive laboured over the Christian content contained in recently published training material. It was left to the Revd. Gary Renison to crystallize our thoughts in the closing devotions were he drew a comparison between Paul’s prayer for the church; in Ephesus based on Ephesians 3:14 – end ‘People rooted and grounded in the love of God. Such people will become what Gods people should be. Revd. Renison pointed out the difference to be found in Revelation Chapter 2 where the church in Ephesus is found to have forsaken its first love.

He also pointed out that The Boys’ Brigade without Christ at its centre is just another Youth Organisation.

I write at the beginning of Advent traditionally the beginning of the Churches year when as we approach Christmas Season we will be reminded in Hymn and Carols of Emmanuel God with us.

May the Lord continue to be with us in the year ahead.

Every Blessing

Alan McLoughlinDistrict President

The CENTrE MANAGEMENT

are pleased to inform youQualified Instructors are now available

for the following on site activitiesCLImbINg WALL and

ARChERyIndoor or Outdoor

For more information contact the Wardens at the District Centre on

01772 685000

The Accrington BB Brass Band lead the Civic Parade on remembrance Sunday at Clayton le Moors

LEST WE FORGET

The Queen’s Badge Course Part 1 was attended by 18 Young Men and 4 Young Ladies from 10 Companies representing 6 Battalions. This was an historic event for two reasons; It was the first course under the “Challenge Plus” scheme and the first attendance of Young Ladies on a QB Course

A seventy strong group of BB and GB members from Sawston where resident at the District Training and Activities Centre for the period 24/28 October.The band gave two evening performances outside the Sandcastle on Blackpool Promenade giving maximum publicity to the large crowds visiting the illuminations.They also attended the Church Parade Service of the 5th Manchester pictured above.On Monday 26 October some 24 young people from the District took part in the activities with the Sawston Group which involved visits to the Pony Rescue Centre in Blackpool, Burrs Country Park, Bury and several sporting activities at the Centre.

In June this year Martin Coates, Liverpool Battalion Secretary received a phone call from Colin Dixon of the 1st Crossgar (Lissara PCI) in N. Ireland asking for help. Two of his officers were going to Uganda to help renovate a school. Colin had written to every Premiership Club asking for donations of any old kit. The only one who responded with help was Liverpool FC. Martin collected the kit from Anfield and forwarded it on to Northern Ireland.

The Accrington BB Brass Band lead the Civic Parade on remembrance Sunday at Clayton le Moors

The 1st and 2nd Moreton Boys’ and Girls Brigade Companies often find themselves in competition with the Grafton District Scout Band and Spen Valley Air Scouts Band through their membership of the Traditional Youth Marching Bands Association. Such rivalry was suspended for one week commencing 23 August when they all met at the District Training and Activity Centre for a residential Band Camp organised by Bill McKay and very generously sponsored by a Grassroots Grant from the Office of the Third Sector Community Development Foundation.Everything came to a climax with a Concert in Centenary Hall under the direction of Miss Kate McKay followed by a ‘Beating of Retreat’ in the Sports Hall at which the salute was taken by the District President Mr. Alan McLoughlin accompanied by his wife and the Scout Commissioner for the Fylde Mr. Mike Smith.

Daniel Wilcox, a member of the 7th Southport Junior Section won a trip to China with 9 of his fellow school pals for Good Work and Good Behaviour.They flew from Manchester via Heathrow and a stop-over in Hong Kong and on to Chong-Quing (Chon-Ching).The party spent 7 days visiting schools, made dumplings, sampled Chinese Cuisine and visited places of interest - one of which was the Terra Cotta army.

Ten year old Thomas ridehalgh a member of 1st Oswaldtwistle (Ryddings Methodist) was chosen along with eight other children aged between nine and twelve to take part in a fortnight long experience of living on a farm in Devon to experience the real life story of just where food comes from.This was shown over ten episodes on CITV starting on the 19 October.

Duncan McKay has been crowned the best traditional snare drummer in the country. The 12-year-old, from 1st Moreton, took part in the Traditional Youth Marching Bands Association solos competition at Wood Green High School in Wednesbury in the West Midlands. He had to perform his own composition in front of a member of the Royal Marines Bands Service. Duncan beat five other drummers in the age category for 14 to 16 years old.

Congratulations to Mike Sale our District Accountant and Officer in the 7th Southport (Birkdale Methodist) on being appointed President of the Liverpool Society of Chartered Accountants for the year 2009/10.

Officers John Foote and Patricia Landy of the1st rishton married at a service held at the Company’s Church rishton Methodist on the 22 August 2009.

CHINESE CRACKERSDUNCAN DRUMMER

DOWN on the FARM

SPECIAL HONOUR

BB WEDDING

D0E ASSESSORThe Duke of Edinburgh Award HQ are now operating Accredited Expedition Assessor Courses (EAA) which includes twenty conditions required for assessing Expeditions.David Mills (1st Burton in Kendal) attended a Course in September at the D of E HQ in Windsor. He has been accredited to undertake Expedition Assessments at Bronze, Silver and Gold Award levels.

The EPIC, Ellesmere Port was the venue for the NWD Swimming Gala on Saturday, 7th November Attended by 37 boys from 11 Companies representing 5 Battalions enjoyed a day of friendly but intense competition.The Junior Trophy was this year shared in a three way tie between Southport, Lancastria and Wirral and West Cheshire Battalions. Southport Battalion won the Company and Senior trophies and also the Supreme Champions Trophy. The 5 Southport Companies won 5-1st, 4-2nd and 5-3rd places in the individuals and winning 5

out of 6 of the relay and medley races.1st Bebington had 2-1st and 1-2nd place,1st Leyland 1-2nd place, 3rd Chester 1-2nd place and 1st Morecambe 2-1st 2-2nd and 4-3rd place as well as winning the Senior Medley. David Green of 1st Ormskirk, after many years of trying, won the 200 Metres which shows persistence after being second so many times.Well done to all who tried their best but just did not make the top three.

We are delighted to report the start of a new company in the Parish of All Souls, Springwood, Liverpool which has been designated the 65th Liverpool Company.

The Vicar and Chaplain is The Rev Andrew Colmer a former member and Queensman of the 35th Liverpool Company (AllSaints) Childwall the Captain is Mrs Vicki Frame.

THE DIGESTis the quarterly newsletter ofThe Boys’ Brigade, North West DistrictCarr Lane, Treales, Kirkham PR4 3SS.

Tel: 01772 685000 Fax: 01772 671257Email: office@bb-northwest.org.ukWeb: www.bb-northwest.org.ukRegistered Charity No. 520143

DESIGN:John GAFFNEY, District Administrator johngaffney@talktalk.netwww.johngaffneyphotos.talktalk.net

January 2010 9 District Executive16 Campcraft Wigan22-24 Queens Badge 2nd Course Treales30 Anchor Boy Party Treales Ten Pin Bowling Warrington YLT Part 2 ManchesterFebruary6-7 YLT Residential Treales 12-14 QB Completion Course Treales27 Campcraft WiganTBA Cross CountryMarch 6 District Executive7-21 District Bible Quiz20 Working with Challenging Behaviour ManchesterTBA Company Section 5-a-side TrealesApril24 J S Competitions Day Treales Holiday Leadership WiganMay15 Holiday Leadership Manchester16 Queens Badge Presentation

OBITUARIES

Prayer Topics

ron GrEGG – Liverpool PM’sDavid GrIFFITHS – WiganCanon Jim HAMILTON – St HelensDavid KENNETT – OldhamGraham LOFTUS – RuncornEdna WrIGHT – FleetwoodDarren WrIGHT – Southport

Photo AcknowledgementsWirral Globe • Lancashire Evening Telegraph Martin Coates • Ian Fazackerly • John Gaffney Margaret Heywood • Jonathan Hooton Andy Ridehalgh

DISTRICT CALENDAR

Refurbishment FundThe District President wishes to acknowledge with thanks the following donations:

Charitable Trusts £6,500

2nd Rainhill Company £1,077

Parochial Church Councilof St Nathaniel Platt Bridge £125

Mrs Edna Wright; Fleetwood £100

TOTAL TO DATE £16,812

GEOrGE ASHCrOFTAge 80

During service as an NCO in the 2nd Wigan (St Marks Parish) George was entrusted with considerable responsibility by the Vicar who was also the Captain this was to stand him in good stead to succeed as Captain in 1955 a position he was to hold for some 25years.He was influential in the affairs of the Executive committees of Wigan and District Battalion and the Lancashire and Cheshire District.He was predeceased by his wife Sheila and a son Ian. Deepest sympathy has been expressed to his son Andrew.

SONIA LOCKAge 75

Sonia died on her 75th birthday. Mrs Lock as she was affectionately known to several generations of Boys in the 35th Liverpool Company (All Saints Parish) She gave dedicated service not only to the Parish but Maurice, her late husband, and Sonia was very often Liverpool Battalion representatives at District Junior Section Events.At the time of her passing she was Honorary Vice President of the Liverpool Battalion and a Friends of the District.Although she had no immediate family there was a large congregation in All Saints to support her brother in law Peter and his family in their loss.

WILLIAM E GAZEAge 82

Bill was born into an Evangelical Anglican family in Toxteth in 1927. His Father was a School Attendance Officer and Sunday School Superintendent so it was not surprising that of the four sons two entered full time Christian service, one a policeman and Bill a Probation Officer.After service as a Drill Instructor in the Black Watch he moved the to Parish of All Saints, Childwall and was invited to become the Captain of the ailing 35th Liverpool Company, the rest as they say is history. Bill a hard task master, with charismatic leadership set out to create the largest Company in the city which it still is.He revelled in the big occasion when he took centre stage bringing together the authority of the drill square and the respectful etiquette of the Crown Court.Bill served a term as Battalion President and at the time of his passing was an Honorary Vice President of the District.Condolences have been expressed to his wife Elsie and the family circle.

revd CLIVE rIMMErAged 85

Clive was founder Captain of the 1st St Helens (St Peters Parish Church, Parr) and Secretary of the St Helens Group.In 1963 he was selected for ordination in the Church of England and after two curacies he was appointed Vicar of St Simon’s and St Jude’s, Southport and Chaplain of the 4th Southport Company.For many years and until the time of his passing he was Chaplain of the Southport Battalion.Clive was great encourager and it was significant that two of his former BB Officers both coming to the end of 30 years ministry conducted his funeral service.Condolences have been extended to his wife Mary and his children and grandchildren.

NEW TELEphoNE NumbERMAnchESTER BATTn hEAdquARTERS OFFicE

0751 707 2089

The following Officers from Companies across the North West attended the Indoor Climbing Wall Instructors course Part 1 on Saturday 14 November

Alan Mottram, David Barnes, Brett Chapman, Jon Singleton, Martin Grace, Neil Patmore, Steve Watt and Michael FisherCourse facilitator Jim Bowden Outdoor Elements.

Subject to satisfactory completion of Part 2 they will be accredited to supervise groups with the use of our Indoor Climbing Wall.

District Charity 2009