the official quarterly journal of the boys’...

THE OFFICIAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE BOYS’ BRIGADE

IN THIS ISSUE> Growing BIGGER, Growing

BETTER campaign> Turning Point 2013

> Development Update> 125th Anniversary of BB in Ireland

Volume 121 No 3 | July 2013

Diary DatesScotland

20th – 26th Jul .........KGVI New Entrants3rd – 9th Aug ...........KGVI Second Year4th Aug .....................130 Campaign12th – 18th Aug ........Adventure at Sea22nd Aug ................... Young Leaders’ Curry &

Comedy Night – Edinburgh24th – 25th Aug ....... Enhancing Your Skills Course,

Carronvale 28th Aug .................. Scotland Committee6th – 7th Sep ............. Enhancing Your Skills Course,

Carronvale 7th – 8th Sep ............. Enhancing Your Skills Course,

Carronvale4th Oct ....................... Anniversary Service – St Giles5th Oct ....................... NSA Conference5th Oct ....................... Great Scottish Run – under 16’s6th Oct ....................... Great Scottish Run – over 16’s5th – 6th Oct .............. Young Leaders’ Weekend,

Carronvale7th – 8th Oct ............ Seniors’ Weekend14th – 16th Oct ........ Queen’s Badge Completion

Course, Carronvale 16th Oct ................... Badminton Basics Course

(for 16 – 18 year olds)

Northern Ireland7th Sep ................... Brigade Council – Belfast12th Sep ..................... NI District Annual General Meeting13th – 15th Sep .......Expedition Assessment Weekend27th – 29th Sep ...... Skills for Queen’s Badge5th Oct ....................AB Officers’ Conference9th Oct ..................... D of E Battalion Advisor Meeting11th Oct ..................JS Quiz First Round18th – 20th Oct .......Youth Leader Training26th Oct ..................JS Quiz Final

England

27th Jul – 2nd Aug ...KGVI17th – 23rd Aug .......Open Gold Expedition5th Oct ..................... Trainers’ Update – Felden Lodge2nd – 3rd Nov ........... Youth Leader Training (Part 1)

– Felden Lodge16th Nov ................... Working with 4 Year Olds

– Felden Lodge16th Nov ...................Captains’ Training – Felden Lodge

EDITORIALThe Boys’ BrigadePatron: H.M. The Queen

President: The Lord Griffiths of Burry Port

Brigade Secretary: Steve Dickinson

Headquarters: Felden Lodge, Felden, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP3 0BL Tel 01442 231681; Fax 01442 235391; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.boys-brigade.org.uk

Registered Charity Numbers

305969 (England and Wales) and SC0038016 (Scotland).

Our Object

The advancement of Christ’s Kingdom among boys and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-Respect and all that tends towards a true Christian Manliness.

The Gazette

The Gazette is the official publication of The Boys’ Brigade. Official notices to members appear under Brigade Announcements. Opinions expressed in any other articles are those of the author of the article and do not necessarily reflect Brigade policy.

Design & Print

Christian Publishing & Outreach, Garcia Estate, Canterbury Road, Worthing BN13 1BW; Telephone: 01903 264 556; Website: www.cpo.org.uk

Editorial Team

Mary Care, Steve Dickinson, Chris Norman, Niall Rolland, Jan Williamson

Submission of copy

All material submitted with a view to publication in the next issue of BB Gazette should be addressed to the Editor at Brigade Headquarters to arrive by 1st August 2013.

Small Advertisements

Small Advertisements should be sent to BB Headquarters;

email: [email protected]

Display Advertisements

Enquiries regarding display advertising space should be to Chris Norman: Tel 01442 288 552; Fax 01442 235391; Email [email protected]

twitter.com/theboysbrigade

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74 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette Jul 2013

I ’ve just had lunch with a tiger, an elephant, a giraffe and a frog; a strange combination and a recipe, you would think, for some meal time difficulties. However, the guests were very well behaved and ate only the burgers, hot dogs and chips, and not each other. The animals were in fact a group of Anchor Boys who had earlier been making face masks as part of the filming day for an under 11’s recruiting video.

The boys had an excellent time engaging in a whole range of activities from crafts and games, to singing and Bible stories. It was a programme like many typical Anchors evenings across the Brigade and I was struck by the very positive relationships between the volunteer leaders and the group, particularly as some had only just met.

We have just celebrated Volunteers’ Week and I am very conscious that as a movement it is the enthusiasm, dedication and commitment of thousands of adults week by week that makes the real work possible in Companies. However, I am also very aware that many of our groups need additional volunteers and when we look at recruiting drives, very often it is volunteers that we should prioritise before we look at attracting more young people. The April Gazette highlighted the volunteer recruitment materials available and I hope that you were able to look at these and consider using them if you haven’t already done so.

The Brigade has reflected on the messages of the 10% campaign when over a third of Companies grew in size. You will see in this Gazette a new campaign slogan, “Growing Bigger, Growing Better”. We want BB to grow in size and to ensure that the experience young people have, is the best it could possibly be. Join in, and celebrate the real difference your Company makes in the community and individual lives.

Thanks for what you do and the contribution you make.

Steve Dickinson Brigade Secretary

485_postcard_UK_Art.indd 1 18/04/2012 18:25

CONTENTS

77 78

10098

Development work across the Brigade

Easter Course 2013A report from Iceland

A Royal Encounter for New Company

Other items

84 .............New Outdoor Centre at Dumfries House

85 ............. The Brigades’ British Showcase Marching Band Championships

101 .........National Competition Finals 2012-2013

103.........51st Edinburgh visit India

104.........Gazette Survey Results

97 Give More CampaignFree resources available

76

82

Growing BIGGER Growing BETTERWill you be involved?

125th Anniversary of The Boys’ Brigade in Ireland

Jul 2013 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette 75

Two Become One Successful Company merger

Regular Features

86 .............Here and There

90 .............Brigade Announcements

92 .............Around the Regions

96 .............Chaplain’s Corner

102.........President’s Commendations

Turning PointGrowing numbers attend the festival91

Over the last few years the Brigade has grown in many different ways, new Companies, new members, better programmes, increased

resources and more development workers. Over 100 Companies have been established in the last five years and we continue to spread the Good News of the Gospel and advance the Kingdom all over the country. We have also been greatly encouraged to hear about similar growth from BB colleagues overseas and it is tremendous to reflect that as we approach our 130th Anniversary, the Brigade continues to be a great force for good and is still as relevant to young people in the 21st century society, as it was in 1883.

However, it is not all good news. In many areas BB numbers have dwindled, many Companies need more leaders and there is still scope for more young people to take part in the adventure that membership of the BB brings. Recently the Executive suggested that we should aim for every Anchor Section / Junior Section to have 10 members and at least 20 young people in every Company Section / Senior Section. If we can achieve this, what a great gift it would be for the churches that we partner across the land – often the only young people who have contact with a local church are its BB members.

Last session we launched a national campaign to increase membership by 10% and this was certainly successful in many areas. The end result is that for the first time in many years, total BB membership has increased. There is no doubt that the campaign reminded leaders of the need to actively recruit for new members on an annual basis. Although more could have been done to promote this across the Brigade, the campaign made good use of existing resources and we are keen to capitalise on this momentum in future years.

So we need you to help us build on the 10% campaign and get recruiting again. We are now launching our new “Growing BIGGER, Growing BETTER” campaign. This project will be less time specific and we are challenging Companies to work on this throughout the 2013-2014 session and to continue to grow after that. The two main aims are, again, to increase numbers and to make sure you offer the best possible BB experience for your children and young people.

If you increased numbers last session let’s see if you can do it again – if 10% was too easy, what about a higher percentage or can you aim to get the target numbers for each section?

There will still be certificates for those Companies gaining more than 10% and special regional prizes for the two Companies which grow the most. We also want you to look at your programme and ensure it is truly challenging and exciting. Do you go to camp or have another residential experience? Do you offer the DofE or Queen’s Badge? Do you have any Seniors? Does your Junior Section have a weekend camp or special trip? Does the Anchor Section really have a great time each night? If you need some help, we have loads of resources to help you review what you do. Wherever young people are in the BB, they should get the same chances and opportunities, so check out the campaign website at www.boys-brigade.org.uk/growingbigger/, where you will find there are some brand new resources for 2013-2014 and you can sign up to show you’re supporting the campaign.

Feedback from the previous campaigns highlighted the importance of Battalions and Districts supporting the Companies in their area to make this all happen. So if you happen to be a Battalion or District Office-Bearer, please make sure development is at the top of your agenda. The Brigade Executive, Regional Committees and Brigade staff will be making this a priority too.

It is only right that we do the best possible for the Brigade and enable even more young people to take part in such a special organisation. So now it is over to you. In a few months time we will be celebrating our 130th Anniversary – let’s make sure we get the whole Brigade working and talking about this and continue to grow.

Don’t forget that brand new resources are available online at www.boys-brigade.org.uk/growingbigger/


A Royal Encounter for New Company

Members of the newly formed and soon to be named 1st Penkhull (Willows Primary) Company, part of the North

Staffs Battalion, recently had the opportunity to meet HRH Prince Charles.

The Prince was in Stoke-on-Trent for a summit progress meeting of his charities, and Youth United. His Royal Highness met members of the Company and spoke to the children and the Company Captain.

Neil Keighery, Brigade Development Worker for Stoke-on-Trent said “The children were so excited to meet His Royal Highness and he was really interested in what they had to say. The best moment for me was when he asked about the type of activities that they participate in... and they told him, “We’re going to be Pirates this week!”.

The group which meets at Willows Primary School started meeting in April and now has over 35 members attending on a weekly basis and is going from strength to strength.

One of the Queen’s Men, James Kelly, from the 31st Liverpool said, “It was an honour and a privilege to be invited to steward at the Queen’s Garden

Party, it was an experience that I will never forget.” The day started early for many with long journeys ahead to

assemble at 12pm at Westminster Chapel a short walk from the Palace. After being briefed about the different tasks and the general rules and regulations, the group made their way to the Palace and were shown into a room that was their base for the day. “I really enjoyed walking through the Palace and seeing the magnificent interior design,” said James. “It wasn’t until I was actually in the Palace that it sank in that we were doing this; at this point I was really excited.”

We were to act as Stewards for the invited guests throughout the day and were engaged in tasks such as helping guests down the steps, opening doors to the diplomats’ cars, collecting tickets and assisting guests with special needs.

My role was to help steward the guests down the steps and into the garden. We were the first face many of the guests saw

to actually ask questions or make comments. I had some pretty unusual questions such as, ‘Where can I buy an umbrella?’, but the main question was, ‘Where is the nearest toilet?’

The members of the Royal Family present at this Garden Party were The Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. “Although I didn’t get to meet any of the royals, it was really special getting to see them so close up, that’ll be an unforgettable experience,” said James.

We all were given £5 and a certificate to remember the day by. The final part to the day was marching out of the Grand Entrance, through the courtyard and out of the front gate of Buckingham Palace. Josh Pryce 31st Liverpool


Twenty three young men representing five Districts of England were recently invited to act as stewards at Her Majesty’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on the 30th May 2013

A day at Buckingham Palace

John Myers is the Development Worker for Bradford and Leeds My workload is split between working in Bradford and Leeds. My focus over the last 6 months in Bradford has been looking to start new work and this has led to a very positive meeting with the Salvation Army. The Church Leaders see the opportunity that BB may offer for the next step into Church for young people attending the youth club and are looking at a proposal to start a Junior Section to commence from September 2013. Other key areas of work have been on the development of a website for Bradford

Battalion and raising the profile of BB in the City.My focus in Leeds over this period has been on the development of a new website for the

Battalion. To work alongside the new website, we have been able to promote our work in a number of local community magazines and I have been working to explore every opportunity to tell the people of Leeds what we do and where we do it. Another focus of my role is to explore the opportunity to develop new BB Companies across the City as a result of which, over the coming months we will be commencing a new BB Company in a local Young Offender Institute, working with young men aged between 16 and 19.

Bethany Goddard is a Development Worker in London The focus of my work over the last 6 months has been to bring people up to date with what The Boys’ Brigade is, how

it can be run and what a positive impact it has on people’s lives. It can be hard to make cold contact with individual churches so I have been making contact with key people and projects in my boroughs so that they can help me network as they are trusted voices in those areas. Being new to The Boys’ Brigade I have

been learning a lot of new things, but the thing that has had the biggest impact is witnessing that the programme content and Company style is so much less important than the relationships and how the leaders look to encourage the young people.

My highlight would be meeting the 11th Croydon Company. It was great to talk to the volunteers about how The Boys’ Brigade impacted their lives and gave them great opportunities and that they are now giving back to BB by serving as leaders. I also got to listen to young people telling me what BB means to them and how it is building them up. Being able to take testimonies like these with me when I approach churches is very powerful.

Youth United Funding in EnglandFunding from the Department of Communities and Local Government, which is administered through the Youth United Foundation has made the work of these Development workers possible. Just short of £1m has been allocated to The BB in England to fund their work in the Government’s priority areas in England and is being used to support the opening of 74 new units (sections) over a period of 18 months beginning in January 2013.

Mitch Jones is a Development Worker in Greater Manchester and Knowsley

My focus of work for the past 6 months has been really trying to get the name of The Boys’ Brigade known amongst churches. Often it is heard about but not many people know if it still exists or still continues with its work as well as it does. Trying to speak with “big names” within the Christian circles within the areas that we work so that through word of mouth, the work we are doing can be spread. A lot of time I have spent praying about different areas, seeing which areas I feel God has plans for so that we can go in there and progress it.

One thing I have learnt about BB is how important the programmes we provide are. Our strongest selling point is the programme, a programme that is so diverse, so flexible, so challenging and so educational all at the same time provides fantastic support to a church.

One highlight for me so far is to see children and young people already in The Boys’ Brigade passionate about it and wanting to be involved as much as they can.


Development work across the BrigadeAn update on:

With so much going on across the Brigade, below we have offered some of our Development Workers the opportunity to share what they are doing within the areas in which they work. Read on to find out more about what’s happening…

Neil Keighery is the Development Worker for Stoke on Trent Over the first 6 months in my role I have been focussing on recruiting volunteers, starting new groups and supporting existing groups. There have been some

really positive developments including setting up a new group at a primary school which now has a membership of over 40 children. Discussions with other schools are still developing including a secondary school. We have also seen success in working

with three existing groups to help them increase their numbers and leaders, with one group going from 8 to 25 members (Anchors and Juniors). I am also exploring the possibility of working with a playgroup based in a community centre who are looking to start an Anchors & Junior Section, with the playgroup feeding into the new group.

My highlight so far was over the Easter holidays, taking a group of Seniors and young leaders (from my own Company in Nottingham) to Stoke-on-Trent to run six “taster sessions” in six venues, over three days, across the City. Seeing those young leaders rise to the challenge of planning and delivering “This is BB” sessions to the children of Stoke-on-Trent was inspirational.

Sean Clancy is a Development Worker in Birmingham For the first six months my main focus has been aimed at building relationships with Church leaders across Birmingham, predominately in areas of deprivation. On the whole the responses from Churches have been very positive.

One realisation for me is that after visiting several BB groups across Birmingham it soon became clear that no two groups run the same, each group had its own spin on how to run their programme, but they were all aimed at the empowerment and support of the young people.

The main highlight of my time as a Development Worker was completing my first YLT course. It was so nice to see the passion the new leaders had for working with the young people in their Church and the local community. There was a real buzz of excitement as we helped plan their first session as the 40th Birmingham.

Emily Atkinson is a Development Worker in Middlesbrough and Redcar The main focus of my work this first 6 months has been raising awareness of BB in Middlesbrough and Redcar. This is through contacting local churches with a view to starting new BB groups and developing networks and contacts.

We are now full steam ahead with a fun day to be held in early July, which will launch the 1st Lingdale Company that is starting up in September.

I have learnt so much about BB in the first 6 months as when I started out in my role I hardly knew anything about BB. I must say that the highlight of my work so far is the relationships that I have been able to form with the local community that have helped me to make connections and widen the knowledge of BB.

Peter Newton is a Development Worker in Birmingham Over the first 6 months, we have been working very well as a team here in Birmingham. I started by following up existing leads, and building on relationships established through the local Urban Buddies Project being run by Birmingham Battalion. This has led me down many different roads – the most exciting being working to establish some regular BB work at HMP Birmingham.

One of my highlights has been seeing the interest there is in BB in Birmingham, and how much support there has been from existing staff, Companies and leaders. My main highlight however, has been in explaining our approach to new people. Many think we simply march around with bugles 24/7, but actually, our method of building long term relationships is something that every youth worker and every church is striving to do. Many think this is a new concept, and it has been a delight to confirm our ethos is still ahead of the curve.


Development work across the BrigadeWith so much going on across the Brigade, below we have offered some of our Development Workers the opportunity to share what they are doing within the areas in which they work. Read on to find out more about what’s happening…

Dan Harris is a Development Worker in London My first 6 months with The Boys’ Brigade have been exciting, challenging and fun! Having come from a role that was less structured in its approach to youth work and having very little knowledge about BB, I was initially quite sceptical of how the BB might operate. This, however, was short-lived as it quickly became clear that The Boys’ Brigade was striving to be up to date in its approach to youth work and is actually a leader in the field when it comes to training, support and programmes offered.

It has been great to be able to work as part of not only a London development workers’ team, but also the national development workers’ team. We all come together regularly to share stories and to support and encourage each other in the exciting work that we are carrying out. I am excited about the opportunities ahead.

Simon Smith is the Development Officer for Highland & Moray My current work is focussed around supporting and training new volunteers and Companies, as well as working on recruitment campaigns and assisting with Company health checks.

The key thing that I have become aware of in the last 6 months is the importance of enhancing Battalion communication (internally and externally), in particular the setting-up of a new website.

The highlight of the last 6 months for me is receiving reports from lads for the Battalion’s ‘Young Reporters’ competition. Hearing first-hand and being able to share what young people are getting up to and what they get out of being in the Brigade is fantastic.

Ian McCallum is the Development Worker for Stirling & Perth

My current focus is around Battalion development in planning a leaders’ breakfast/workshop for September 2013 and Junior

Section residential in October 2013. I am also continuing to invest in opportunities to start new Companies, grow the membership and recruit new leaders, through community awareness days and attending town fetes during the summer.

One thing that I have learnt is that Battalions often focus too much on events and competitions for Companies, forgetting that volunteer leaders, especially new leaders in the organisation need support, encouragement and fellowship, to grow and feel valued for what they do for children and young people they are working with.

Starting two new Companies (4th Stirling & 28th Stirling), growing the membership in Stirling by 12.5% and Perth by 5.4%, and training 18 new volunteer leaders, are the main successes and highlights for me in 2012/2013.

Lydia Miller is a Development Worker in London Over the past six months I have been focusing on building relationships with new churches in the Borough of Haringey, specifically in the Tottenham area. I’m really excited that we will be starting two new Companies in this area and re-launching an existing Company. I’ve enjoyed getting to know some of the pastors and youth workers in the area. Making new contacts with people of all ages, nationalities and experience has been a real highlight for me.

Something I’ve been really struck by in the last six months is the flexibility that we as The Boys’ Brigade are able to offer churches. It really is true that no two BB Companies are the same! I’m really excited to see how the new Companies in particular will evolve and grow over the next year.


Development work across the Brigade continuedAn update on:

Gareth Hillier is the Development Worker for WalesThe first 6 months has been a challenging and exciting time, getting around as many of the Companies in Wales as possible, meeting many of the children and young people and meeting many of our amazing volunteers.

As well as gaining an understanding of The Boys’ Brigade and helping to support existing groups with events and recruiting new volunteers, I have been busy raising awareness of the great work we do with churches. I am hopeful that over the coming months we will see some new BB groups starting from partnerships that I am developing with Churches across the region.

Niall Rolland is the Development / PR Officer for ScotlandSince the beginning of April, I’ve started a new role which focusses on young leaders’ activities, national PR and also rural development.

A key thing that I have learnt in the last 6 months is the positive impact of new communications tools, such as Skype, social media and the website in supporting volunteers, particularly those in rural settings.

There have been so many positives in the last 6 months, but the highlight for me would probably have to be seeing new Companies starting in Argyll and, in particular, working with such enthusiastic and committed volunteers.

Clare Daly is a Development Worker in Greater Manchester and Knowsley

Over my first 6 months in the role I have been focusing on making contact with churches and organisations looking to start new work. I have made some headway with the African Caribbean Churches in Manchester, having organised training that will take place in July for volunteers in two, soon to be formed, new groups. I have also met with several other churches in the Greater Manchester area who are interested in starting up BB work.

Kenneth McLaughlin is the Training and Development Support Officer for Northern Ireland

Focusing on the development part of my role, I am presently involved in a number of projects. Using Northern Ireland’s 125 celebrations to continue to raise

profile and to establish links with the Irish Football Association, this will culminate in representatives from The Boys’ Brigade participating as mascots, ball boys and with a walk round the pitch at half time during Northern Ireland’s World Cup Qualifier

against Portugal in September. In conjunction with the Disability NI Team and a recent KGVI Cadet we are developing a phone application for leaders and I am working with a Battalion to examine its role, its function and how it can improve in all aspects of its work, through its Development Plan.

The key thing that has been reinforced in the last 6 months is how thankful I am for so many of our volunteers who take on “extra ventures” in the name of The Boys’ Brigade, right across the country.

With one new Company starting in September 2013 and the possibility of another later in the year, it is great to see the progression of two Companies who got under way a couple of years ago, as they have grown from Anchors, established a Junior Section and are now considering and preparing for a Company Section, reaching out to more children and young people.

David Keetley is the Development Worker for Leicestershire and Nottingham

My focus for the past 6 months has been continuing to support and develop our existing groups, to gather information on alternative ways of funding and to continue to look to set up new groups.

I would have to say the main

highlight from my work so far has been working alongside so many different churches and denominations, helping them to explore and set up new ways of working with young people. In particular I have enjoyed working with churches from the Redeemed Christian Church of God as they are fun and friendly to work with but this has also brought back so many great memories of my own time in Africa. Recently I was invited to join one of the RCCG Churches for their Sunday service. The welcome was great and they sent me on my way at the end with a can of pop and a packet of ginger nut biscuits, Result! Oh and they wanted to set up a new group!



In 2013, events and activities have been taking place across Northern Ireland to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of The Boys’ Brigade in Ireland. Below we share some of what has been going on across the District so far this year.


Carnfunnock Junior Section DayOn Saturday 11 May, 650 boys and leaders gathered at Carnfunnock Country Park, near Larne. Activities included bungee-runs, trampolining, ‘walk on water’ balls, adventure golf, miniature train rides and bouncy castles. In addition, everyone was able to make use of the extensive parkland, maze and gardens and modern play park.

Anchor Boys at W5On Saturday 27 April, 830 Anchor boys and leaders gathered at W5 in Belfast. W5 (which stands for Who, What, Where, When, Why) is located at The Odyssey in the Titanic Quarter and is an award winning science and discovery centre.

As well as all of the interactive exhibits, the boys and leaders were able to register for a worship event. The short programme, which was repeated three times between 9.30am and 1pm, included praise led by Sam Hyde (Captain, 1st Killead Company), a puppet ministry team from Thomas Street Methodist Church, Portadown, and a memory verse taught by representatives of Scripture Union NI.



‘Across 125’ event in LondonderryOn Sunday 21 April, almost 1,000 boys, leaders and Old Boys gathered in Ebrington Square in Londonderry to participate in events to mark the 125th Anniversary of The Boys’ Brigade in Ireland and the city’s year as the UK City of Culture.

The afternoon began with a ‘Walk for Witness’ through Londonderry City Centre and back across the Peace Bridge. The day continued with an evening event in ‘The Venue’, led by Crown Jesus Ministries and attended by those who had paraded, along with many parents and friends of The Boys’ Brigade. The Special Guest was Colin Ross, Irish Downhill Mountain Bike Champion – who shared his testimony and demonstrated a number of tricks and stunts.

Queen’s Men celebrate in 125In this year in which The Boys’ Brigade celebrates its 125th year of work with boys and young men in Northern Ireland, 130 Queen’s Men received their Queen’s Badge Certificates at Belfast City Hall. An audience of 600 people supported the young men as they participated throughout the celebration before receiving their award from chief guest, Mr David Blevins, Sky Correspondent for Ireland.

125th Anniversary MerchandiseButtonhole badges and pens (two options) have been produced to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of The Boys’ Brigade in Ireland.

Order forms are available at www.bbni.org.uk/niforms.htm

Sarah Kernohan and Mark Hawthorne from Scripture Union NI receiving a cheque for £3,500 for their CSSM (Children’s Special Service Mission) work. The money was raised by Anchor Boys across Northern Ireland.

The winners of the NI District Anchor Dot-to-Dot & Colouring Competition.

Musical interlude provided by16th Newtownabbey Drum Corps

people for the guard of honour, and the 1st Troon band entertained the VIP guests at the opening ceremony. Dumfries House is situated near Cumnock in Ayrshire and Prince Charles has pioneered work on restoring the stately home and building a new centre for all to be used by the Youth Organisations that are part of his Youth United charity in the area.

Prince William spent some time with members of the BB who told him about the work they had carried out on the

The Boys’ Brigade, along with other uniformed youth groups, provided young

estate as part of their volunteering for the Queen’s Badge and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Afterwards Prince William’s Office passed on a message saying how impressed HRH was with all the young people that he met. The new

Tamar Manoukian centre is a really impressive base for camps and other residential events and for an introductory period it is being made available to all youth groups at very reasonable rates. P

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40BB leaders from across London were invited to a special reception hosted

by The City of London Corporation on Monday 3rd June. The event, at the prestigious Guildhall, heralded the start of Volunteers’ Week – a time when nationally we celebrate the contribution and achievements of all volunteers. The reception was an opportunity to thank volunteers and their partners for their invaluable contribution and support over the last year.

Volunteers and representatives from the ten youth organisations that form YOU London (www.youlondon.org.uk) took part in an evening of celebration in the Guildhall’s magnificent Great Hall and Old Library.

Speaking in the Great Hall, the Representative Lord Mayor, Alderman Ian Luder CBE, praised the invaluable

contribution made by London’s volunteers to their communities and read out a letter of support from His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, thanking them for their loyalty and dedication to London’s young people.

The evening was brought to a conclusion with a Beating Retreat, performed by the London Massed Bugle Band of The Boys’ Brigade and The Girls’ Brigade in The Guildhall Yard.


Recognising their contribution

BB representatives from across Ayrshire put

on an excellent display when HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, accompanied by The Earl and Countess of Strathearn, opened the new outdoor centre at Dumfries House.

New Outdoor Centre at Dumfries House

The Stadium was full of enthusiastic supporters who were cheering on every band as they each performed their rehearsed routines.

This year a number of new bands were participating for the first time and it was great to see the event reaching an even wider group of our young people. There was a tremendous atmosphere on the day and it gave a sense of being with Brigade friends from right across the country.

The Traditional Contest Class started the day just after 12 noon with all the competing bands demonstrating a varied range of musical styles and drills. The 30th Nottingham GB & 17th Nottingham BB Band who were competing for the first time took the overall first place. Just three points behind and runners up were the 5th Hull Boys’ Brigade & Girls’ Association Band.

Next followed the Traditional Championship Class where there were some great performances from more experienced bands. This year, after many previous attempts, the top honours went to the 51st Birmingham BB & 35th Birmingham GB band with the 1st Moreton BB & 2nd Moreton GB taking second place.

After the interval the Championships moved onto the show bands/drum corps styles, where the overall visual and musical

effect is more prominent and where five bands battled to take the top awards in the Contest section. The eventual winners were the Halifax Boys’ & Girls’ Brigade Band in only their second appearance at the Championships, followed in second place by one of their closest rivals the 4th Stafford Boys’ & Girls’ Brigade Band.

To conclude the afternoon, two of the Brigades’ most celebrated bands, the 10th Wolverhampton BB/1st Lanesfield GB and the 13th Bromley BB/1st St. Mary Cray GB performed some amazing musical and display routines in the Showcase Championship Class, with the top awards finally going to the band from the 13th Bromley BB & 1st St. Mary Cray GB.

This year, for the first time, the whole Showcase Event was recorded by a professional film company and many of the spectators and competitors were able to secure copies of their own bands performing. If you were unable to attend this year’s Championships and would like to own a professional edited DVD of the 2013 Championships details on how to order a copy can be found on the Brigades’ Showcase website at: www.showcasemarchingbands.co.uk where you can also find the full results and photographs of the day.

Next year, The Brigades’ British Showcase Marching Band Championships will take place on Saturday 7th June 2014. For further information please either visit the Showcase Website or email us on: [email protected]


The Brigades’ British Showcase Marching Band Championships Saturday afternoon the 1st June 2013 the sound of drums & bugles could be heard vibrating around Northwood Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent where the Annual Brigades’ Marching Band Championships took place.

twitter.com/theboysbrigade86 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette Jul 2013

HERE & THERE

1st FalkirkMembers of 1st Falkirk during their annual spring trip to the BB owned Scott Lodge facility in Glen Clova. A superb weekend was enjoyed by all.

1st UddingstonMembers from 1st Uddingston at Combat City. A great night was had by all.

5th PortadownMembers from 5th Portadown at the under 14 5-a-side Football UK National Finals held in Cumbernauld in May. They came second with 2nd Gourock winning the cup. On behalf of the Company the Officers would like to thank those who supported fundraising events to make the experience possible for the boys.

Springburn District Anchor Cowboys and IndiansAnchor Boys from the 25th, 125th, 182nd, 200th and 212th Glasgow Companies came together for a Springburn District “Cowboys and Indians” theme night where the boys took part in a variety of themed crafts and games.

Burntwood BB/GB on a “Wee Tour of Scotland”2nd Burntwood BB & 1st Burntwood GB Band were on tour in Scotland during Easter 2013. The 5 times championship winning band members were preparing for the West Midlands District Band Competition, which they subsequently won. Visiting Scotland they rehearsed and designed routines, but also played on the veranda deck of the Royal Yacht Britannia and on the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle. Finally, before returning home, playing to a large crowd, the band performed at Gretna Green. A great team effort and an excellent way to raise the profile of the two organisations.

1st/2nd MilngavieAnchor Boys from 1st/2nd Milngavie holding the winning trophy at The Boys’ Brigade World Mission Fund Presentation at Bathgate High Church. They raised £1,328 and the evening was held to present the trophy to the highest fund raising Company across Scotland for 2012/13. The trophy was presented by the Rt. Rev. Albert Bogle, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

35th LiverpoolEach year, the Anchor and Junior Sections from the 35th Liverpool raise money for charitable causes by collecting 20ps in Smartie tubes. This year they raised £500 for City Hearts, a charity that supports victims of human trafficking in the UK.

1st WhitburnIn support of Red Nose Day and to collect sponsorship, Jack Haydock decided to make the ultimate sacrifice and get his hair cut off. Jack had not had a haircut for over four years and his hair went past his shoulders. At BB on the night before Red Nose Day, in front of the grinning and laughing boys of the Company, Jack had all of his fine locks cut off. Jack raised over £170 for the cause. The officers and boys of the 1st Whitburn Company are incredibly proud of him.

Strathkelvin BattalionSome of the members of the Battalion at Xtreme Karting Falkirk.

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1st LoughaugheryMembers of 1st Loughaughery, including three brothers, who were presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards by the Duke himself at an awards ceremony held in Hillsborough Castle.

Devon BattalionThe photo shows the colour party of boys from the 1st Exeter and the 2nd Bovey Tracey Companies with the Devon Battalion Queen’s Colour and the colour from the 5th Exeter, at the recent Devon Battalion annual church parade.

18th Halifax Three members of the Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team, including Meg the Search and Rescue dog, recently visited the 18th Halifax. The team explained about the kinds of things that they do to help people who get stuck or have accidents and showed the young members the equipment that helps them do their job. The Battalion has chosen the CVSR to be its next chosen charity to support.

1st Lesmahagow In February, members of the Junior Section and Company Section had an activity weekend at Carronvale House. The weekend consisted of a fun packed programme, which included physical activities, games, puzzles, quizzes and competitions.

80th BirminghamMembers of 80th Birmingham made a paper chain that was 500 links long and asked people to sponsor per link as they took it on tour around two churches and an interfaith family event at their own church. In total, they raised £150, with Peter Newton, Development Officer for Birmingham, matching half, which means they raised £75 for Comic Relief and £150 for their Company.

5th Exeter and 2nd Bovey TraceyMembers of the 5th Exeter and 2nd Bovey Tracey enjoyed a break from their walk near Hound Tor on Dartmoor whilst staying at the West of England Training Centre at Broadleas in April this year.

6th / 8th DundeeMembers of 6th / 8th Dundee using CashBack funding to go white water rafting.

163rd GlasgowCameron Gray of the International Team talked to the members of 163rd Glasgow about ‘Behind Tourism’ at a first ever International Session at the Company. Connor Wilson, 25th Stirling, spoke about his experiences in Zambia with the World Mission Fund ‘Marching to a New Tune’ Project and the Company Section learned about the Brigade in Trinidad & Tobago through gang warfare themed games.


45th GlasgowPictured are members from the 45th Glasgow who won the Glasgow Battalion Inter-Company Quiz.

twitter.com/theboysbrigade88 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette Jul 2013

HERE & THERE

1st IpswichSix members of 1st Ipswich completed their Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award and were presented with their badge and certificate at Christ Church, Family and Youth Parade Service.

1st NairnMembers of Junior and Company Sections of the 1st Nairn at their first camp of the year at Shawbost on the Isle of Lewis. The purpose of the trip was for boys to learn how to live in back-pack tents, cook and to get some wild country walking experience.

1st BluestoneCurrent and past members and special guests at the 1st Bluestone’s 30th anniversary. The Company held a special “Reunion and Celebration Service”.

8th TraffordPictured are members from the 8th Trafford who won the Manchester and District Battalion drill competition.

1st CumbernauldMembers from 1st Cumbernauld during a visit from the local Community Police. They have also had a visit from the local Fire Brigade. The young people greatly enjoyed the visits and learning more about the vital work that the two organisations carry out.

1st Westgate-on-SeaPictured is Georgia Wicker of 1st Westgate-on-Sea being presented by the Mayor Elect, Cllr John Edwards, with her President’s Badge at The Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association Annual Display. Also pictured is David Lawless, Captain of the Company. Georgia is the first girl in the East Kent Battalion to be awarded with the President’s Badge and hopefully will go on to attain the Queen’s Badge.

7th ChelmsfordMembers of the 7th Chelmsford recently supported the UNESCO Walk for Water Campaign. Each boy carried six litres of water in a backpack for six kilometres. Twenty members from all sections completed the task on a bitterly cold day where they endured several snowfalls. £588 was raised from sponsorship.

1st SconeMembers of the Company Section during their annual weekend trip to Dundee Battalion’s Scott Lodge in Glen Doll. The weekend included a 5/6 mile walk from the Lodge to Davy’s Bourach. It was a clear day with a lot of snow lying on the upper sections of the walk; a few boys stumbled in drifts of 5 to 6 feet in places.

1st Roslin, 5th Livingston and 51st EdinburghMembers of 1st Roslin, 5th Livingston and 51st Edinburgh enjoyed a fun packed Junior Section weekend camp at Innerwick, East Lothian. Pictured are the boys at Belhaven Bay, Dunbar, where only one thing was ever going to happen – Getting Wet! The camp also had a great visit to the local lifeboat station at Dunbar.

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Highland BattalionThe chilly Siberian wind didn’t deter officers and boys from the Highland Battalion from marching to their annual church service at Dalneigh and Bona Church of Scotland. The Inverness British Legion Pipe Band again led the procession, which made a colourful impact on residents.

1st OssettHarry Beattie of 1st Ossett being presented with his President’s Badge from Mike Dixon, Battalion President and Denise Turton, Captain. Harry is the first boy to go through all the sections in the Company and has received his 10 year service badge this year. Harry is also the first boy to receive the President’s badge in the Company since 1992.

2nd Llantwit MajorMembers of 2nd Llantwit Major Company Section recently visited the Guide Dogs Training and Breeding Centres in Warwickshire. As well as touring both facilities some of the boys had a turn at being blindfolded and were led by a guide dog through an obstacle course to learn what it might be like for a person who cannot see.

Also, the Company recently ran a sponsored matchbox collection to raise funds to go towards new equipment, uniforms and activities, over the coming year. The highest number of items in one matchbox was 72 items and at the time of writing the Company had raised over £363 in sponsorship.

2nd SouthamptonJim Ramshaw recently celebrated his 60th anniversary with the Brigade and he is pictured here with some of the boys and officers of the Company.

Falkirk & District BattalionParticipants and organisers of “TurnaBBouT”, an annual alternative workshop event, which took place in Falkirk Town Hall in March. With more than 500 BB members attending, it is one of the biggest BB events in the UK calendar. Photograph courtesy of the Falkirk Herald.

1st Airedale / 1st CastlefordAn agreement has been forged between 1st Airedale and 1st Castleford where, in a bid to support 1st Castleford, Mike Dixon, Captain of 1st Airedale and his officers, have committed to running 1st Castleford for one year, during which time they hope to put a new Captain and staff in place to ensure the future of the Company. This agreement between the two churches and Companies is to prevent 1st Castleford closing as the URC Minister, Rev. Jill Brown, the only remaining officer, retired in June this year. Mike and Gill have worked closely with both churches to secure this working arrangement to which the Brigade has given its approval.

Pictured are members of 1st Airedale and 1st Castleford at a recent church service.

11th NorthamptonThe 11th Northampton recently held a sports afternoon. They played football, rounders and tag rugby. The afternoon was enjoyed by all.


Brigade announcements

Donations to the Get up anD Go appeal

We gratefully acknowledge the following donations to the Get up and Go appeal.

55th Edinburgh ......................... £46.45Oxfordshire Battalion ................£120.93

9th Waltham Forest...................£405.32

nomination for BriGaDe Chaplain Very reVerenD Dr anDrew mClellan CBeAndrew McLellan is the Convener of the World

Mission Council of the Church of Scotland. He was HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland from 2002 until 2009; before that he was a parish minister in Greenock, Stirling and Edinburgh. He was the convener of the Church and Nation Committee of the Church of Scotland, which dealt with social and political matters on behalf of the church and the convener of the Parish Development Fund, which supported new forms of mission and service. In 2000 he was Moderator of the General Assembly. Andrew is the author of two books arising out of his experience. He was chairman of the Religious Advisory Committee of the BBC in Scotland and a Director of Scottish Television. In 2009 he was awarded the CBE. He was a member of the 1st Kilmarnock and 1st St Andrews Companies.

BriGaDe CounCil 2013 Belfast, 6th to 8th septemBer Details of the Brigade Council weekend have appeared in previous Gazettes and are on the website at www.boys-brigade.org.uk/council.htm.

The Annual General Meeting will take place at the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Assembly Buildings, 2 – 10 Fisherwick Place, Belfast BT1 6DW on Saturday 7th September at 1.00pm.

Members of Brigade Council are;a) Companiesb) Members of the Brigade Executivec) Members of a Regional Committeed) Area Groups (Battalions, Districts)

normally acting through their secretaries.Although Council may be attended by all members of the Brigade who have attained their 16th birthday, voting is on the basis of one vote per categories a – d above. The voting form is contained within Company mailing and can be downloaded from the website at www.boys-brigade.org.uk/council.htm.

meetinG of the BriGaDe eXeCutiVe –1st June 2013The Meeting was held at Brigade Headquarters Felden Lodge. This is a summary of the main items covered.

• Finance The Brigade Treasurer reported on the Brigade Finances for the financial year ended 31st March 2013. In the last quarter of the year the Brigade had been notified of an unrestricted legacy and had received £200,000 on account. This, together with tight control of expenditure had resulted in a net surplus for the year of £267,000. Whilst a good result, the Brigade’s reserves stood at only two months expenditure and there was a need to continue to build them up. The Executive received independent advice on the Brigade’s Pension Scheme. The Executive agreed a proposal on longer term financial planning.

• Brigade Secretary The Brigade Secretary updated the Executive on staffing matters, the research among 12-14 year olds, a Royal event to mark the centenary of the King’s Badge and the return visit of a party from the Caribbean to the UK/RoI in the summer.

• Intellectual Property The Brigade Executive had taken legal advice as to its rights and duties concerning the Brigade’s intellectual property and approved a list of core items to be only sold through registered BB Supplies.

• Development Plan The Executive agreed the format and content of the Brigade Development Plan 2013-18 which will be launched at Brigade Council.

• Business Director The Business Director updated the Executive on the statistical return process and Company Designations. With the introduction of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in England and Wales and the issue of single certification, the Executive agreed the approach of engaging an umbrella body to process checks online. The future operation of the Brigade’s database was discussed.

• Director of Youth and Children’s Work The Director of Youth and Children’s Work updated the Executive on current work. It was agreed that all chaplains will be disclosure checked on appointment.

• Brigade Council The Executive was updated on the arrangements for Brigade Council 2013 to be held in Belfast and the preliminary arrangements for Glasgow in 2014.

• Reports The Executive received reports from Regional Directors and the minutes of Regional Committees.

• Brigade Office Bearers Mr M Smith thanked Mr C Row, outgoing chairman, for all of his work, on behalf of the Executive.

new CompaniesThe following Companies have been enrolled since the last Gazette:

Company Captain Church

40th Birmingham Anthea Keay Assemblies of the First (Company Born Church, Birmingham Correspondent)

1st Nottingham Ruth Lancastle St. Andrew’s Church of England, Nottingham

1st Oban Cameron Harris Oban Congregational Church, Argyll

3rd Wallingford (Cholsey) Nev Keating Cholsey Free Church (Company (Baptist), Oxfordshire Correspondent)

Turning Point 2013 took place at Ganaway Activity Centre, Millisle from the 26th to 28th April 2013. This year saw even more growth in the numbers attending the weekend, with just over 300 people present.

The theme for Turning Point 2013 was ‘Unlocked’ based on Colossians 2:3 and Pip Kerr and Amanda Mitchell from Crown Jesus Ministries grabbed everyone’s

attention with their challenging talks. God was very much at work over the weekend where lives truly were changed as numerous young people and a few leaders committed/re-committed their lives to the Lord. Modern contemporary worship was again provided by our house worship band Heart Ablaze who provided a range of worship songs for all tastes as well as the Turning Point theme song: The Happy Song.

The Beacon was once again converted into a multi sensory prayer experience with a range of activities exploring various themes around our central theme of unlocked.

The programme for Turning Point this year saw the welcome return of a number of old favourites such as wet and wild, the talent show as well as the Friday night social provided by Eternity Socials. The Ganaway activities were also in full swing throughout the weekend, and from canoeing to zip lining and mountain biking, everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Blitz Milkshakes also returned for Turning Point 2013 providing cool refreshing shakes.

This year’s event also saw a series of seminars entitled ‘Faith In Action’ throughout the weekend. These saw a number of inspirational speakers talking about how their personal faith in Christ manifests itself through their everyday lives. Speakers included Colin Ross (downhill mountain bike champion), Dee Murphy from Crown Jesus Ministries, Martin Reid (Christian Police Association) and Christians Against Poverty.

As if that wasn’t enough, a range of sporting and beach activities were also available ranging from volleyball to tag rugby and late night box work. One hugely popular addition to the programme this year was a range of inflatable activities, including the gladiator duel, bouncy castle, sumo suits and of course the bungee run. Those who chose to partake were literally jumping for joy!

The Live Lounge also returned featuring a chilled out coffee bar area as well as a number of activities ranging from darts to Xbox Kinect and Fifa. Also in the Live Lounge was the Pamper Parlour where nail painting, hair straightening and jewellery making were plentiful!

Finally, a weekend such as Turning Point doesn’t happen without the effort and time of a huge number of people and the Management Team would like to thank all those who contributed in any way to making Turning Point 2013 such a huge success and so enjoyable for everyone in attendance.

Turning Point will return again next year from 25 – 27 April 2014.

Full details are on our website at www.turningpointni.org.uk or are available by emailing Stephen Cowden ([email protected]).


ENGLAND

wales

Big Night OutOn Saturday 11th May, over 2500 11 – 16 years olds converged on Lightwater Valley Theme Park near Ripon for the Big Night Out organised by The Boys’ Brigade, The Girls’ Brigade England & Wales, Scripture Union, Urban Saints and the Church of England.

From 5pm they enjoyed exclusive use of the rides in the park, with not a sign of rain but clear skies and some sunshine. The day finished off with a concert starting at 8pm featuring Galactus Jack a well-known Christian DJ and Twelve24 band who all presented the Gospel in a relevant and exciting way to the young people present. Watch out for information about the date for 2014 which will be announced soon.

New Support and Enabling Officer for Wales

My name is Gareth and I am married to the lovely Lois. We currently live in South Wales, but met in Sydney Australia where I lived for about two years. I have been involved in youth work for about nine

years. I have worked as youth worker for various local authorities and have also been involved in the youth work at my Church, which I have been a part of for the last 18 years.

I am looking forward to my role with The Boys’ Brigade and looking to build on all the really great work which is being done and have already visited several Companies, which I have loved.

As well as developing and supporting the existing work I am looking to expand the work and build links with churches and organisations in local communities to see where we can partner to start Boys’ Brigade groups.

Junior Section Walk and Adventure ActivitiesPictured are some of the young members who participated in the Junior Section Walk and Adventure Activities that were held by the District. Over 50 young people had fun walking though the countryside, followed by a picnic tea and roped activities put on by leaders and boys from the 21st Cardiff Company.

Board Games CompetitionWales District held a Board Games competition for the Junior Section, which was won by 2nd Llantwit Major ‘B’ team and the photo shows the four boys who represented their Company so successfully.

White Water RaftingThirty Company Section boys from BB in Wales went white water rafting at the Cardiff International White Water Centre. The trip was subsidised by a generous gift received from donations made in memory of former President of Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan, Malcolm Pearce.


Around the regions

Seniors’ Sevens FootballThe Boys’ Brigade in Scotland held its third annual Seniors’ Sevens Football Tournament at Forthbank in Stirling. It is the only event of its type, where older members get the opportunity to showcase their footballing talent. One hundred young people took part in teams from all over Scotland. The team from Airdrie and Coatbridge emerged champions in a very closely contested tournament.

YouthLink Worker of the Year AwardsEach year YouthLink Scotland organises its own awards evening – a celebration of youth work’s contribution to Scotland. We were delighted that one of our Development workers, Niall Rolland, was nominated in the uniformed category as a Youth Worker of the year. The awards ceremony took place at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Glasgow on the 14th March and on the night, Niall was a worthy runner-up and it was also pleasing to see the other uniformed organisations picking up awards too.

KGVI in Scotland receives wider recognitionWith funding made available by the Scottish Government, the SCQF Partnership established a project to support learning programmes delivered using a community learning and development approach, by having them credit

rated on to the Scottish Credit & Qualification Framework (SCQF). BB Scotland made a successful bid and working with SQA, KGVI in Scotland has been credit rated at SCQF level 7, which is the equivalent of an Advanced Higher in schools or an HNC in colleges. The full course also carries 13 credit points, which can be used by candidates in support of applications for further education. Alan Hunter, Training & Development Officer

said, “It is a great boost to receive this level of recognition, for an experience which has so much impact on the participating 17 – 22 year olds. The credit points represent significant value to those moving into further education.”

The KGVI programme is very successful, providing quality trained young people to work in Companies. As there are no academic entrance qualifications, the course allows young people to show and develop their skills, regardless of academic ability, which they can transfer into the workplace/further education.

Each region runs a KGVI every summer; if you have young people who would benefit from this quality experience, contact your Regional Headquarters.

Scottish Cross Country ChampionshipDespite poor weather conditions, although that was only for the spectators, 130 young people from 15 Battalions across Scotland ran in the Scottish Cross Country Championships in March. The event this year was hosted by Dundee & Angus Battalion in

Camperdown Park. The presentation of awards was made in the Dundee Ice Arena and trophies were presented by Jake Hensman, President of Dundee & Angus Battalion, the Lord Provost of Dundee City Council and Bill Stevenson, Director for Scotland.

scotland twitter.com/thebbscotland

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Individual Team

Junior Cameron Watson – Inverclyde & District Glasgow

Intermediate Iain Davies – Stirling & District Airdrie, Coatbridge & District

Senior Jonathan Glen – Inverclyde & District Inverclyde & District

Around the regions Around the regions

Scottish ConferencePresidents, Secretaries and training officers from all over Scotland participated in a one day conference at the TouchBase Centre in Glasgow on the 9th March. It was really encouraging as only a few Battalions were not represented. The day proved to be a useful way to share ideas and, in particular, there was time to consider the next Development Plan and how we can further support the work of Battalions. Jim Sweeney, Chief Executive of YouthLink, was the guest speaker and it was encouraging to hear his views on the increased profile of the Brigade in Scotland. The Brigade in Scotland is grateful to the Scottish Government, which provided all the funding necessary for the conference.



NORTHERN IRELANDtwitter.com/bbni facebook.com/boysbrigadeni

Around the regions

scotland continued

CR WeekendsFive Company Section members and one leader from 1st Banagher Company accompanied by David Scott from 1st Crumlin Company took up the challenge of three community relation weekends organised by Northern Ireland Children’s Enterprise (NICE).

This created the opportunity for leaders and children from six of Northern Ireland’s main uniformed organisations to cross the divide and develop a better understanding and respect for each other.

Over the weekends the young people took part in many activities including ice breakers, team games, Mural tour in Belfast, laser tag, climbing wall, bouldering, banana boating, and archery. Skills included polish crafts, Bollywood dancing, drumming, leadership and presenting in public. Group activities included discussing stereotypes, difficult issues, flags, emblems, beliefs, tolerance and respect for others, understanding your own identity and creating friendships, to name but a few.

On the Mural tour in Belfast we noticed the quote “Open your arms to change but don’t let go of your values”. We can’t all

be the same, but we do all have to live and work together. So, surely the best way to work with people is to show them respect and tolerance for who they are, not forgetting to truly understand who we are and living by example.

Disability AppThe range of disability leaflets has been expanded to include Challenging Behaviour, Brittle Bones and Tourette’s Syndrome.

Building on this success and with the expertise of Andrew Paul and our Disability Network Team, NI District is in the process of producing a Disability App that will be launched in September 2013.

You can keep up to date with developments at http://www.bbni.org.uk/nidisability.htm

Scottish Bands’ ContestAfter a break of 30 years, the Scottish Bands’ Contest returned to the Motherwell Concert Hall at the end of April. Bands from 17 Companies across Scotland competed for the titles in six different classes, showcasing the amazing talent of bands’ work in Scotland. It was great to see new bands entering the competition this year and with up and coming bands the entry looks likely to rise again next year. Trophies

were presented by Alistair Burrow, Brigade Vice President and Depute Provost of North Lanarkshire, Jean Jones.

The Scottish Bands’ Committee is keen to be working closer with Companies to further develop bands’ work. Please contact Scottish Headquarters if your Company has a band not currently competing in the competition.

Class Winners Drill, Deportment & Turnout

Mini Pipe Band Novice 1st Bearsden 1st Bearsden

Mini Pipe Band Open 1st Troon 1st Troon

Pipe Band Novice 44th Dundee 1st Bearsden

Open Novice 4th Dunfermline 10th Leith

Pipe Band Contest 1st Troon 44th Dundee

Open Contest 1st Fraserburgh 3rd Johnstone

Mallets 2nd Port Glasgow

Pipe Band Championship 6th/8th Dundee 6th/8th Dundee

Open Championship 1st Tulliallan 1st Tulliallan

Juniors Activity DaySeventy young people from Junior Sections throughout the Region enjoyed an action packed weekend of adventure at Newgrange Lodge, Co. Meath. The non competitive nature of the activities ensured that each young person took responsibility for others and the natural environment while gaining an unforgettable experience.

The area visited is steeped in history. Newgrange, classified as a passage tomb, was constructed over 5,000 years ago (about 3,200 B.C.), making it older than Stonehenge in England and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Newgrange was built during the Neolithic or New Stone Age by a farming community that prospered on the rich lands of the Boyne Valley. Knowth and Dowth are similar mounds that together with Newgrange have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

National Quality Standards FrameworkThe NQSF is primarily a support and development tool for youth work organisations. Self-assessment is fundamental to the process. In addition, there is also an external assessment function, which serves to validate the self-assessment process and which is performed by VEC (Youth/Liaison) Officers for local youth work services or by the NQSF Standards Officer for national youth work organisations.

The Boys’ Brigade in the Republic of Ireland is now engaged with the NQSF process that takes three years to complete and Philip Daley, Brian Weekes & Mark Acheson will form the Implementation Team along with Mary Robb of the City of Dublin Youth Service Board (CDYSB) who will be our support officer.

republic of Ireland

NORTHERN IRELAND continued

Green Youth unite for clean upRepresentatives from all the main uniformed youth organisations in Northern Ireland came together for a cross community event at the Share Centre, Lisnaskea. The ‘Cross Connected’ event was part of a three year project looking at community relations.

The event brought together 75 young people and their leaders from all over the province and they were keen to be part of something BIG by working together on a cleanup.

The BIG Spring Clean is a volunteering and awareness raising campaign run annually by TIDY Northern Ireland. Clean ups take place from March to May to reduce litter and improve local environmental quality.

Expedition & Outdoor LeadershipUndeterred by deep snow and then six hours of torrential rain, 47 trainees took part in the Expedition & Outdoor Leadership Course at Green Hill YMCA in Newcastle. Well done to course leaders and trainees who are all looking forward to this year’s assessment weekend in September 2013.

Queen’s Badge Residential CourseThe boys and tutors who attended the Queen’s Badge Residential Course at Rathmore House, Larne, in March 2013.

Around the regions Around the regions

Three free residential activity weekendsHave you got six boys between the ages of 11-16 who would like to take part in three activity weekends and a Leader who would be willing to accompany them? Following the success of the ‘Cross Connected’ project, we have an opportunity for two Companies to partake in a similar project that will commence in October 2013 and conclude in March 2014. This project is fully funded by the Youth Council for Northern Ireland.

If you are interested in your Company taking part in this project, please contact the Training & Development Support Officer for more information on 028 9454 8054 (ext 54) or at [email protected].

(Note – Participants must commit to taking part in all three weekends.)


“ Let anyone with ears to hear listen!”


I believe that is what we are called by God to do and I also believe that He provides us with a helper in the shape of the Holy Spirit to enable us to do it.

The BB tradition is 130 years old this year and since its inception it is impossible to count the seeds that have been sown in the good ground that then grew up into young men who lived their lives for Jesus and in their turn sowed the seeds of God’s Word.

Jesus also said that with faith the size of a mustard seed we can move mountains, so watch this space because I believe the best is yet to come.

Rev Mark van CuylenburgPastor Fulham Baptist Church

Often Jesus taught his followers by telling them stories called parables. One such story found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke is the Parable of the Sower.

My favourite version is in Mark’s Gospel (Can you guess why?) chapter 4 verses 2 to 9; He said to them: 3‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. 6And when the sun rose, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. 7Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. 8Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.’ 9And he said, ‘Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’ (NIV – UK)

Jesus rarely explained His parables but on this occasion He did and what he said to His disciples I believe rings true for BB Leaders and Helpers. You see we are the sowers of the seed, which is God’s Word as in the parable. The example we set, the service we provide, the inspiration we give changes lives. Not all lives to be sure. Some seed changes no lives at all; some seed changes some lives a little and some lives are so changed that they receive a new life that is eternal.

BB Leaders and helpers sow this life changing seed for free, voluntarily, in their own time, with precious little encouragement against the pressures of a world that largely rejects the message that the seed contains.

So why do we do it, why do we choose to separate ourselves from our families and friends for hours each week, for weeks each year, in favour of something that is so potentially thankless? I can’t speak for you, but for myself I do it because one day I might be privileged to lead a boy to a new relationship with Jesus, to a new life that is eternal.

The BB tradition is 130 years old this year and since its inception it is impossible to count the seeds that have been sown in the good ground that then grew up into young men who lived their lives for Jesus and in their turn sowed the seeds of God’s Word.

GIVE MOREThe Boys’ Brigade has partnered with Give More, a growing movement of thousands of people fighting rising need in our communities by making a pledge to give more time, money or energy to the causes they are passionate about.


To help encourage BB members and leaders to join in, Give More has produced free materials for fun, easy

activities which allow groups and members to participate. The resources make it easy to be part of this truly exciting movement.

The Give More resources are designed to help groups work in a creative way to understand local issues and explore how they can make a positive impact on local good causes either as individuals and as a group. Give More and Boys’ Brigade are encouraging all leaders to run a Give More activity and collect their group’s pledges to be part of Give More.

Over the past year, Give More has received pledges from thousands of young people from across the UK at public events, through schools, with thousands of the pledges, showcased at www.givemore.org.uk. Here are some examples of pledges made so far;

“A classmate lost her dad to cancer and so we all pledged to give more time and energy by raising money for the local hospice which helped him,” says James, 16, from Leeds

“Our class worked together to raise money for our local homeless shelter. Knowing how hard it is for many people in our community dealing with financial issues, we wanted to help make things easier for those in most need” says Conor, 15, from Co. Antrim

The free resources include activity plans for sessions lasting 20, 45 or 90 minutes, with all the materials needed. They also include a Press Release template which can be adapted to achieve each group’s goals, for example, attracting new members, volunteer leaders, or to raise the group’s profile. If additional PR support is required, Give More can also provide this; the campaign’s work with Boys’ Brigade aims to enable as many groups as possible to become part of this growing movement towards positive social action in every community.

For further information and to register for your free resources, please visit www.givemore.org.uk/boysbrigade

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“I was impressed with the range of resources available from Give More which allow community based issues to be approached in a creative way and encourage our fantastic young people to become involved. There’s no follow up to a pledge made from Give More or from a named charity or concern, but it is hoped that by actually making a pledge there’s a greater chance of giving the time. We know that thousands make a fantastic commitment to BB as well as other causes, so let’s encourage even more.”Steve Dickinson Brigade Secretary


Iceland was an amazing experience and I have made new friends all over Europe and have gained great knowledge of others and of how other cultures live. We arrived at the training centre in Hafnarfjörður (don’t worry I can’t pronounce

it either) on Sunday the 24th March, and throughout the day we met more and more new people until we had a grand total of 47 young people from all across Europe. These included the countries of Malta, Hungary, Denmark, Ukraine, Transylvania, Lithuania, Finland and Iceland. Meeting new people for me was going to be hard due to language barriers, but to my pleasant surprise everybody spoke perfect English, at times better than me, which was a slight concern. The only word to describe the immediate bond between us all is ‘Family’. Right from the start we had all connected on a level that would usually take years yet took us a matter of minutes. Throughout the whole week I knew God was with us all as we all got on with no problems, disagreements or arguments. It truly was a week of miracles.

Every day we would have an Easter live session which would consist of the Easter story being told but in a more reflective way and this was very much a situation of the more you put in the more you got back out of it. We also had sessions on how racism and poverty affect our own countries, it was great to hear how each of us viewed this topic and how we all felt we

should come together and help tackle our own small areas.The main highlights for me were on the Wednesday and

Thursday night/Friday morning. Firstly, on the Wednesday, we took the opportunity to spontaneously put on a games session at a local church. A good number came along and it lasted around 5 hours with continuous games with the local children. The other highlight for me was on the Thursday night when we ran an ALL night session at one of the churches in Reykjavik, which started at 10pm and went through till 8am Friday morning. The night was made up of different games, time to chill out, crafts and also sessions through the night on the Easter story and worship songs.

Throughout the week each country took it in turns to lead the daily games and prayer session. Our session (The UK & ROI) was on the Friday night, which was particularly special as not only was this the last one of the week but also we had an extra guest that night, THE NORTHEN LIGHTS. This was a perfect end to a perfect week, which really made the whole trip complete for everyone. As a group we decided we would take our prayer session to the next level and build a bonfire outside and sing around the campfire. This captured many people’s minds and hearts as we used this as an opportunity to throw our sins and wrong doings into the fire as a visual symbol to show how Jesus dying on the cross saved us all from our sin.

This whole week was packed full of new people, experiences, growth and great coming together of people from all around and proving to one another that no matter what our differences or our culture, language or race, we can all live together as God’s people and we can walk on in life on a Journey with friends, family, loved ones and most importantly God by our side every step of the way.

Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to visit a great country and a week of which I received and gained a lot of experience, which I will now use in the church and Boys’ Brigade to help grow our own community of strength, love and friendship.”Robert Keighery – England

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This year’s Easter Course run by European Fellowship was hosted by ÆSKÞ in Iceland. It was an amazing week which saw a record six young people from The Boys’ Brigade attend. Here they tell you about their Easter Course experience!

Easter Course 2013Hafnarfjörður, Iceland

I’m not a quiet person and can always find an answer, but for once I have honestly struggled to put my experience into words. I must admit, I was rather skeptical before going as I didn’t really know what to expect, however, any doubts

were swiftly blown away upon arrival. Little did I know that this would turn out to be my best BB experience to date as well as one of the best weeks of my life. Throughout the week we participated in a packed schedule full of fun, friendship, laughter and faith in God. We also visited a ‘Poverty stricken’ area of Iceland, played games with disadvantaged kids from this area, locked 60 teenagers in a church overnight and ran activities, visited the capital city Reykjavik and took part in a treasure hunt, explored lava caves whilst hunting for Easter Eggs, swam in the Icelandic hot springs, tried a strange variety of food including, shark and sheep brains and much, much more.

For me personally, the week was topped off by seeing something that no words can do justice to: “The Northern Lights”. A spectacular display of varied colours dancing right above my head in the clear skies of Iceland, made even better by the fact that we were all gathered round a bonfire prepared by the BB, of course. I could go on for pages and pages, but as mentioned earlier, I’ve been given what seems like the impossible challenge of summarising my experiences in this short space. I hope I’ve done it justice!!. I would encourage as many of you to participate in this course as possible. It truly is wonderful.”James Binnie – Scotland

This week for me was one of the greatest experiences in my life, and one that I will never forget. I got to meet so many new people and got to make so many new friends from all around Europe that I wouldn’t change

for the world. I was nervous at first going as I was the only one from the Republic of Ireland, but the people from Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England welcomed me with open arms. It was a great atmosphere and we all just clicked instantly. I have learned so many new skills and many life lessons that I will take with me everywhere and hopefully pass on to others.”Killian Dunne – Republic of Ireland

I have had an amazing week with everyone! I would recommend this course to everyone, it was such a brilliant laugh and I made friends that will be in my memory for ever. I just wish I could relive the whole experience over

and over, every second of the trip was worth it. I hope to stay in contact with everyone. I wasn’t much of a religious person but now I am listening to all the Christian songs we sang and

I like to remind myself of the me, myself and God discussions, I am so thankful that I was chosen to go and am grateful to all that made this trip sensational.”Michael Allen – Wales

Y ou know that time when you get home from a trip and the first thing people ask you is “How was it?” or “Did you have a good time?”, what if you can’t answer them…? What if a week away turned into a

lifetime of memories, never ending friendships and faith in God renewed. What if you saw things that words can’t do justice to; the sky lit up at night, hot springs surrounded by ice, caves built out of lava. What if you spent time with different people from all over a continent and even though there are different cultures, languages and beliefs you are joined in dance, prayer and duck, duck goose! What if the UK won Eastervision, Iceland lost their own treasure hunt and Denmark won your heart… no one would ever believe you! What if you told people you saw God, you ate shark and there were nights when you never slept? What if you never wanted to leave… but you knew you had to to spread the message and create the joy in your own country that you did for the children of Iceland and the people of Europe… What if you just can’t put it into words… what if you just can’t answer the question “What was the experience of Easter Course in Iceland for you?” Maybe I just have answered it… although it still doesn’t seem enough… Easter Course 2014… what if…?”Andrew Payne – England

When I saw that the Easter Course 2013 was in Iceland I jumped at the chance. The country was incredible and the programme provided chances to see it. A treasure hunt around Reykjavik,

swimming in an open air pool at 44 degrees, trying shark and some more exotic foodstuffs, and seeing the indescribable Northern Lights made the week an unforgettable experience. But the most exciting part of the course was not where I went, but who I met. In my national group there were BB leaders from all regions of the UK and Ireland, while other participants were youth leaders from across Europe as far away as Finland and Ukraine. I enjoyed learning about our different cultures but also our shared experiences of youth work. The theme of the course was the problem of discrimination, particularly in disadvantaged areas. This is a problem for my own Company so I am finding the information and experiences shared to be very useful. The course gave me the opportunity to develop friendships, renewed my faith, and provided me countless new games ideas for my Company. I would recommend Easter Course 2014 and all the experiences and friendships it will provide to anyone.”Simon Gallagher – Northern Ireland

Easter Course in 2014 is being hosted by The Boys’ Brigade and will take place in England. If you would like to attend or want more information, contact the European Fellowship Training Facilitator, Vaughan Staples on [email protected] and look out for the advert in the next issue of the Gazette!

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TWO BECOME ONE

Recently, two Companies in Paisley & District Battalion were faced with the challenge

of coming together following the closure of one of the Churches. Andrew Scott, Captain of 1st / 3rd Renfrew, shares his experiences of the past year.

How did you hear that a merger might be on the cards? We knew that due to the Presbytery Review that one of the churches in Renfrew was to go or merge with another. When the review was announced in the early summer, we found out that Renfrew Old Parish Church was to be totally closed by 2017, the only total closure listed on the review. Previously we had joked with Susan Adam, who was Acting Captain of the 1st Renfrew, that if they were to go then we would merge, not realising how real this was to become!

How much notice did you have before setting things in motion? The week before the 3rd’s pre-session staff meeting, I got a call from the 1st to advise that they had been given to the first week in October to clear the Renfrew Old Parish Halls of all equipment as the halls were closing.

Were other options looked at? After getting over the shock of the speed of this happening, we discussed the other options that may or may not be available to the Company before considering a merger. These options included trying to join another church in the town, but the consensus was that they were either not big enough or too busy already to support a major organisation adding to their list of activities.

Was it difficult persuading leaders, Battalion and the Church at 3rd that the merger was the best option? I met with my Officers in Charge as well as the Battalion to discuss the possibility of a merger with them and they were all happy with it. I also addressed the possible issue of duplicate roles within the Company. We have had full support from the Church, and the Minister.

Were there any issues bringing staff from two Companies together?At a staff meeting of the combined Companies, I indicated that we would change our name to become the 1st/3rd Renfrew rather than either writing off the 1st number or totally changing to any other number to keep the history of both Companies intact. The staff from the 1st were happy to join us, but unfortunately there were a few who could not manage the change of night.

Was there a smooth start to the session? The enrolment night of the new Company was the following week, where there was a sea of boys and

parents, lots more boys than we at the 3rd had been used to for a while!

Anchors and Juniors initially started well with around 28 boys and Company Section sensationally started with 36 boys, although these numbers have settled down with around 50 boys in the Company. The session has been remarkably smooth with very little negativity and issues to deal with apart from run of the mill that you would normally get in any Company. Crucially we have had good support from parents.

What changes or additions are needed for session 2013-2014?The key for next session is to be more organised with programme and structure in the Company Section. At both Church Youth Parades this session we have paraded both sets of Colours, which was very well received and we will continue this while we can.

Our main challenge for Anchors and Juniors next session is recruitment to get the numbers up with the goal to keep the numbers right through Company Section in the next few years. We also need to recruit staff for our younger sections to make this increase a reality.

What has been the wider impact of the merger?As a result of Renfrew Old Parish Church closing, our Church now holds the town coffee bar every Monday to Friday morning and various other hall lets such as dance groups that we have never had before. One of our Company Section officers has taken ownership of the Youth Group that moved, which is on the first Sunday of every month with some other BB staff helping, including myself. Renfrew North is becoming the heart of the community!


Winners: 7th EdinburghRunners-up: 32nd Nottingham3rd: 2nd Bracknell

NATIONAL COMPETITION FINALS 2012-2013The National Competitions took place around the UK & Ireland and the Finals were held from the 6 April to 11 May. Companies experienced new venues and made new friends as they travelled around to participate in each of the rounds. The results from the finals for 2012-2013 session can be found below.

National Competitions suit small and large Companies, so why not give your Company a new challenge next session by entering Table Tennis, Masterteam, Chess, Badminton, Junior & Senior 5-A-Side Football? Further details about taking part in 2013-2014 can be found on the website or by contacting your Regional Headquarters.

Many thanks to all those who have hosted local rounds and those who hosted National Finals.

TABLE TENNISDate: Saturday 11 May 2013Host: Northern Ireland District

at Valley Leisure CentrePlacings: 1st place: 4th Southampton; 2nd place: 58th Belfast; 3rd place: 2nd Port Glasgow; 4th place: 44th Glasgow; 5th place: 7th Falkirk; 6th place: 1st Kempston

CHESSDate: Saturday 6 April 2013Host: North West District, England at KirkhamPlacings: 1st place: 1st Cheam; 2nd place: 32nd Nottingham;

3rd place: 7th Edinburgh; 4th place: 58th Belfast

BADMINTONDate: Saturday 20 April 2013Host: Northern Ireland District

at UUJ Sports CentrePlacings: 1st place:1st Garvagh; 2nd place: 16th Newtownabbey; 3rd place: 1st Largs; 4th place: 65th Edinburgh; 5th place: 1st Barnet; 6th place: 4th Hartlepool.

SENIOR 5-A-SIDE FOOTBALLDate: Saturday 27 April 2013

Host: Nottingham Battalion, England, Soccerdome Pride Park Derby

Placings: 1st place: 2nd Gourock; 2nd place: 1st Barnet; 3rd place: 7th Portadown; 4th place: 16th Newtownabbey; 5th place: 212th Glasgow; 6th place: 8th Leicester.

JUNIOR 5-A-SIDE FOOTBALLDate: Saturday 4 May 2013

Host: Strathkelvin Battalion, Scotland at Cumbernauld

Placings: 1st place: 2nd Gourock; 2nd place: 5th Portadown; 3rd place: 6/8th Dundee; 4th place: 15th South Shield; 5th place: 1st Knocknamuckley; 6th 2nd Ruislip

MASTERTEAMDate: Saturday 13 April 2013Host: East Ayrshire Battalion

Scotland at The New Laigh Kirk Church Hall

Placings: 1st place: 16th Newtownabbey; 2nd place: 1st East Calder; 3rd place: 4th/5th Kilmarnock; 4th place: 1st Cloughwater; 5th place: 2nd Consett; 6th place: 11th Northampton.MASTERTEAM CHAMPIONS 16th Newtownabbey

SENIOR 5-A-SIDE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS 2nd Gourock

JUNIOR 5-A-SIDE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS 2nd Gourock

CHESS CHAMPIONS 1st Cheam

TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONS 4th Southampton BADMINTON CHAMPIONS 1st Garvagh


President’s Commendations

Craig Duncan of the 44th Glasgow Company was presented with the President’s Commendation by Mr Alistair Burrow, Brigade Vice President, on the 21st March 2013.

The Commendation was presented to Craig for the courage he shows and the challenges he faces on a daily basis. Craig joined the Anchor Boys of the 44th Glasgow Company in 2010 and despite his health difficulties has played a full part in all the activities and particularly enjoys what he calls ‘tricky games’.

Craig has hardly missed a meeting and has encouraged several of his school friends to join. Craig’s positive attitude is an inspiration to all who know him.

Andrew Weir of the 3rd Airdrie Company was presented with the President’s Commendation by Mr John Neil OBE, Brigade Honorary President, on the 17th May 2013.

The Commendation was presented to Andrew for the courage he shows and the challenges he faces on an ongoing basis.

Andrew was already suffering from ill-health when he participated in Duke of Edinburgh Training and Assessment for his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and despite many weeks when he could only attend school on a part-time basis persevered to gain that award and his President’s Badge as well as participating in Battalion Drill Competitions.

Despite his health difficulties, Andrew shows great determination and he is a loyal and dedicated member of the Company. His positive, cheerful attitude and enthusiasm is an inspiration to all who know him.

Jake Crossley of the 1st Annaghmore Company was presented with the President’s Commendation by Bishop Ken Clarke, SAMS (South American Mission Society) Mission Director, on the 15th March 2013.

The Commendation was presented to Jake for the courage he shows and the challenges he faces on a daily basis.

Jake was the winner of the Achievement Award at the Cerebra Children’s Awards 2012, in recognition of him undertaking the challenge to climb Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest mountain. Jake refused to let his disability get in his way, scaling to the top of the mountain accompanied by his dad and members of 1st Annaghmore.

Jamie Martin of the 1st Condorrat Company was presented with the President’s Commendation by Mr Alistair Burrow, Brigade Vice President, on the 28th April 2013.The Commendation was presented to Jamie for his presence of mind and prompt action in ringing for an ambulance when his father suffered an epileptic seizure. Jamie, who was 5 years old at the time, then managed to place a bean bag under his father’s head and a blanket to cover him. While waiting for the ambulance Jamie did some drawings for him.

A spokesman from the Scottish Ambulance Service said “Jamie did exactly the right thing by calling 999. He was really brave in what must have been a frightening situation for him and showed real courage to stay calm and have the presence of mind to phone for help”.

102 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette Jul 2013102 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette Jul 2013

The Boys’ Brigade is pleased to report that President’s Commendations have recently been awarded to four young people

Ten hardy souls (four BB officers, four Company members and two teachers from Midlothian Council)

set off on a cold and damp Saturday morning in February, on the long journey from Bonnyrigg in Scotland, to Mumbai in India.

The reason for the trip was to visit the Lady Khatun Marium Navik School in Nhava, just south of Mumbai. The Company has sponsored four children in the school for eight years, and there has been an open invitation to the Company to visit the school. Mr Eric Lamb, recently retired Company treasurer, set up the link with the school through his work as a maritime communications lecturer and examiner.

The group was met in Mumbai by one of the teachers from the school and a tour guide. It was a two hour drive from Mumbai to Nhava.

The school is situated within the campus of the maritime college TS Rahaman on the island of Nhava. Surrounded by mangroves, the island is connected to the mainland by a permanent link road. The school began as a small off-shoot of the college, looking after orphans and children of the shipping company that preceded the college. It grew from a handful of children to now almost 1,000 from nursery to junior college (3 – 17 years)

Having met the Chair of the School Management Committee, Elizabeth Yusuf, and the school Principal, Daisamam (Daisy) Paul, the previous night, our group toured the school on the Monday morning. We were overwhelmed by the politeness and

friendliness of all the children. Whenever we walked into a classroom, the whole class automatically stood up and said “Good morning Ma’am” to the principal and “Good morning Sir” to the rest of us. We were taken to pupils’ classes to see where they worked and were also treated to songs and recitals.

The following morning, the group was formally welcomed at a special assembly and honoured in the traditional Indian way with the Tikka mark. The children conducting the assembly gave a very interesting and informative presentation on India and its culture. Our group also gave a presentation on Scottish culture, culminating in teaching the children the song “You Cannae Shove Yer Granny Off The Bus!”

We were introduced to the children we have sponsored for the last eight years –Ajit Prasad (15), Irfan Ansari (14), Divja Jamble (14), and Harshada Deshmukh (13). They showed us their school work, which was very neat and tidy and talked about their hopes for the future and their interests. We gave them gifts and also 100 pairs of socks for the school and a donation for school funds.

On the Wednesday, we were guests of honour at the school sports plus gymnastic and dancing displays. This

was followed by a tour of the farm and bio-gas facilities, where the college and school are trying to be self sufficient by recycling as much waste as possible.

On the Thursday, the school arranged a trip to Matheran, an area of natural beauty. The area is accessible by road, but the scenic route is by train from Neral. On a narrow gauge track, the train winds its way up the hill side for around two hours (as opposed to 20 minutes by taxi!). It is very picturesque, albeit in “compact” carriages in stifling heat!

On our last day we said our goodbyes to the children and staff. Our final visit was a guided walking tour around one of the slum areas, Dharavi. Our guide took us around the various zones – recycling, industrial, pottery, leatherwork and residential. It surprised us in many ways; it was much cleaner and didn’t smell as bad as we expected, and the amount of industry and work carried out in the slum is amazing.

Everyone in the group thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We met so many amazing people, and experienced a culture very different to our own. Politeness and respect was the norm unlike back home (unless you were driving!). The children we met were all hugely enthusiastic about school and all seemed to WANT to be there, and WANT to learn and do well. The kindness and generosity of our hosts who put us up and fed us so well was also overwhelming. We can look forward to continuing our sponsorship and friendship with the school, and possibly another trip in the future.

Derek Houliston 51st Edinburgh Company

51st Edinburgh visit India


Top Team Challenge 2012-2013

International Junior Section Team Games 2012-2013


204 teams from Companies across the UK & RoI took part in this year’s Top Team Challenge. Participants took part in a range of physical and mental activities testing their knowledge and skill.

The top ten were as follows:

Position Company Points

1st .............. 17th Teesside C ............................ 1057

2nd ............. 2nd Sutton Coldfield A .................... 989

3rd ............. 2nd Chelmsford ............................. 954

4th .............. 1st Moira ......................................... 945

5th .............. 2nd Bracknell B .............................. 943

6th .............. 1st Rotherham B ............................. 929

7th .............. 1st Darlington C .............................. 923

8th .............. 17th Teesside B .............................. 922

9th .............. 1st Newport Pagnell C .................... 917

10th ............ 1st Whitburn ................................... 916

Full results can be found on the BB Website at www.boys-brigade.org.uk

There were 193 entries into this year’s competition from around the world including Australia, Scotland, Republic of Ireland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England.

The top ten were as follows:

Position Company Region Points

1st ........... 1st Chandlers Ford ........... England ............ 1075

2nd ........... 68th Aberdeen ................... Scotland ........... 1045

3rd ........... 1st Annan .......................... Scotland ........... 1028

4th ............ 1st Brixham ........................ England ..............994

5th ............ 7th Chelmsford A ............... England ..............987

6th ............ 1st Barnet A ....................... England ..............971

7th ............ 46th Brisbane .................... Australia .............969

8th ............ 1st Weston Super Mare ..... England ..............967

9th ............ 1st Clarence ...................... Australia .............964

10th .......... 1st Polegate....................... England ..............951

Full results can be found on the BB Website at www.boys-brigade.org.uk

The majority of responses were very positive and although it is clear that the Gazette is valued, there were many constructive ideas for improvement.

In October we will share more details of how we intend to respond and ensure that the Gazette remains a valuable resource for Company leaders.

64% of you said you would access an online

interactive version if available.

You said you wanted to see more:- training resources- programme resources / ideas- faith / christian content- local Company news

37% of you have never sent in a

contribution to the Gazette (33% have

contributed in the last 12 months).48% shared your copy of the Gazette, so that other could read it.

52% of you said when reading the Gazette,

it is typically the first time you have heard

about the story (event/report/etc).

This is what you thinkIn the April issue we directed you to a survey to comment on the BB Gazette and to tell us what you liked and what you wanted.

OBITUARIESWe pay tribute to BB members who have died during the last few months and thank God for their faithful service to the Brigade and church and their witness in the community.

LINDSAY GRAHAM, (76) joined the 1st Slieve Donard Company attached to Newcastle Presbyterian Church in 1943 and progressed through the ranks to Captain, serving as an officer for over 45 years. Lindsay continuously offered his support and help to the Company and Officers after his retirement in 2003. His enthusiasm and fun loving nature and his service to The Boys’ Brigade will be greatly missed, but his legacy within the 1st Slieve Donard Company will live on.

REV FRANK HAUGHTON, (97) served in the Church of Scotland for almost six decades. He was a boy in the BB in Irvine. He established the 5th Kirkintilloch Compay when he became minister of St Mary’s, Kirkintilloch in 1947. He became involved with the multi-denominational Action of Churches Together, thus improving relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the Kirk. To every ministry he was called he earned a

glowing testimonial for his conscientiousness, efficient organisational skills and enthusiasm he applied to everything he tackled. He was appointed Chaplain to Kirkintilloch High School and founded the local Rotary Club. He also served as convenor of Glasgow Presbytery’s maintenance of the ministry committee. He is survived by his elder son Frank and five grandchildren.

DR BRIAN M SPALDING LD. S. Eng. (86) served in the movement from boyhood. He joined the 6th East Surrey Company based at Parchmore Methodist Church and progressed through the ranks to be enrolled as an officer in 1945. He followed his father, who served the Battalion as its Treasurer and Vice president over many years. Brian contributed his administrative talents to the role of Secretary of Croydon Battalion from 1956-1969. He was also a member of The Boys’ Brigade Executive at national level. He was appointed Captain of the 6th Croydon Company from 1969 until 1976 and then again from 1995 until 2004 when the 6th Company finally closed down after nearly 80 years. Brian also found time to serve the BB at London District level in activities and development work. He

was appointed Vice President of Croydon Battalion in 1987 having contributed a life time of service with the Brigade at all levels. He was a good, honest and committed BB servant. Our sympathy goes to all the family.

JOHN ALEXANDER COTTRELL, (97) began in the Brigade as a Life Boy and progressed through the ranks, before becoming an Officer. He established the 7th Company at Oxford Street Methodist Church Whitley Bay. When he moved from the North East to Whitehaven in his role as General Secretary of the YMCA John became involved with the Whitehaven Company. His son and grandsons joined the BB. John is sadly missed by his family and friends.

HAZEL ARMSTRONG, (68) was recruited as an Anchor Boy Leader in the 1st Oswaldtwistle in 1983. She subsequently qualified as a Brigade Training Officer and became a very valued member of the District Queen’s Badge team. Hazel was a great example of Christian fortitude as she dealt courageously first with the death of her daughter in a car crash and then the death of her husband in 2011. Hazel leaves a son Paul and a host of friends to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.


HIS HONOUR REG LOCKETT (Age 79)

reg joined the life Boys in the 11th wigan Company – later designated 1st Bryn – at st. peter’s parish Church in 1941. he progressed through the various ranks to staff-sergeant and after university and national service was appointed a lieutenant in 1959.He served as a member of the North West District Executive 1961 – 1971 with a specialism for the Seniors Christian Leadership Courses and the Queen’s Badge Completion Courses.He served a term as President of Manchester Battalion from 1973 – 1977After service as District Vice-President 1971 – 1973, Reg was elected District President, a position he held for some 17 years. On his retirement 1990 he was appointed District Patron.He served The Brigade at National level from 1978, again his specialism was with Seniors through the KGVI courses at Felden Lodge and the Leadership of ‘Campus’ at

Durham in 1983, an International Seniors’ Gathering.Reg was appointed Brigade Vice-President in 1978, a position he held until 1999 when he was elected Brigade President. In this role he travelled extensively around the UK and the Republic of Ireland. At the time of his passing he was Brigade Honorary President UK and Republic of Ireland.

Reg’s Christian Service was not solely within The Brigade. He has served his Parish Church in varied roles; he was for some time an Organist and Choirmaster, and Licensed Reader for 43 years.In his professional life he had an exceptional career. As a solicitor in a small town practice he became one of first solicitors in the country to be elevated to the Judiciary in 1970, first as a District Judge, then Circuit Judge and ultimately Senior Circuit Judge and Honorary Recorder of the City of Preston.Reg was a source of great encouragement and inspiration to young people, and many will testify to taking their first steps in faith under his influence.Reg was happily married to Edna for some 54 years. They have one son John and daughter Alison, and four Grandchildren, to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.

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WANTED!Volunteers to help with BB

Companies in Central London from

Autumn 2013. Are you heading off

to London to study or work?

Do you know someone who is?

If so, please contact

[email protected]

for more information about

opportunities to help out

(as little or as much as you like)

with the BB in central London.

Your contributionsif you would like to contribute anything for future columns, please contact philip Daley,

the stedfast association, unit C1 nutgrove office park, nutgrove avenue, rathfarnham, Dublin 14 or email [email protected] or telephone +353 (1) 296 4622.

New

s •News • News

the federation’s annual Council meeting was held at the stillorgan park hotel, Dublin, over the weekend 10th – 12th may. among the attendance were representatives from Brighton & hove, Glasgow, london, manchester and the republic of ireland.Opening devotions took place on Saturday at South Hill Evangelical Church. The Service was conducted by Revd Denis Campbell, Minister of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Blackrock and a past Chaplain of the 22nd Dublin Company and Dublin Battalion.

Returning to the hotel, the Annual Council Meeting took place and during the meeting the following were confirmed to serve on the Management Committee for 2013.Chairman John NeilVice Chairman VacantHon Secretary Phillip StallardHon Treasurer Andrew PickersgillPublicity Philip DaleyEditor FedNews John CooperExtension Paul Juby

During the afternoon the group enjoyed a tour of the Wicklow Mountains, a visit to the famous Avoca store at Kilmacanogue, one of Ireland’s best retail & food experience and Bratacha 2013 a festival of flags and emblems, concluding in a parade with The Boys’ Brigade providing one of the many Colour Party.

On Saturday evening a Gala Dinner was enjoyed by the delegates along with members of the Republic of Ireland Association. Entertainment was provided by a small group from The Stedfast Band and the evening concluded with the Vesper Hymn.

The Glasgow Stedfast Association will host the 2014 Federation’s Annual Council Meeting and Fellowship Weekend from Friday, 16th May to Sunday, 18th May 2014 and we look forward to seeing many representatives from the various Associations attending.

Delegates attending the Annual Council Meeting


SMALL ADS

APPROVED CAMPSITESThe following sites have been officially approved, having met Guidelines laid down by the Brigade, and local Fire and Public Health Authorities.

AUCHENGILLAN OUTDOOR CENTRE offers a choice of camping areas and modern indoor accommodation in an unrivalled setting in the central Scottish Highlands near to Loch Lomond. Visiting groups can undertake an extensive range of challenging and adventurous activities (on and off-site) and there are lots of places of interest to visit close by. Free colour brochure available from Auchengillan Outdoor Centre, Blanefield, Stirlingshire G63 9AU. Tel: 01360 770256; Fax: 01360 771197; E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.auchengillan.com

FELDEN LODGE CAMPSITE 2014/2015 BB canvas campsite (operated by 10th Enfield) fully equipped for up to 70 (smaller camps welcome) at the BBUK HQ in Hertfordshire (from June to August). Contact Chris Norman on (t) 07703 571915 or (e) [email protected]

NORFOLK CAMPSITE 2014 BB canvas campsite (operated by 10th Enfield) fully equipped for up to 70 (smaller camps welcome) in West Runton (near Sheringham/Cromer). Contact Chris Norman on (t) 07703 571915 or (e) [email protected]

HONEYHILL CAMP (NW Kent Battalion) 12 acres Bearsted Maidstone. Open from Easter to October. Small and large camps welcome. Showers, toilets, building with large kitchen, sports facilities. Canvas for hire or bring your own. WEB SITE: Honeyhill.boys-brigade.org.uk. Contact Andy Foster Tel: 01622 871997 Mob: 07747 190394. Email: [email protected]

WEST MIDLAND DISTRICT CAMPING CENTRE, DYFFRYN ARDUDWY. The Boys’ Brigade Camping Centre at Dyffryn Ardudwy has available 3 camp sites all suitable for mixed camps. The largest main centre site caters for up to 90 people, has a fully equipped kitchen and dining area. Also provided is dormitory accommodation for 40 people and meeting room/Chapel. Ridge tents are provided on the adjacent 5 acre field which can also be used for sports. The 2 smaller 3 acre sites cater for up to 50 people and include individual kitchen and store with gas range, grill, instant hot water heater, fridge & freezer. Tents and marquee are supplied for each 3 acre site. All three sites have their own flush toilets, wash and shower facilities. Details from Jamie Copson 01905 480 955. Email: [email protected]: www.bbcamping.co.uk

VECTIS YOUTH CAMPS. Two beautiful campsites on the Isle of Wight with permanent kitchens, showers and toilets. Each site is self contained and is in easy reach of safe beaches and all the attractions of the Island. All tenting and equipment included. Prices from £53 per person per week. We are now taking bookings for weekend camps. Ideal for organised camps of between 25 and 250 people. Contact: Dettie Quirke. Tel: 07582 429929. Email: [email protected] Web: vectisyouthcamps.org

GLENGARRY CAMP 2013/14, Chideock, Dorset 2013/14, Chideock, Dorset (near Lyme Regis). Fully equipped approved BB site 10 minutes from beach. Brick cookhouse, running hot and cold water, gas cookers and grills, chip fryer, fridge freezer etc. White canvas for 30+ including 40’ x 20’ marquee. Nearby leisure centre with indoor pool 10 mins. Contact Mark 07973 267779 or email [email protected]

CRAGGAN, the Outdoor Centre of Edinburgh, Leith and District Battalion. Set in glorious countryside by Loch Tay, Perthshire. The Centre has disabled access, sleeps 30, is self-catering and is ideal for weekend and other camps. Well situated for outdoor and water activities with own canoes and jetty. Contact [email protected] or 0131 551 1200 ext 20.

COOPERS MEAD CAMPSITE, Whitecliff Bay, ISLE OF WIGHT. Traditional camping at its very best and at a reasonable cost! Weeks available for 2013, 2014 and beyond. Contact Ted Walliss on 01737 352732 or [email protected]

BROADLEAS, HAYTOR, DEVON. Self catering accommodation for 30, plus 2 staff bedrooms that will sleep 5. Two shower rooms, fully equipped kitchen and dining area. Camping facilities for up to 55. Tentage provided. Fully equipped kitchen, dining hall, showers and toilets. Outdoor swimming pool and large hall. Tel: Diana Dale 01452 615072. http://broadleas.boys-brigade.org.uk Email: [email protected]

‘CAMP AUGUST 2013 AND AUGUST 2014. Popular BB approved campsite at FRESHWATER, ISLE OF WIGHT. Fully equipped for approximately up to 60 people, canvas tents/marquee, flush toilets, mains gas/electric cooking, electric fridges, freezer and lighting. Close to safe sandy beaches and leisure centre. Minimum charge 20 campers. For free information pack and further enquiries contact John Osborn email: [email protected] Website: www.freshwatertrust.com Contact Tel no. 07796 177795

SWANAGE, DORSET Booking now for 2014, (3 weeks available). Fully equipped site run by Basildon & District camping Group since 1983. Close to Swanage town centre & sandy beaches. Well maintained facilities and canvas, gas, electricity via generator and flush loos. For joint/single camps from 35 upwards to 100 Brochure: Steve Nice, 29 Botelers, Basildon, Essex, SS16 5SD. Tel 01268 545907. Email: [email protected] – see the facilities on our website at www.bdcg.org.uk

CAMPING/HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES BLACKPOOL AREA. Self-catering accommodation. (1) Accommodation for 44 in comfort. 4 single bedrooms for staff. 2 shower rooms, bedding and crockery provided. Fully equipped kitchen. (2) Small Party Unit for 16 persons, including 2 staff rooms. Fully equipped as above. Both accommodation blocks are disabled friendly. (3) Camp site with camp kitchen/dining room, shower and toilet facilities. The complex includes a large sports hall with climbing wall and sports field. Archery/Climbing sessions available. Quiet situation near Kirkham, a market town on the Fylde Coast. Within easy reach of Theme Parks and Lake District. For brochure contact: The Warden, The Boys’ Brigade, Carr Lane, Treales, Kirkham, PR4 3SS. Tel: 01772-685000 email: [email protected] website: www.bb-northwest.org.uk

ROCK UK ADVENTURE CENTRES. Bring your Company/Battalion to one of our spacious adventure centres and be prepared to bring out your adventurous side. Carroty Wood (Kent), Frontier Centre (Northants), Summit Centre (South Wales) and Whithaugh Park (Scottish Borders). For more information go to www.rockuk.org email us quoting ‘BBG’ to [email protected] Tel: 0844 8000 222

SOUTHERN SCOTLAND. Spacious Edwardian house in its own grounds within the lovely town of Moffat. Rent the Well Road Centre for a self-catering conference/ activity weekend/week. Open all year. Two meeting/ activity rooms. Large kitchen and dining room. 13 comfortable bedrooms of various sizes. Indoor sports hall. The beautiful Moffat hills for hiking/orienteering. Suitable for groups of 20 to 65 in number. Only your group in occupation during your stay. For brochure contact: Well Road Centre, Moffat DG10 9JT. Tel: 01683 221040 or website: www.wellroadcentre.co.uk

GREENMOOR CENTRE, SS35 7DX. Sheffield & District Battalion’s self-catering Centre. Sleeps 28 (3 dormitories, separate 2-staff bedroom and 2-staff/disabled bedroom). Toilets, showers and fully fitted kitchen. Internet access available. In Upper Don Valley, north of Sheffield on edge of Peak District National Park, within easy reach of M1. Grid ref SK280994. Contact Sue Cowie 01246-274021, email [email protected]

CAMP 2014 – STOKE GABRIEL, SOUTH DEVON. Come and camp in our fully equipped white canvas next to farm/holiday park near Paignton. Shop/telephone and showers on Holiday Park. Many local attractions. Please enquire to Clive Gordon 0121 422 0042 / 0771 876 1150. Email [email protected] More info/campsite photos on website http://3warley.boys-brigade.org.uk

CAMPING IN NORTH WALES, DYFFRYN ARDUDWY, NEAR BARMOUTH. Site is fully equipped for 30 to 60 plus people; suitable for mixed groups; flush toilets and showers; calor gas cooking and fully equipped kitchen and dining hall; caravan provided on site. Site not far from the sea; available early July to September every year. Apply for details to D K Jones, 2 Edinburgh Avenue, Caergwrle, Wrexham, Flintshire, North Wales, LL12 9LT. Telephone 01978 761105

EXMOUTH, DEVON. BB fully equipped canvas camp for 100 people, over 13 acres. Smaller camps welcome (operated by Gloucestershire Battalion). Own canvas use also available. Five minute walk to the beach and walking distance to town. Toilet and shower block on site. Contact Diana Dale on 01452 615072. Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.youthcampsite.co.uk

THE ALBERT WILSON MEMORIAL FIELD, PRESTATYN, NORTH WALES. Split into two camping areas. Each field has a cookhouse, toilets and shower facilities. One field is suitable for smaller camps with people up to 36, and our main field with recently refurbished cookhouse has facilities for larger groups. The majority of groups using the facilities are accommodated in tents which are usually organised through the site manager. Chapel building for worship or indoor facilities. Visiting groups will find lots of great places nearby. Web: www.prestatyncampsite.co.uk Email: [email protected]

SWANAGE, DORSET. Excellent indoor accommodation available at Swanage Methodist Church, including showers, kitchen, youthroom, WIFI and All Age Sunday Worship. For information please contact Ralph Lewis – 01929 421767 / [email protected] / www.swanagemethodist.org.uk

ABERNETHY ADVENTURE CENTRES. Visit one of our 4 Outdoor Adventure Centres in Scotland with your Battalion / Company for an activity filled all inclusive weekend. Contact Karen Edmondson on 01479 818005 or e-mail [email protected] for a copy of our brochure. Visit the weekends section of our website for more information www.abernethy.org.uk

GLASSHOUSES MILL. In beautiful Nidderdale near Harrogate, hostel accommodation for 40. Access to sheltered lake and Yorkshire Dales. Close to Ripon and Flamingo land. Weeks still available for summer 2013. For details www.themillactivitycentre.org.uk. Ring David Barnes 07748-214786 for more details.

CHRISTIAN MOUNTAIN CENTRE, NORTH WALES. We are able to provide residential accommodation or just activities to support your BB camp. You can try anything from archery to rock climbing to paddleboarding to gorge walking (a BB favourite). Ideally situated on the coast near Dyffryn Ardudwy. For more information check out www.cmcpensarn.org.uk or contact us at [email protected] or on 01341 241718

MISCELLANEOUSWANTED, brass band players, both male and female are more than welcome, who wish to join the London District Stedfast Association Brass Band. For further details contact the Secretary, Mike Ford on [email protected] or on home phone 0208 464 0689 (answerphone if no reply) or mobile 07854 472171

FOR SALE2 x 14ft x 8 ft x 8 ft Green Ridge Tents (1 light and 1 dark). Only used on an annual basis and in very good condition. Collection from Erith, Kent. £75.00 per tent, to include canvas, poles and main guys only. Any enquiries to Malcolm Smith 07947 454563 or email [email protected]

Small Advertisements Copy to BBHQ, Felden Lodge, Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP3 0BL. The Boys’ Brigade takes no responsibility for statements made in any advertisements here or elsewhere in the BB Gazette. Advertisements for the October 2013 issue should be received not later than 1st August 2013. The cost is 20p per word.


BB Supplies, Garcia Estate, Canterbury Road, Worthing, BN13 1BW Telephone: 08707 442 292 Fax: 08707 203 842Order online 24 hours a day through the Online Shop at http://shop.boys-brigade.org.ukAlso available at local depots around the UK (See Supplies Catalogue or Website for more details)

BB SUPPLIES

The following items are available from BB Supplies:

31 380 1 Membership Cards 2013/2014 NEW! ............................................................. £1.60 Pack of 10 membership cards for the 2013-2014 session.

31 381 1 Membership Cards 2013/2014 for Companies with Girls’ Association NEW! .... £1.60 Pack of 10 membership cards for the 2013-2014 session for those Companies working with boys and girls.

11 682 1 Mousemat ......................................................................................................... £3.00 Mousemat featuring the BB ‘adventure begins here’ logo. The mousemat is a genuine ‘Brite Mat’ with non slip backing and non-reflective surface .

11 210 1 Carabiner Keyring ............................................................................................ £3.00 Carabiner Keyring featuring the BB ‘adventure begins here’ logo.

11 204 1 Bag 4 Life .......................................................................................................... £4.50 Cotton shopping bag (environmentally friendly cotton) with the BB ‘adventure begins here’ logo.

11 213 1 Insulated Travel Mug ....................................................................................... £4.50 Blue insulated travel mug featuring the BB ‘adventure begins here’ logo.

Centenary of The King’s Badge A number of celebratory items are available to purchase from BB Supplies.

11 233 1 King’s Badge Centenary Badge ..................................................................... £2.00 Souvenir badge featuring the King’s Badge Centenary logo in chrome finish

11 234 1 King’s Badge Centenary Paperweight ......................................................... £15.00 Oval glass paperweight featuring the King’s Badge Centenary logo in a gift box

11 235 1 King’s Badge Centenary Tie ......................................................................... £13.00 Navy Blue tie featuring the King’s Badge Centenary logo in gold and shadow imprints

HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee The following items from the range to commemorate HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee are now reduced to clear (whilst stocks last).

11 215 1 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pencil .................................... was £0.50 ... now £0.25 Blue Pencil with eraser featuring special BB commemorative design.

11 216 1 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Spring Pen ............................ was £1.80 ... now £0.90 Blue stylish pen featuring the special BB commemorative design.

11 217 1 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee ‘Windsor’ Mug ..................... was £8.00 ... now £4.00 White fine bone china mug featuring the special BB commemorative design.

11 219 1 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Paperweight ...................... was £15.00 ... now £7.50 Glass paperweight featuring the special BB commemorative Jubilee design (on 2 sides) in a presentation box.

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