April 2010 - The Boys' Brigade

The Boys’ Brigade
Patron: H.M. The Queen
President: Professor Sir Kenneth
Calman KCB
Brigade Secretary: Steve Dickinson
Headquarters: Felden Lodge,
Felden, Hemel Hempstead,
Hertfordshire HP3 0BL
Tel 01442 231681; Fax 01442 235391;
Email: enquiries@boys-brigade.org.uk;
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.
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EDITORIAL
Change, for the Kingdom’s sake
I was very interested to read the address of the Rev’d David Gamble,
President of the Methodist Conference, to the General Synod of the Church of England.
In the address the President stated that the Methodist Church was willing to cease to be
a separate denomination if the cause of mission was better served by so doing. “We are
prepared to go out of existence not because we are declining or failing in mission, but for
the sake of mission. In other words we are prepared to be changed and even to cease
having a separate existence as a Church if that will serve the needs of the Kingdom.” It is
difficult to disagree with such a statement in principle as it centres on the core mission
of the church and not on the practices that have arisen. Such a challenge is especially
appropriate as we approach Easter and we each confront the trappings and practices
that have arisen in our own lives that hinder us in our daily walk with God.
For Christmas I was given one of those “100 things you must do before you die” books. I
wasn’t sure whether the motivation of the giver was to encourage me to try out a few more
adventurous activities or to state that, you’d better get on with this as you’re getting on a bit.
I will, after all, have reached one of those significant birthdays by the time this reaches you.
Over the weekend I have tried out an activity I had not done before. On Friday evening
and Saturday I was bag-packing at the local Tesco with the Seniors who are going on a
school building project to Jamaica in the summer. It was, to say the least, an interesting
experience and it was good to see the young men explain what they were doing and the
positive response from members of the public. These Seniors are the final group who
were in the Company Section when I stepped down as Captain and attended my final
camp as 12/13 year olds in 2005.
Boys of 2005 have grown into young men of 2010 and it is always a privilege to be with
them. But, what has this to do with Rev’d Gamble’s challenge? Assisting young people
with exploration of faith is our core mission. What opportunities have I, the BB and the
church missed over these past years to share our faith and explain its meaning in our
lives with these young men and what have I allowed to simply get in the way? As Easter
approaches, am I prepared to be changed if that will serve the needs of the Kingdom?
Steve Dickinson
PS. I would recommend bag-packing – the group raised over £1100 towards their venture.
Steve Dickinson
Editorial Team
Mary Care, Steve Dickinson, Chris
Norman, Jan Williamson
Submission of copy
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publication in the next issue of BB
Gazette should be addressed to the
Editor at Brigade Headquarters to
arrive by 1st May 2010.
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38 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette April 2010
Diary Dates
Northern Ireland
1 April CS Golf Competition
13 April Entries due : CS Rugby 7-a-side
(Junior & Senior)
16-18 April Expedition & Outdoor Leadership
19 April Closing Date for JS Activity Weekend
24 April CS 7-a-side Rugby Competition
(Junior & Senior)
1 May National Competition Final : Badminton
(N Ireland)
7-9 May JS Boy Activity Weekend
15 May Vaulting & Gymnastics Part 2
10 June NI District Annual General Meeting
(Rathmore House)
18-20 May BTO Training Part 2 (Completion)
17-23 July KGVI Leadership Training
Scotland
7-9 May Expedition Leadership – Training & Assessment
- Carronvale
8/9 May Practical First Aid Course - Carronvale
21–23 May Seniors’ & Young Officers’ Adventure Weekend
– Craggan Outdoor Centre
16–21 June Duke of Edinburgh Open Gold Expedition
29-30 June Seniors’ & Young Officers’ trip to the
Heart of Europe
19–25 July Seniors’ & Young Officers’ Adventure at Sea
24-31 July Company Section Squad Drill Competition,
Dublin
31–7 Aug KGVI Leadership Training
England
10 April National Chess Finals, Kirkham
28 April Engage a Generation Conference – London
28-31 May Firm Foundations – Felden
23 June Engage a Generation Conference
– West Midlands
31-6 Aug KGVI Leadership Training
Wales
10 April Basic First Aid Course
16-18 April Home Nations Football Event
25 April Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Practice Walk
15/16 May Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Qualifier
23 May Company 5-a-side Football
12 June Anchors’ Fun Day @ Amelia Trust Farm
Republic Of Ireland
8 April Training & Activities Committee, Dublin
10 April Five-A-Side Football Fun Day, Dublin
11 April Northern Region Service, Killeshandra
14 April Midlands Region Leaders Meeting, Athy
18 April Midlands Region Service, Edenderry
21 April Northern Region Leaders Meeting, Cavan
25 April South East Regional Service, Baltinglass
26 April South East Region Leaders Meeting, Bunclody
8 May Anchors Fun Day, Dublin
10 May Regional/Executive Meeting, Dublin
22 May Sports Day, Cavan
29 May Junior Section Activity Day, Co Wicklow
10 June Regional Annual Council Meeting, Dublin
12 June Football Blitz, Bunclody