October 2006 - The Boys' Brigade

The official quarterly journal of The Boys’ Brigade 

In this issue: 

> Crossover 

> Cameroon 2006 

> KGVI 

PLUS: Publicity & Recruitment poster 

VOLUME 114 No. 4 • October 2006

R 

The Boys’ Brigade 

Patron: H.M. The Queen 

President: The Very Revd Professor 

Alan Main, TD MA STM PhD 

Brigade Secretary: Steve Dickinson 

“Let the children 

come to me, for the 

kingdom of heaven 

belongs to them” 

Matthew Chapter 19, verse 14 

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 

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. 

Published by Terry Ingham for the BB 

Printed by APG 9, Mitcham Ind. Est., 

Streatham Rd, Mitcham, Surrey CR4 2AP 

Tel 020 8239 4100; Fax 020 8239 4120 

Design by Twenty-Five Educational, 

Tel 0151 632 1657; sales@base25.com 

Editorial Team 

Mary Care, Steve Dickinson, Chris 

Norman, 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 November 1st 2006. 

Small Advertisements 

Small Advertisements should be sent 

to BB Headquarters; 

e-mail: gazette@boys-brigade.org.uk 

Display Advertisements 

Enquiries regarding display advertising 

space should be addressed to Chris 

Norman, Tel 01442 231681; Fax 01442 

235391; Email: enquiries@boysbrigade.org.uk; 

Website: www.boysbrigade.org.uk

Contents 

Special Features 

Brigade Council 2006 ............98 

Engage a Generation ..........104 

Commendations..................109 

Crossover..............................110 

KGVI ....................................120 

NW District Display ............124 

Athletics Championships ....125 

Samaritan’s Purse ................127 

Jamaica 2006 ......................128 

Trip to Cameroon ................129 

Regular Features 

Brigade Announcements ....100 

Here and There ..................106 

Programme Review................111 

Chaplain’s Corner ................119 

Stedfast Association ............119 

Around Scotland ..................122 

Company Spotlight ..............123 

Global Fellowship ................126 

Obituaries ............................130 

Small ads ..............................131 

Editorial 

The Boys’ Brigade – 

The adventure begins here 

I am always conscious of the immense 

privilege it is to serve as Brigade 

Secretary and it is a real delight to be 

able to meet many of the young people 

who are taking up leadership positions 

within our Companies. In summer I was 

fortunate to be able to share with cadets 

on KGVI courses around the regions 

and was impressed greatly not only by 

their commitment to the movement, but 

also by their enthusiasm, their passion 

and their overriding desire to share their 

faith with those in their Companies. If 

your Company has not considered 

sending young leaders to KGVI then I 

urge you to think again, the investment 

will be well rewarded. 

Further in the Gazette you will read 

about overseas opportunities 

undertaken by two groups of young 

men whom I had the opportunity to 

accompany. In Cameroon two of our 

young men met with boys and leaders 

to find out about the BB there and how 

Companies in the UK might be able to 

support them. There were many 

difficulties in arranging visas, 

insurances, and inoculations etc. but 

these paled into insignificance at the 

warmth of the welcome. In Jamaica, the 

Seniors of the 7 th Northampton & 17 th 

Nottingham Companies worked on a 

project to build a school for one of the 

poorest communities. Friendships were 

forged, real concern for the 

disadvantaged fostered and lives 

enriched. 

All of these occasions have emphasised 

to me the spirit of The Boys’ Brigade 

and the real sense of family that exists 

irrespective of the physical distances 

between us. A family that looks out for 

each other and goes the extra mile. For 

some of our young people they will not 

experience that sense of belonging 

anywhere else and we need to be 

mindful of the responsibility that is 

ours. 

As the new session begins I wish you 

every blessing for the times that lie 

ahead – The adventure has truly begun. 

Steve Dickinson 

VOLUME 114 No. 4 • October 2006 • page 97

Brigade Council Report 2006 Brigade Council Report 2006 

There was a Welcome… 

in Cardiff Bay for Brigade Council 2006 

MANY OF THOSE ATTENDING 

COUNCIL set aside a few extra 

days to explore the many 

attractions of Cardiff, particularly along 

the modern dynamic waterfront of 

Cardiff Bay, in which Council was held. 

Accommodation was in the Future Inns, 

which was easy to find as the hotel 

towered above most landmarks. Young 

people had their own accommodation 

in the Urdd Centre. The number of 

registrations was up on last year, no 

doubt partly due to the business on the 

agenda and also the very attractive 

setting of Council. 

The weekend got off to a good start on 

Friday with a Reception at the 

impressive new Welsh Assembly 

building at the Senedd. While admiring 

the architecture or sitting in comfortable 

chairs, guests were entertained by the 

Cardiff Male Voice Choir, which echoed 

through the large reception area. A 

warm welcome to Council members was 

given by David Aubrey QC, President of 

Wales District and the Minister for 

Welsh Culture, Councillor Carwyn 

Jones AM. The Brigade President in his 

response thanked all those who had 

contributed to the organising of council 

and wished all well for a positive and 

inspiring weekend. To conclude the 

evening, 51 st Birmingham BB and 35 th 

Birmingham GB band entertained us 

against a backdrop of twinkling 

lights in the Bay. 

On Saturday morning we were greeted 

by the sound of wind and rain bouncing 

fiercely off the window panes and so it 

continued for most of the day. 

Fortunately, there were minibuses to 

ferry people the short distance to the 

County Hall where the day’s 

proceedings were held. 

To start with guests huddled under the 

awning on the forecourt of the County 

Hall to witness the beginning of the 

relay carrying message from Cardiff to 

The Duke of Edinburgh at the Award 

General Council in the Edinburgh 

International Conference Centre in 

November, to mark the 50 th anniversary 

of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 

Scheme. 5 th Croydon Company Pipes 

and Drums Band played and the Brigade 

Chaplain, Revd T Wilson, prayed for the 

safe journey of the message and those 

carrying it. The Brigade President 

handed the message to Wales District 

representative, Rhys Davies of 21 st 

Cardiff and members of the band begin 

the first leg to the Brecon Beacons. The 

message will travel by different modes of 

transport to designated centres in 

England and Wales, onward through 

Scotland to be finally handed over to 

The Duke of Edinburgh. This will be a 

splendid achievement by 

the Brigade and 

thanks are due to many who organised 

the event. 

Day visitors swelled the numbers for the 

business meeting. Members of Council 

were welcomed to Cardiff by The Rt 

Hon The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, 

Councillor Gareth Neal and by John 

Winchester, Chairman of Wales 

Regional Committee and Brigade 

Executive member. 

In presenting the Annual Report John 

Young, MBE, Vice President portrayed 

how active the Brigade is in many 

different aspects. This included the 

ongoing work of the Development Plan, 

the improved service provided by 

Supplies since being outsourced, the 

plans for the Brigade’s 125 th anniversary, 

leadership and training work, including 

the MV Scheme, Disability Advice 

Network, Company Support Scheme, 

Engage a Generation, KGVI, Programme 

Review, progress by the Brigade’s 

Participation Worker and special events 

including Firm Foundations, Crossover, 

the Queen’s 80 th birthday celebrations. 

Most people were awaiting the outcome 

of the motions on the agenda. (Fuller 

details are contained elsewhere in this 

Gazette). 

Non-constitutional motion to amend 

the uniform regulations to permit, 

5th Croydon Company 

Pipes and Drums Duke 

of Edinburgh’s Baton 

Relay launch 

page 98 • VOLUME 114 No. 4 • October 2006

Brigade Council Report 2006 Brigade Council Report 2006 

where desired, the continuance of 

wearing haversack and jacket and white 

shirt with plain black tie in place of 

current uniform on ceremonial 

occasions. (The current boys’ uniform 

consisting of navy blue sweatshirt, blue 

polo shirt or navy shirt and BB tie 

became mandatory from 1 st September 

2006 to replace the above-mentioned 

uniform). The motion was lost with 

total votes For 113 and totals votes 

Against 290. 

Constitutional motion in the name of 

the Brigade Executive to open 

membership to girls, where it is the will 

of the company and the church or other 

body of which the company is part and 

where there is a need. There was also 

an amendment to the motion in the 

name of West Lothian Battalion, which 

was defeated. After a lengthy debate 

and a card vote, although the total 

number of votes For was larger than 

Against, the motion was lost because it 

failed to achieve a two-third majority, 

which is required for a constitutional 

motion. 

After lunch a number of lively 

presentations were made covering 

several Brigade initiatives. These 

included up to date reports on ‘Engage a 

Generation’, Company Support Scheme, 

Programme review, Participation of 

Young People. Tim Pratt, Chief 

Executive of Global Fellowship gave an 

interesting insight into the work of the 

Fellowship. He introduced Henry 

Angetile from Zambia and Theodore 

Brown from St Kitts, who gave brief 

outlines of the BB work in their 

countries. The challenges are how to 

address the issues of lack of leadership 

and training materials, a need to have 

their own regional offices and the desire 

to expand the work. The BB generally 

has these problems but set against 

poverty, lack of basic resources and HIV 

and AIDS being rife, particularly in 

Africa, it is another matter. 

Members were also challenged by work 

achieved by young BB members in this 

country. Stephen Cowden, 4 th 

Newtownabbey and Robert Botting, 1 st 

Woodley, gave a presentation of their 

recent visit to the BB in Cameroon, 

West Africa. Likewise, Andrew Wade, 

Adam King and Malcolm Semenytsh of 

the 7 th Northampton and 17 th 

Nottingham spoke of their trip to 

Jamaica where they helped refurbish a 

local school by building a class room 

and clearing a playground. 

Mr John Young, MBE, made a 

presentation to Mary Care, BEM, paying 

tribute to her 40 years of service to the 

Brigade as a member of HQ staff. Mary 

has recently retired as Assistant to the 

Brigade Secretary. 

Before finishing with this year’s Council, 

we were invited to Brigade Council 

2007. Michael Elliott, Chairman of 

England Committee, gave us an enticing 

and amusing invitation to Bradford next 

year. 

Business over, everyone enjoyed a 

relaxing evening of Welsh 

entertainment. During the courses of an 

excellent meal we were entertained by 

the very talented Castle Singers, who 

performed a selection of traditional 

Welsh and modern songs accompanied 

by the beautiful tones of a Welsh harp. 

This was much appreciated by all 

present and the Castle Singers did not 

get away without encores. The rain had 

stopped and some enjoyed a leisurely 

walk back to the hotel. 

Sunday morning service was held at 

County Hall. Nigel James and Revival 

Cymru led an inspiring service 

challenging all leaders present on how 

our faith can be passed on to the next 

generation. 

This year young people were invited 

and they stayed in the Urdd Centre and 

had their own programme for the 

weekend. As well as attending the 

Council meeting there was ten pin 

bowling and time to look at the 

opportunities available to young people 

in the BB today. 

And so another Council bites the dust. 

Tribute must be paid to Wales District 

for the excellent organisation. An 

efficient team of Welsh members 

worked tirelessly, beforehand and 

during the weekend to ensure all went 

smoothly and the comfort and care of 

the guests were uppermost. A big thank 

you to the organising committee, which 

in no small way contributed to the 

success of Council 2006. We certainly 

received a welcome, if not in the 

hillsides, certainly in the Bay. 


Brigade announcements Brigade announcements 

BRIGADE EXECUTIVE 

The following have been elected to the 

Brigade Executive for the session 2006/07: 

England: Messrs R Baker, J Eales, M 

Elliott, Revd Dr R Reid 

N Ireland: Mr T W P Donaldson, Miss S 

Mackey, Revd T McCormick, Mr J 

Thornberry 

Republic of Ireland: Mr R L Buttimer 

Scotland: Messrs A Joss, A McIntosh, D 

Richmond, L Stein 

Wales: Mr J Winchester 

Under 26: Mr M Baron 

REGIONAL COMMITTEES 

England: Ms G Archer (Eastern); Mr J 

Eales (South Midlands); Mr M Elliott 

(North Midlands); Mr J Goodbody 

(West of England and CI); Mr A 

Pannell (London) Mr C Preston 

(Yorkshire & Humberside); Revd Dr R 

Reid (North West); Mr N Thompson 

(North of England); Mr R Vogel 

(Southern); Mr D While (West 

Midlands). 

Northern Ireland: Rev T McCormick, 

Mr T.W.P. Donaldson, Mr M Murdock, 

Mr H Patton, Mr M Currie, Mr F 

Picton, Mr D Montgomery, Mr D 

Thompson, Mr P Ballentine, Mr D 

Doggart, Mr T Dundee, Mr D Smyth, 

Mrs I Lowry, Mr P McCarroll, Miss S 

Mackey, Mr N Clingan, Mr J 

Thornberry, Mr T McMurray, Mr I 

Sampson, Mr B Andrews and Miss C 

Edmondson. 

Republic of Ireland: Miss E Armstrong, 

Mr R L Buttimer, Mr P Daley Mr M 

Denner, Mr W Galloway, Mr A 

Thackaberry, Mr A Vincent. 

Scotland: Mr A Joss (Mid-Scottish); Mr 

R Kyle (Glasgow); Mr A McIntosh 

(North Scottish); Mr D Richmond 

(West Lowland); Mr D Sneddon 

(Lanarkshire); Mr L Stein (East 

Lowland). 

Wales: Mr J Boase and Mrs C Pasley 

(Cardiff & Vale of Glamorgan); Mr A 

Barley and Mr C Smith (Newport and 

Gwent); Nr N Pybus (North Wales); Mr 

J Winchester (South & West Wales). 

BRIGADE STAFF 

Following nineteen years of loyal service 

to the Brigade, Mr Martyn Waters is to 

take up a new position with Thames 

Valley Probation Service from October 

2 nd . Martyn has served as Field Officer 

for Wales, Regional Director for England 

and Wales and more recently as Director 

of Programmes. The whole Brigade 

wishes Martyn well as he takes on new 

challenges and is grateful for the 

dedication to the movement he has 

shown. 

Ms Jan Williamson has commenced her 

position as Personal Assistant to the 

Brigade Secretary based at Felden 

Lodge. Again, the Brigade wishes Jan 

well as she takes up this role. 

In July Miss Margaret Bannatyne, 

Training & Development Support Staff 

at Carronvale House completed 40 

years’ service with the Brigade. We are 

grateful for Margaret’s loyalty and 

commitment. 

Following an overview of the work 

carried out by Headquarters, there has 

been a redesignation of roles and 

functions at Felden Lodge. Ms Karen 

Jay’s new title will be Children’s & Youth 

Work Policy Director. Her role will 

include oversight of the Brigade’s 

Training Policy and Safeguarding Policy 

as well as work relating to the 

implementation of nationally recognised 

youthwork standards and quality 

assurance. The Brigade will be 

appointing a Business Director with 

responsibility for national functions 

relating to membership, funding, 

property, supplies’ contracts and 

insurance. Whilst there will be overlap, 

the division of our HQ work into 

business and children’s & youth work 

will enable there to be clear lines of 

responsibility. 

From 1 st September, Mr Eric Hudson 

has been appointed Director of England 

Region. Eric will continue to be based 

at, The Boys’ Brigade, Unit A2, Croft 

Head Industrial Park, Croft Head, 

Skelmanthorpe, Huddersfield, HD8 9EB 

(0870 092 0174). The Brigade wishes 

Eric well as he takes on these new 

responsibilities. 

Republic of Ireland 

The Republic of Ireland District are 

delighted to announce the appointment 

of Mr Philip Daley as National Director 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF 

BRIGADE EXECUTIVE 

This is a summary of the main items 

covered at the meeting held in Cardiff 

during the Brigade Council weekend 

1-3 rd September 2006. 

New members were welcomed: 

Mr R Baker, England 

Brigade Office Bearers were reelected: 

Brigade President: The Very Revd 

Professor Alan Main, TD MA 

Vice Presidents: Mr J Young MBE, Mr N 

Batty, Mr C Row. Mr J Young was elected 

as Chairman of the Executive. 

Brigade Treasurer: Mr J T H Williams 

Brigade Chaplain: The Revd T H Wilson 

The Executuive approved the 

appointment of Messrs Whiting & 

Partners as the Brigade’s Auditors for 

session 2006-07. The accounts for the 

year ended 31.03.06 were received and 

would be presented to Council on 2 nd 

September. 

Other matters referred to in a meeting of 

the Brigade Executive following the 

Annual General Meeting included: 

• The Executive agreed an amendment 

in regulations regarding the renewal 

of Holiday Leadership Certificates 

(see separate announcement). 

• The Executive agreed in principle to 

a proposal from West Midlands 

District to have a garden at the 

National Memorial Arboretum. 

• The Executive received a report on 

the Programme Review for Company 

Section and Seniors. 

Change in regulation to Holiday 

Leadership Certificates 

The Executive agreed that the 

requirements for the renewal of the 

Holiday Leadership Certificate be 

brought into line with those already in 

place for Camp Craft Certificate. 

Current regulations 

Duration and Renewal of Holiday 


Holiday Leadership certificates last for a 

period of five years and can be extended 

by further periods of five years by 

undertaking appropriate re-training. 

New regulations 

Duration and Renewal of Holiday 


Holiday Leadership certificates last for a 

period of five years and can be extended 

by further periods of five years by 

individual officers submitting log sheets 

to the appropriate Regional Headquarters 

giving brief details of holidays attended 

and the responsibilities they have 

undertaken. 

Those seeking renewal of their Holiday 

Leadership certificate by this method will 

need to undertake some responsibilities 

at least one holiday every five years. 

If no holiday is attended in the five year 

period, the certificate will lapse and the 

officer will need to attend a training 

course. Log sheets will be available from 

Regional Headquarters and will be 

included in the next re-print of the 

Leader Training Record file. Copies will 

also be available on the BB web site. 



UK Marching Band 

Championships 2007 

The UK Marching Band Championships 

will take place on Saturday 2 nd June 2007 

at Northwood Stadium, Hanley, near 

Stoke on Trent. It is run jointly with The 

Girls’ Brigade (England and Wales) and is 

open to BB and GB bands. The event 

includes the following categories: 

Indoor Event – Beginners: for bands 

with little or no previous experience of 

competitions. Novice: for bands with 

more experience. Open: for all 

comers. Contest: for those with more 

advanced musical arrangements and 

an attractive ‘display’. Championships: 

for bands performing at a higher level. 

Outdoor Event – Cadet Class: for bands 

with some experience of competition. 

Open Class: for experienced bands. 

Individual competitions: Drum, 

Bugle, Valved wind instruments (e.g. 

trumpets). 

Details of the event, entry forms and a 

copy of the regulations are available 

from Brigade Headquarters, 01442 

231681 or email: enquiries@boysbrigade.org.uk 

The organisers are 

looking for people to help on the day. 

The steering group is also keen to 

involve more young people aged 

between 16 and 25 in the planning and 

delivery of this event. 

Motions to Brigade Council 

The results of the motions proposed at 

Brigade Council on 2 nd September 2006 

are as follows: 

A non constitutional motion in the 

name of the following 5 officers: 

P Hern 1st Malvern, W R Inglis 45th 

Glasgow, H E Harrison 11th 

Northampton, D Allan 2nd Alton, G 

Taggart 25th Belfast 

That the Uniform Regulations current 

from 1 September 2006 shall be 

amended as follows: 

Add to 3: 

On ceremonial occasions, at the option of 

the relevant officer and by those in 

possession, a white haversack may be 

worn over the right shoulder and under 

the belt, which may alternatively be 

brown with brass Boys’ Brigade buckle; in 

addition a dark blue or black jacket and a 

plain white shirt, with a plain black tie in 

place of the BB tie, may be worn in place 

of the navy blue sweatshirt, blue polo 

shirt or navy blue shirt detailed above. 

Add to 4: 

On ceremonial occasions, at the option 

of the relevant officer and by those in 

possession, a dark blue or black jacket 

and a plain white shirt, with a plain 

black tie in place of the BB tie, may be 

worn in place of the navy blue 

sweatshirt, blue polo shirt or navy blue 

shirt detailed above. 

Add to 5: 

On ceremonial occasions when jackets 

are worn by members as detailed above, 

and at the option of the relevant officer 

and by those in possession, officers may 

wear a plain dark jacket, to match their 

trousers / skirt; a plain white shirt, with 

a plain black tie in place of the BB tie 

will then be worn in place of the navy 

blue sweatshirt, white polo shirt 

detailed above. 

Votes Cast For Against 

Ordinary 45 103 

Proxy 37 56 

Postal 31 131 

TOTAL 113 290 

The motion was defeated 

Constitutional Motion in the name 

of the Brigade Executive 

It is proposed that Article 1 of the 

Brigade Constitution be deleted and 

replaced by the following: 

1a. The organisation shall be called 

‘The Boys’ Brigade’ (the ‘Brigade’). 

1b. Membership is open to Boys. 

Where it is the will of the Company 

and of the Church or other body of 

which the Company is a part, and 

where they have agreed a need, 

membership is also open to Girls. 

1c. With the exception of Articles 1a, 

36, 40, 43 and 44, where the 

context so admits, after the word 

‘Boy’ or ‘Boys’ shall be added the 

word ‘or Girl’ or ‘or Girls’. 

Proposed Amendment to the 

Constitutional Motion in the name of the 

Brigade Executive by West Lothian 

Battalion 

It is proposed that Article 1a, 1b and 1c 

of the Brigade Executive’s Constitutional 

Motion be amended by the following: 

1a. The organisation shall be called ‘The 

Boys’ Brigade’ (The Brigade) and shall 

consist of Boys’ Brigade Companies 

and Brigader Companies. 

1b. Membership of Boys’ Brigade 

Companies is open to Boys. Where 

it is the will of the Company and of 

the Church or other body of which 

the Company is a part, and where 

they have agreed a need, a 

Company may operate as a 

Brigader Company. Membership of 

Brigader Companies is open to 

Boys and Girls. 

1c. With the exception of Articles 1a, 

1b, 8f, 36, 40, 43 and 44 when 

reference is made to Boys this 

should be interpreted as members. 

If the above amendment to the Brigade 

Executive motion is passed it will be 

necessary to amend the following 

Constitution Articles. 

Therefore, it is proposed that 

Constitution Article 5 be deleted and 

substituted by the following: 

5. The age limits of members of the 

Brigade shall be as defined by the 

Regulations as to Age Limits. 

and: it is proposed that 

Constitution Article 8a be deleted 

and substituted by the following: 

8a. The Brigade shall be composed of 

Companies. Each Company shall 

divide its members into group on 

the basis of age. These groups shall 

be designated by category of 

membership. 

The amendment was taken first and the 

vote was as follows: 



Proxy 28 62 

Postal 26 134 

TOTAL 78 319 

The amendment was defeated and the 

motion in the name of the Brigade 

Executive became the substantive 

motion. 



Proxy 24 65 

Postal 102 62 

TOTAL 229 169 

The motion failed to reach the two 

thirds majority required for a 

constitutional motion and was defeated. 

CORRECTION 

In the July 2006 Gazette the winners of 

the Masterteam were listed as 6 th East 

Kilbride. It was in fact the 7 th East 

Kilbride and we apologise for any 

disappointment caused. 

Ayr Battalion Supplies Depot 

We apologise that the changed opening 

times for session 2006/07 shown below 

were not indicated in the supplies 

catalogue distributed in August. 

• SATURDAYS (10am-12.30pm) 

26/8/2006 – 19/05/2007 

• WEDNESDAYS (6.30pm-7.30pm) 

30/8/2006 – 1/11/2006; 

28/2/2007 – 16/05/2007 

Closed during Christmas Holidays and 

Easter Saturday. 



USE OF SEAT BELTS AND 

BOOSTER SEATS 

From September 2006, with few 

exceptions, children travelling in cars 

will be required to use an 

appropriate child restraint. This 

includes children being transported 

in leaders’ vehicles to/from BB 

events. In vehicles where seat belts 

are fitted, children aged 3 years to 

135 cm in height (or 12th birthday, 

whichever they reach first) MUST 

use the appropriate child restraint. 

Three exceptions allow these 

children to travel in the rear of a car 

and use an adult belt: 

• in a taxi, if the right child 

restraint is not available; 

• for a short distance in an 

unexpected necessity, if the right 

child restraint is not available, 

• where two occupied child seats in 

the rear prevent the fitment of a 

third child seat. 

[Note – children under 12 years in front 

seats must use the appropriate restraint – 

that is the law already.] 

“Child restraints” is the collective term 

in the seat belt wearing legislation for: 

• baby seats – rear-facing and for 

children up to 13 kg (approx age 

birth to 9-12 months); 

• child seats – forward facing and for 

children 9 kg to 18 kg (approx 9 

months to 4 years); 

• booster seats – for children 15 kg to 

25 kg (approx 4 to 6 years); 

• booster cushions – for children 6 

years and up. 

£30 fixed penalty notice for noncompliance. 

The maximum fine is £500. 

Passengers in minibuses, buses and 

coaches that have seatbelts fitted will 

also be required to wear those seatbelts, 

and operators will be required to notify 

passengers that seat belts must be used. 

• The use of booster seats is not a 

mandatory requirement in 

minibuses 

• Seat belt wearing is already 

compulsory in mini-buses. The 

driver is responsible for seat belt 

wearing by children under 14 

years 

• The new regulations will mean 

that seated passengers aged 3 

years and above will have to use 

seat belts where they are fitted in 

the larger buses and coaches. In 

vehicles over 16 seats, the driver 

is exempt from this responsibility 

because he cannot be expected to 

monitor seat belt wearing and 

drive safely at the same time 

• The driver or operator will be 

required to take reasonable steps 

to remind passengers of the need 

to wear seat belts including 

reminding them of this 

requirement at the beginning of 

the journey. Alternatively a sign 

that takes the form of a pictorial 

symbol (shown at the end of this 

article) depicting a white figure 

on a blue background should be 

displayed at each passenger seat. 

Further information at: www.childcarseats.org.uk or BBHQ 

Retirement of Mary Care BEM 

Brigade Council was the end of a 

chapter in my story with the BB over 

40 years. It culminated on the 

Saturday afternoon of Brigade 

Council in Wales and I could not 

have dreamed of a better ending. 

Since retiring at the end of May I 

have been overwhelmed by love and 

messages of goodwill. It certainly 

does not feel like 40 years since I 

started in Abbey House when in the 

winter we had to carry a bucket of 

coal up many flights of stairs to make 

a fire in a room I shared with David 

White, Junior Section Secretary, 

before we started the day’s work. 

I have been richly blessed in 

belonging to the BB family and count 

it a privilege to have made so many 

friends, whom I will always 

remember with affection. From the 

bottom of my heart I thank you for 

the wonderful gifts and letters I 

received at Brigade Council. I shall 

treasure the letters for ever. The BB 

will always be part of me, I believe in 

it, which is why it will never leave me. 

May you all continue with the 

wonderful work you are doing for 

God by serving your boys in your 

companies week after week. You 

have so much to give them. The boys 

need you and if you are faithful they 

will be too. With huge thanks for 

making my BB service so enjoyable 

and fulfilling. 

I am taking a host of memories with 

me and hope to keep in touch with 

the aches and pains and pleasures 

and successes of the BB for many 

years to come. 

Mary Care 

APPOINTMENT OF 

BUSINESS DIRECTOR 

Based at Brigade Headquarters, 

Felden Lodge 

Main responsibilities will include 

oversight of the following: 

Membership information; 

Brigade Contracts; 

Property; 

Funding; 

Insurance. 

For further details and an 

application form, please contact 

Ms Jan Williamson (PA to the 

Brigade Secretary) at Felden 

Lodge. 

Jan.Williamson@ 

boys-brigade.org.uk 

01442 231681 

Closing date for applications 

Friday 27th October 


International Junior Section Team Games 2005/06 

There were 228 entries into this 

years competition from around the 

world including Austrailia, 

Malaysia, Bahamas, Scotland, 

Republic of Ireland, Wales, 

Northern Ireland and England. The 

top ten were as follows: 

Full results can be found on the 

BBUK website at: www.boysbrigade.org.uk/ 

international/ 

1 5th East Durham, England (52 points) 

2 1st Caledon, Northern Ireland (64 points) 

3 10th North Suffolk, England (85 points) 

4 3rd Wallasey, England (88 points) 

5 19th Nottingham, England (102 points) 

6 1st Sittingbourne, England (121 points) 

7 18th South East Essex A, England (143 points) 

8 1st Saffron Walden, England (155 points) 

9 6th Grimsby B, England (157 points) 

10 1st Cranham, England (159 points) 

Robin Hood Knockout 

The Nottingham Battalion hosted the 

competition in May at the 

Powerleague Soccercentre in 

Nottingham for BB members. 

Eighteen teams from Ireland, 

Scotland and England took part. The 

Lord Mayor of Nottingham, 

Councillor Mohammed Munir 

presented the prizes. The BB in 

Nottingham was awarded £150 from 

The Co-operative Group’s 

Community Dividend Fund towards 

the cost of prizes, medals and 

trophies. Congratulations to all those 

who took part in a splendid day. 

Outdoor Under 14 5-a-side Football Competition 2006 

David Nunn Memorial Trophy 

and Robin Hood Knockout Competition: 

Winners Cup plus gold medals 2nd Sutton-in-Ashfield Company 

Runners-up silver medals 17th Nottingham Company 

Top Goal Scorer Trophy Robert Taylor, 17th Nottingham Company. 

Runner-up £5 gift voucher Callum Reid, 1st Viewpark Company 

(Glasgow) 

Best Sporting Team (Gascoine Cup) 3rd Hemel Hempstead Company 

Mini-League Competition Winners The Clifford Jones Memorial Trophy 

– 2nd Bedford Company. 

Over 200 competitors set out on 

the annual BB Cleveland Hike in 

June. Due to the fitness of the 

competitors and the competent 

map reading all teams finished. 

Ingleby Greenehowe was the 

starting point and the first teams 

set off at 7.30am after kit check and 

map reading test, with the rest 

following at short intervals. There 

were checkpoints along the way and 

when the weather turned hot and 

sunny the teams had to ensure they 

drank plenty of water and applied 

sun cream. 

Overnight camp was at Ingleby 

Greenhowe, the teams having 

completed a circle and were back 

where they started that morning. 

The later teams had to put tents up 

and eat meals in the rain that 

always falls on some part of hike 

weekends. The teams left on Sunday 

morning at 6 am in mist and damp, 

heading for Battersby Moor. After 

stops at Baysdale Junction and 

Castleton Bridge the competitors knew 

they were almost home. Finally, at 

Danby Village Hall supporters and hike 

staff were waiting to cheer them on. 

RESULTS 

12-19 winners: 

1st 

Hartlepool Battalion BB (A) Team 

2nd 4/5th Kilmarnock BB (A) Team 

Winners of the Veterans: 

1st 

1st West Kilbride BB (D) Team 

2nd WCD 

Expedition Team Winners: 

1st 

3rd Gateshead BB (A) Team 

2nd 2nd West Kilbride BB (A) Team 

A well earned hot meal was most 

welcome. The teams had covered 

approximately 33 miles. The prize 

giving ceremony was conducted by 

Tom Parkin, Cleveland Hike 

Chairman, and the awards and 

certificates were presented by the 

Director of Prestons of Potto and 

his wife. 


Engage a generation 

A Good Start 

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE BATTALION was 

asked if we would like to pilot a 

localised development campaign 

as part of the ‘Engage a Generation’ 

initiative. We had a real desire to be 

involved in the campaign and 

were delighted to be asked 

to move forward with 

this bold, proactive 

approach to 

developing the work 

of The Boys’ 

Brigade. In 

considering it, we 

felt there was a 

very clear process 

that we would 

need to follow to 

achieve our 

objectives. 

• Support from existing groups 

• Ideas and support from chaplains 

• Local Publicity 

• Research 

• Send churches information about the 

diversity of The Boys’ Brigade today 

• Contact to arrange a face to face 

meeting 

• Meet to promote the work of The 

Boys’ Brigade as relevant to their 

youth work 

We were aware of how important the 

support and encouragement of all our 

existing groups and volunteers would be 

to the success or failure of the pilot. We 

wanted everyone to know that whilst we 

were committed to exploring new 

groups and new ways of working, that 

was not to the neglect of our established 

groups. We also invited chaplains from 

existing companies to come to a 

conference and their input and 

constructive feedback was useful in 

moving forward. 

We realised we needed to ‘engage’ with 

the media and use it to our advantage as 

much as possible. By attracting press 

coverage for the project, through articles 

in local newspapers and through a 

broadcast on local BBC Radio, we were 

able to get some excellent exposure and 

the feedback we subsequently received 

highlighted the effectiveness of using 

local media. 

The purpose of our research was to 

establish a mailing list of churches, 

strategically chosen from a set of clear 

criteria: Churches where there had been 

a BB group in the past, where there was 

girls’ work but no boys’ group and 

finally, in areas of the county where the 

BB was under-represented. Once we had 

our list, packs were sent containing 

information, a DVD and a letter 

advising that we would be contacting 

them to discuss the possibility of 

meeting with them. However, key 

volunteers were needed to 

make these phone calls and 

some training was needed to 

prepare them for some of the questions 

or responses they might get. The 

purpose of the calls was to arrange a 

face to face meeting not to have the 

conversation on the phone! 


We were able to arrange six face to face 

meetings with church leaders from 

several different areas and 

denominations. A return of 10% on the 

packs we sent out, which we felt was 

successful. At the meetings we were able 

to share the strengths of The Boys’ 

Brigade in a very real way; our ability to 

reach young people who the church 

might have had difficulty; our resources, 

training and the support network; a 

national organisation with 123 years of 

experience working with children and 

young people. The meetings were the 

start of an on-going dialogue with the 

church leadership about their churches 

youth work and all were very positive. 

We are confident that we will have at 

least one new group starting next 

session in an area where the BB, 

historically, has never had any 

representation. 

The whole process was a great 

opportunity to break down any 

misconceptions ministers may have had 

about The Boys’ Brigade The process is 

still very much on-going but we are 

committed to it and we have made a 

good start! 

What would William 

Smith do 

IAM WRITING THIS ARTICLE the week 

before Brigade Council. By the 

time you read this, important 

decisions about our future will have 

been made. Over the past few weeks, 

many have been keen to share their 

views on these matters and this has 

prompted me to write as I do today. 

I remember my first BB Display as a 

thirteen year old awaiting the award 

of my first badges. I had learned the 

motto, object, basic facts about the 

Founder and had practised receiving 

awards. The Inspecting Officer was a 

Battalion Vice President and after 

presenting the awards and 

complimenting the Company, he then 

went on to tell this story: 

A visiting local preacher accompanied 

by his daughter was preaching at a 

chapel in the Yorkshire Dales. As he 

arrived he noticed in the porch a 

collecting box which was labelled, “For 

the visiting preacher’s expenses”. He put 

in 25p (I was thirteen a long time ago) 

and went on to take the service. As he 

was leaving the steward called him to 

one side and told him that there was 

always a collection for the preacher’s 

expenses. The steward opened the box 

and gave the preacher the contents – 

25p. The preacher didn’t comment, 

thanked the steward and went on his 

way. On his way home his daughter 

looked at him and said, “Dad, If you’d 

put more in, you’d have got more out.” 

The analogy was then made as is always 

the case on such occasions with BB life 

– the more you put in, the more you’ll 

get out. The Inspecting Officer then 

added that this is what the Founder 

would want us do. 

This was the first time that I had heard 

anyone state what William Smith 

thought or would think about the 

present day. Since that time and 

especially more recently I have 

met many people keen to espouse 

the mind of WAS. Interestingly 

the views expressed are often 

diametrically opposed; one 

person telling me that WAS 

would think one thing and 

another telling me the direct 

opposite. 

Often it seems that individuals 

use the spirit of WAS to 

promote their own views. 

I think we live with danger if 

we try to relate our reaction to 

the situations facing young 

people in the 21st century to 

that facing the Founder in the 

closing years of the Victorian 

era which undoubtedly 

influenced his thinking. 

When I am asked, “What 

would William Smith do 

today” I have to be honest 

and say I don’t know. But 

from my readings of the 

Founder’s own words I do 

know that he did indeed 

put more in, that he was 

deeply concerned for 

individuals, and that his 

sole motivation was his 

Christian Faith and his desire to share 

it. 

It is clear that the Founder created an 

organisation that was fit for purpose, 

that served its objectives and because 

of this was rapidly taken up by those 

facing the same challenges. We today 

need to ensure that The Boys’ Brigade 

is fit for purpose. This will mean going 

back to our basic core principles and 

from that defining the methods of 

delivery that are most effective. That 

doesn’t mean change for change sake, 

but a constant evaluation to ensure that 

we are giving our very best to the 

young people in our care. 

Isn’t that what Sir William would have 

wanted Or, have I fallen into the same 

trap 


Here and there Here and there 

Reach Out Awards 2006 

Big Birmingham 

Birthday 

Some members of 32nd Nottingham Company. 

The Reach out Awards 2006 recognise 

those who help others and were 

sponsored by the Nottingham Evening 

Post and BBC Radio Nottingham in 

association with Nottinghamshire 

County Council and Royal Mail. There 

were 10 categories and the 32 nd 

Nottingham Company was nominated 

for and won the ‘Children in the 

Community’ section, based on its 

involvement in the Emmanuel House 

Christmas Appeal 2005 where Junior 

Section members collected together 

boxes of toiletries and their 

sponsorship and maintenance of a 

community re-cycling unit for Broxtowe 

Borough Council. At a special 

ceremony at Nottinghamshire County 

Hall, the company was presented with 

a trophy, certificate and cheque for 

£100 together with various gifts from 

Radio Nottingham. The company is 

also involved in other charity fund 

raising throughout the session. 

Junior Section members Stuart Ash and 

Michael Walton of 73rd Birmingham 

Company presented a bouquet of flowers 

from the Company to Mrs Lilian Riley who 

celebrated her 100th birthday on 31st May 

2006. Mrs Riley started the Life Boy Team 

at Lyndon Methodist Church in 1939 at 

the outbreak of war. Her late husband 

founded the company in 1940. The 

company in its 67th year continues to 

flourish thanks to that initial vision and 

determination shown by Lilian and her 

husband. 

Beating Retreat 

Ten year old Errin Noland of the 1st 

Hillingdon Company wanted to take part in 

the Massed Bugle Band but was not tall 

enough to play a drum. It was decided that 

he could be drum major, which he did with 

smartness and aplomb. He must be the 

youngest ever drum major in the Brigade. 

This was part of the annual ceremony of the 

Beating Retreat by the massed bands of BB 

London District at the Royal Hospital, 

Chelsea. Other items included West London 

Gym Team, tent pitching demonstration, 

drill by 1st Enfield and Pipes and Drums of 

5th Croydon Company. 

Sports and Things 

This event was run in partnership with 

Edinburgh Presbytery for Anchor and 

Junior Section boys and Sunday school 

children 5-12 years at the newly 

refurbished Edinburgh, Leith and 

District Battalion HQ. One hundred 

children took part, which was formally 

opened by Mark Lazarowicz, MP for 

Edinburgh North and Leith, 

accompanied by Ms Anne Mulligan, 

Moderator for the Presbytery of 

Edinburgh and Mr James Ralston, 

Battalion President. Various outdoor 

sports were played and for the less 

sporty there were storytelling, circus 

skills and juggling and craft workshops. 

It is hoped this will be the first of many 

joint events with churches within the 

Battalion area. 

The ‘opening’ of 

Sports and Things. 



Irish/American Exchange 

Perranporth Camp 2006 

The 16 th Newtownabbey Company 

hosted 26 American young people and 

leaders for an evening in July. They 

were in N Ireland for three weeks on an 

EIL (‘Experiment in International 

Living’) Summer Abroad Programme. 

The company has been involved with 

this organisation for a number of years 

and has sent boys to Washington DC to 

be part of The Presidential Classroom 

Programme. The visitors were able to 

meet various community groups and 

the evening concluded with supper and 

fellowship. During their visit they also 

helped in summer schemes in the city 

and at the weekends enjoyed some 

sight seeing. It proved to be a very 

worthwhile project. 

The 8 th Plymouth hosted camp for the 

2 nd Chard and 1 st Havant & Leigh Park 

companies for an action packed week 

of activities in Perranporth, Cornwall. 

Thirty-six boys and officers from the 

three companies came together and 

made new friends while taking part in 

Quad Biking, Horse Riding, 

professional surfing lessons plus plenty 

of visits to the beach, which, of course, 

meant a sandcastle competition. 

London JS 

Bible Trophy 

The 2 nd West Kent (Blackheath) 

Company was pleased and honoured to 

receive the London District Junior 

Section Bible Trophy. The team 

consisted of JJ McWhinney, Thomas 

Dalton, Ivo Almond and Barnabas Pitts. 

They received the trophy at the London 

District Beating Retreat at Chelsea 

Hospital in July. 

JS Bible competition winners; Barnabas Pitts 

and Ivo Almond 

Congrats to camper 

Dougie Crowe, Lieutenant in 92 nd 

Belfast (and ex Captain) attended his 

50 th consecutive summer camp this 

year. He has left his stamp on 92 nd 

camps in many ways having acted in 

just about every role over that time 

from Cook to Captain (and both at the 

same time too!). This year was the 

company’s 58 th annual camp in 

Dawlish, Devon and it is due to men 

like Dougie that this important part of 

the company’s work continues. He was 

presented with a frame containing an 

old brass tilley lamp pump, a wooden 

peg and certificate outlining his 

achievement. 

Mid-Ulster Retirement 

Walter Mullen, a well known figure in 

the BB in Northern Ireland has retired. 

He was captain of 1 st Stewartstown 

Company but is widely known for his 

work and dedication to the BB in the 

Mid-Ulster area and throughout the 

Province. Walter became an officer in 

1 st Stewartstown Company in 1954 and 

in 1997 was appointed Captain. He has 

made a considerable contribution to 

the Mid-Ulster Battalion, as a member 

of the Battalion Executive for 30 years, 

Battalion President on two separate 

occasions and has organised a variety 

of events and competitions. Walter has 

attended 53 Battalion camps and has 

been heavily involved in organising 

most of them. His wife, Jennifer, has 

been working side by side with him and 

at the Company Display in March, 

Walter and Jennifer received gifts to 

mark their involvement in the Company 

for 56 years. 

Roland Millar (CS), Jim Sinclair (Company 

President), Revd K Hall (Chaplain), Walter 

Mullan, Philip Hull (AB), David Adams 

(new Captain), Matthew Millar (JS), 

Jennifer Mullan. 



Queen’s Badge Presentations 

1st Largs – Steven Aitken and Craig 

McLoughlin with their badges. Since 

receiving their awards, Steven has been 

accepted to work with children at Camp 

America and Craig has won a scholarship 

to play golf in America. 

1st Castlederg – (l to r) Jonathan Marshall 

(mother Anne), Adam Crockett (mother 

Isobel), Alan Lowry (mother Charlotte), 

Graham Lecky (mother Isobel) and 

William Sproule (mother Valerie). 

Aberdeen & District Battalion – Annual 

presentation held at BBHQ in Aberdeen. 

The Queensmen received their certificates 

from Mr Willie Miller of Aberdeen Football 

Club. 

1st St Combs – Sarg Euan Alexander receiving QB from Mr A Brodie, Buchan Vice- 

President and (right) Sarg Bruce Buchan. 

7th Birmingham – Ian Sherwin and Luke 

Bates with the Brigade Secretary. 

MV Presentations 

Trip to Wales 

Eric Hudson, MV Project Manager and 

Michael Elliott with head of St Paul’s 

Catholic School in Leicester and some of the 

MV’s from year 13 at the presentation at 

their leaving celebration. 

Michael Elliott, Chairman England 

Committee with award recipients at the 

BB/GB presentation in Birmingham. 

Members of the 3rd Wolverhampton Company leave their mark during a trip to Wales. 


Commendations Commendations 

PRESIDENT’S COMMENDATIONS 

In June this year Mr Steve Dickinson, Brigade Secretary, 

presented Brigade President’s Commendations to: 

WILL MORTON 

2nd Sutton Coldfield Company 

EWEN REID 

3rd Inverness Company 

Ewan was presented with the 

President’s Commendation by the 

Brigade President recognising his 

presence of mind and prompt action in 

raising the alarm when discovering a 

neighbour’s house on fire. If it had not 

been for the speed of Ewen’s response 

it is very likely that the fire would have 

had tragic consequences. Ewen is a 

credit to himself, his family and The 

Boys’ Brigade. 

A year and a half ago, Will was a 

typical eleven year old, when he was 

suddenly taken ill and suffered 

severe physical disabilities. He 

spent many months undergoing 

hospital treatment. 

Despite his many health difficulties, 

Will has been a loyal and popular 

member of the Company and has 

shown great determination. While 

steadily recovering he participates 

as fully as possible in all activities. 

NEAL JOBLING 

73rd Birmingham Company 

Despite his many health difficulties, 

Neal has been a loyal member of the 

Company since he joined four years 

ago. He participates as fully as 

possible in all activities, especially 

football. He is a popular company 

member and has shown great 

determination and commitment. 

Will, Neal and Ewen’s positive attitude 

is an inspiration to all who know them. 

They are a credit to themselves and 

their families and the Brigade is proud 

to have them as members. 

ARTHUR BEAUCHAMP AWARD 

Presented by Mr John Mendus MBE, 

President of Birmingham Battalion, on Sunday 25 June 2006 

JOE ROOKE & LEO MORTON 

2nd Sutton Coldfield Company 

The Arthur Beauchamp Trophy is 

awarded to boys / young men in the 

Battalion who deserve special 

recognition for effort, special 

achievements, or service beyond the 

call of duty. 

In June 2006 the Arthur Beauchamp 

Trophy was awarded to Joe Rooke and 

Leo Morton of the 2nd Sutton Coldfield 

Company in recognition of their 

support for Will Morton. Joe is Will’s 

best friend who first introduced him to 

The Boys’ Brigade and is always with 

him to help him on Company nights. 

Leo, Will’s younger brother, is also a 

member of the Company and is always 

willing to help out when needed. 

Will Morton (centre) with his brother Leo (left) and Joe Rooke (right) 


Scotland’s biggest and best 

Christian Youth Festival 

Crossover 

16 – 18 June 2006 

THE FESTIVAL ENJOYED A NEW 

EXPERIENCE this year, the weather 

during the week before the event 

was good! The meant solid ground at 

Broomlee and dry condition to set up 

the site, erect marquees and prepare 

the campsite. Some of the campers did 

miss their waterbed, and complained 

the ground was hard!! 

With 800 on site at the peak all had a 

super experience. There was a great 

atmosphere around the site, with so 

much to do, all the activity going on, 

choices to be made and a wonderful 

opportunity to reach out with the 

Christian message to so many young 

people. 

The Labyrinth proved so popular the 

organisers had to go home on 

Saturday and print off more materials 

as attendances exceeded their 

estimated 180 visitors. This does show 

young folk are happy to explore their 

own faith at their own pace. Perhaps 

even enjoying an escape from all the 

activity to peaceful contemplation. 

The Rev. Keith Mack ably organised 

and led worship, Tony Stephen; a youth 

worker from Banchory delivered the 

message, the only complaint, too loud, 

from young people The Brigade and 

the Mission & Discipleship Council, 

supported by Christian Aid, Impact, 

Cosy, Y.F.C, ICC, The Scottish Bible 

Society, The Girls’ Brigade and Wesley 

Owen all worked together to deliver 

Scotland’s residential Christian youth 

Festival. 


Anchors’ Christmas Activities 

Programmesonaplate 

Craft – Christmas Stocking 

Supplies needed: 

• Thick coloured paper, or felt 

• Pencil 

• Scissors 

• Glue 

• A holepunch 

• Wool 

• Felt tip pens or crayons 

Draw a large stocking on thick coloured paper (or felt). Cut out two copies of this stocking Glue 

the two stockings together around the edges (make sure you don’t put any glue along the top 

opening). Punch holes around the edges of the stocking. 

Weave wool in and out of the holes. Leave a loop of wool at one end, and tie it in a knot. Decorate 

your stocking with crayons, markers, stickers or glitter. 

Christmas game 

Read or tell the Nativity story to the group. The boys should be sat in a circle and before the story 

starts they should have been given names of people or places in the story, such as Joseph, 

Nazareth etc. When they hear their name read out they must run around the circle and then sit 

back down in their space. 

Devotions 

Have three wrapped gift boxes of different sizes. Ask the boys which of the gifts they would prefer. 

It is likely that the boys will chose the largest gift. Ask the boys why they chose that particular gift. 

Say that although we sometimes like large presents there are many children this Christmas who 

will receive no presents. 

Explain that at Christmas the real gift is Jesus. Open all of the boxes and have the name Jesus 

inside 

Christmas prayer 

The stars that shine at Christmas 

Shine on throughout the year; 

Jesus, born so long ago, 

Still gathers with us here 

We listen to his stories, 

We learn to say his prayer, 

We following his footsteps 

And we learn to love and share 

anchors’ programme

Nativity Word Search 

MA R Y I M B Z J Y 

J K O P C M A S E M 

I N N J D H B T S A 

MM Y O O X Y A U N 

N Y K S N C V B S G 

G R J E K K Y L N E 

E R U P E U I E H R 

A H F H Y F P N T B 

A L G I O K C A G D 

GO L D S E F B M S 

Words to find: 

Mary 

Joseph 

Gold 

Stable 

Donkey 

Manger 

Kings 

Inn 

Myrrh 

Jesus 

anchors’ programme

Juniors’ Christmas Activities 

Programmesonaplate 

Craft: Snowman socks 

• White Sports Sock 

• uncooked rice (approx. 2 cups) 

• string 

• 2 freezer/sandwich bags 

materials to make nose and mouth 

• googly eyes 

• red wool 

• glue gun 

Fill a plastic bag with 1 cup rice. (this should fill 2/3 of sock, you may need more or less depending 

on the size of the sock). Tie the top of bag with twist tie. Put bag inside tube sock. Tie tightly with 

string. Repeat above using 1/2 cup of rice (more or less). Tie tightly with string, just above the 

bag. 

Fold over the ribbed part of the sock to make the snowman’s hat. Cut 3 strands of wool and tie 

around the snowman’s neck. Glue on green buttons, brown mouth and nose. Glue on eyes. Make 

a tassel on the top of the hat with wool and glue. 

Devotions 

Many churches run appeals at Christmas time to highlight the needs of people less fortunate. It 

may be possible for a member of the church to come along and inform the boys about the appeal. 

One national organisation that helps is Operation Christmas Child. Shoe boxes are filled with a 

variety of toys, games and toiletries and distributed to those in most need. More information can 

be found at www.samaritanspurse.uk.com 

Santa’s sleigh 

First split the boys into groups of around 4-5, then give to each group a large box big enough for 

one child. Then tell the young people that this is to be their sleigh and that they must decorate it 

appropriately using paint, pens, glitter, tinsel and anything else appropriate you can find. To finish, 

on the front of the box make two small holes approx 15cm apart and through these holes put 

some rope that can be used to pull along the sleigh. The leader could prepare the holes and rope 

prior to the decoration. 

Groups sit facing a pile of clothes (hat, scarf, gloves, wellington boots) at the opposite end of the 

hall. When the game starts each team member takes it in turn to get in the sleigh and be pulled by 

another team member to the pile of clothes, they put on a piece of the clothing get back in the 

sleigh and are pulled back, the same is repeated until all members of the team have on a piece of 

the clothing. 

Juniors’ programme

Snowman Maze 

juniors’ programme

Chaplain’s corner Chaplain’s corner 

“They think it’s all over…” 

Icannot hold it back, I have to share 

it! It’s true; I’m a Liverpool fan. 

Yes, I know I was born hundreds of 

miles away in Essex and, yes, there are 

better teams out there. (And a lot 

worse; I mean I was brought up in 

Southend!) But, back in 1976, aged 7, I 

made the lifelong decision to support 

Liverpool. Through the 80s, this was 

fabulous, and through the 90s, and the 

00’s at times; it’s been exhilarating, 

but at other times I’ve wanted to hide 

away. If you’re not into football, then 

OK; bee keeping and taxidermy ‘can’ 

be as exciting, I guess, but do please 

read on anyway. 

In May 2005, Liverpool won the 

European Cup, now called the 

Champions League for the 5th time 

(remember that, all you ‘new’ Chelsea 

fans). For those who remember and 

who weren’t complaining that 

Coronation Street had, once again, 

been moved to 10.30 p.m, it was a 

memorable evening because, at halftime, 

Liverpool were losing 3-nil! 

In our house, my Son and I were 

surrounded by other Liverpool fans 

(two to be precise) and some fans 

of…well, let’s say, other clubs, who 

took great delight in seeing our forlorn 

faces when, after thirty minutes, we 

were being, to put it bluntly, 

“smashed”. Boy, did they let us have it. 

Isn’t it amazing how childish grown 

men can be! Not that it bothered me 

much as I simply planned ways of 

pointing at them during the next 

sermon when I was preaching on 

Stedfast 

Association 

News 

Federation News 

The Federation held its AGM in the 

Belfast Battalion’s Ganaway Centre in 

May, hosted by the Northern Ireland 

Stedfast Association. Next year’s 

meeting will be held in Dublin, 11-13 

May. Details will be made available 

soon for the next International 

Convention in October 2008 in Belfast. 

Leviticus, especially the bits about 

infectious skin diseases and boils! 

Yet, something inside me said 

optimistically, “If we could just score 

one goal, then maybe, just maybe, we 

could score another, and another”. 

Remarkably, wonderfully, astonishingly, 

they did just that, and managed to 

hold on through extra time, and then 

win on penalties! I was so excited and 

jumped up so quickly all the blood 

drained away and I almost fainted! 

Much celebration ensued and much 

more childish behaviour from all of us 

Liverpool fans getting our own back on 

those from other clubs. 

The point is that, in life, we can 

sometimes feel like we’re 3-nil down. 

Everything seems to be against us and 

we’re faced with utter defeat and 

If anyone would like to receive a copy 

of the quarterly Newsletter ‘FedNews’, 

please let me know, preferably by 

email. 

News from the Associations 

The London Stedfast Association has 

reformed the LSA Brass Band, which 

ceased some years ago. The Band 

humiliation. Perhaps it feels like the 

end of the road, or there’s no way 

forward or back. Yet, the truth is that 

God is in control and, whilst it may not 

seem that way, we are on the winning 

side. We must not give up. 

Sometimes the most difficult of 

circumstances can be altered with 

perseverance and prayer. OK; in reality, 

there are times when ‘things’ come to 

an end, or a ministry of some years 

draws to a close, but this is not always 

a sign of defeat. I wish I could always 

know when to fight on or retire 

gracefully. It’s an art in leadership and 

in life. 

Paul wrote to the Corinthians that it is 

in our weakness that the glory of God 

can be seen. The treasure of Christ is 

displayed in jars of clay or, as one 

author puts it, ‘broken old pots!’ 

So, keep going, through weakness, 

through difficult circumstances; don’t 

give up but keep on going. There have 

been times in my life when I have 

desperately wanted to get out and do 

something else, when my tears have 

been my food day and night. When my 

knees have ached from prayer. It has 

felt like I’m 3-nil down, but it’s not 

over…God is in control. 

As a kind of postscript, something 

practical. You’re not on your own. 

Why not grab someone’s hand and ask 

them for prayer and wise counsel. 

Sometimes the best decisions can only 

be made with others. 

Have a great session…and keep 

going…God is with you 

Rev Jon Stannard 

made its debut at the LSA Service in 

the Royal Hospital Chapel, Chelsea and 

afterwards at the London BB Beating 

the Retreat Ceremony. Further 

concerts are planned in the North West 

in October and in London and Halifax. 

The Band is looking to increase its 

membership and more information 

can be obtained from Terry Roper, coordinator, 

on 020 8248 0409 or 

(07767) 408931 or 

t.roper3@ntlworld.com 

If anyone would like to contribute 

anything for future columns, please 

contact me on (01633) 215753 or at 

phillip.stallard@wales.gsi.gov.uk. My 

home address is 100 Stelvio Park Drive, 

Newport, South Wales, NP20 3ES. 


KGVI 

The King George VI training courses for 

young leaders have rightly for many years 

been regarded as the highlight of Brigade 

training. Courses this year have been well 

attended at Carronvale House, Rathmore 

House and Felden Lodge. 

From the President 

IT BEING EXACTLY FORTY YEARS since my first acquaintance with the KGVI 

Course for Officer Cadets, it was high time that I renewed that 

acquaintance to see for myself what our next crop of prospective officer 

material looked like, an exercise which took me first to Rathmore, then to 

Felden Lodge, and finally to Carronvale. Spending time at each Centre made 

me very aware of the great potential of the KGVI Courses as a marvellous 

development tool, highly praised by the Cadets and the Staff members on 

the respective courses, which all consisted of a judicious blend of the 

informative and educational, the challenging, and the enjoyable. 

These visits as Brigade President also brought home to me how indebted 

we are in The Boys’ Brigade to the large number of dedicated people who 

give so willingly of their time and their talents in the work of Companies, 

Battalions, and Courses – often giving up much of their holiday time to 

participate in the running of a Course. 

The visits were for me both inspiring and encouraging as I surveyed the 

high quality of young persons on the courses, confirming my strongly held 

view that in The Boys’ Brigade we have an organisation that is very much “fit 

for purpose” in our present days and that it can have a future as bright and 

glorious as its past. I count it a great honour to be part of its ongoing story. 

Robert Stanex 

IFIRST LEARNT OF KGVI after seeing the 

four letters on the jumper of one of 

my BB officers and asking what they 

stood for. I was told that the King 

George VI Officer Cadet Course was 

the highest and most prestigious form 

of training that BB offers as it gives the 

cadet , over two years, the ability to 

work in all three sections of the 

company. 

And so when KGVI was mentioned at 

the Queen’s Badge Leadership course I 

decided to put my name down for 

more information. A few months 

passed and I had forgotten all about 

KGVI when my Captain handed me an 

application form which had been 

forwarded to him. I filled it in straight 

away and sent it off, not really 

considering what I was about to 

embark upon, it just seemed like the 

logical next stage of my BB career. 

When the pack arrived at the beginning 

of the summer I was immediately 

sceptical and apprehensive. The week 

seemed to be too regimented and 

traditional, that’s not the type of 

person I am and so I decided to pull 

out of KGVI. My mum persuaded me 

to talk to some people in church who 

had taught at KGVI and after much 

discussion I decided not to pull out 

but to go and see how it went. 

The first day I arrived at the cadet 

course just on time and was shown to 

my room. I took the only available bed 

and sat down. Nobody spoke. Despite 

being in a room of eight guys there 

was complete silence for around forty 

five minutes until dinner when we 

dashed downstairs to be greeted by a 

slightly aggravated adjutant who 

informed us that we should be in full 

uniform for the evening meal which 

would start in exactly one minute. I 

thought “what have I let myself in for” 

By the end of the week my opinion was 

the complete opposite. I loved every 

minute of that week. It was sometimes 

a lot to take in and it physically drained 

you but that was all part of the fun. 

The one memory that I will take away 

“As a Christian I loved sharing 

my faith with others and 

discussing different issues 

which we face in today’s world.” 


from that week was the conversations 

late at night, sometimes continuing 

long into the night, once right into he 

morning. As a Christian I loved sharing 

my faith with others and discussing, 

even arguing at times, different issues 

which we face in today’s world. That 

strong fellowship, finding out about 

each others lives, beliefs, plans for the 

future, that is the most powerful 

element of KGVI 

Spending a year working in my 

company came naturally to me. I have 

a burden for children’s work and so I 

felt called into working with the Anchor 

Boys. I was able to implement all of 

the teaching I received at KGVI building 

on ideas and plan I had seen at the 

course. I went down every Tuesday 

evening hoping to teach and yet from 

various experiences and unexpected 

circumstances, which seem to crop up 

frequently when you work with under 

eights, it was I who learnt the most. 

Second year came without even 

noticing. The three months prior had 

been filled with exams and outreach 

work and so preparation for KGVI got 

pushed to the side and before I realised 

I was on my way to Larne only half 

prepared for my presentations. Like 

first year I had plenty of late nights, but 

this time not through conversation, I 

“Patience and perseverance are key in reaching out 

to young people. What God has planned won’t 

always be a walk in the park.” 

had to take time late at night and early 

in the morning just to get my 

presentations as perfect as I could 

make them. When it comes to teaching 

young people about God’s love they 

deserve nothing less than perfect. 

Some found it hard standing up in 

front of their friends and officers taking 

a mock class but I found it far easier, 

but working with eighteen year old 

leaders is a lot more subdued than 

working with energetic four year olds. 

Less can go wrong when teaching 

youth leaders. 

My time at KGVI came and went so 

quickly, I met new people and learnt so 

much. This course which I thought 

wasn’t for me proved invaluable. I 

learnt that things don’t always go right 

first time round. You have to keep 

trying different codes and 

combinations until you succeed. 

Patience and perseverance are key in 

reaching out to young people. What 

God has planned won’t always be a 

walk in the park. I’ve learnt that you 

need to go out of your comfort zone if 

you want to be a strong leader and in 

doing this you often get the greatest 

rewards. 

One statement which was emphasised at 

KGVI was that the BB is not a mere 

organisation. We are a movement. But 

which way are we moving, forwards or 

backwards KGVI equips young leaders 

with the knowledge to lead a company 

but we as leaders need to be enthusiastic 

about the work, always encouraging 

young men and boys into a more 

enriched life. If we want the BB to move 

forward we need to have Christ central to 

our lives and that of our company. If God 

is the driving force He will advance 

Christ’s kingdom among boys. 

I feel that God led me to KGVI. If I’d 

given up at the first hurdle I would have 

missed out on what has been one of the 

most crucial experiences of my life. I am 

now proud to wear those four letters. I 

am now ready for a life of active service 

for God in the Boys’ Brigade. Where my 

life will go from here I don’t know but I 

trust the Father to guide me in the right 

direction and be my stronghold when 

times get rough. 

The Gathering 

Will you find The Gathering On Saturday 24th 

February 2007 at Carronvale Senior Boys and young 

Officers between 16 and 26 years old from throughout 

Scotland will meet with a single purpose clearly in 

view: to begin shaping their Brigade according to their 

vision. Young people’s participation at all levels in the 

movement is a central aim of the current Brigade 

Development Plan; in fact, it’s its keynote. This event 

– planned entirely by young Officers – will be a day of 

fun and fellowship, of friendships forged and renewed, 

of change. Spread word of The Gathering. Mark the 

date in your diary. Tell your Senior Boys and young 

Officers this simple message: it’s their movement and 

it’s moving already, all they need to do is gather and 

decide the direction they want it to go. 

Northern Ireland 

Next Year … 

Does your company have any young leaders who 

would accept the challenge and attend KGVI in 2007 

Details available from Regional Headquarters. 

England & Wales Years 1 &2 


KGVI 

Officer Training Course 

If you have any young men or women that you think would make suitable officers 

then why not consider next year’s course on 4th August – 11th August 2007. 

Contact Carronvale for more details. 

In Scotland this year 13 cadets from 8 Companies ( 3rd 

Galston, 145th Glasgow, 1st Inverurie, 3rd Johnstone, 7th 

Motherwell, 1st Muirkirk, 2nd Polmont, 1st Tulliallan) have 

successfully completed their KGVI training. This 

comprised of 1 week at Carronvale last summer, one year 

working back in their own Company, followed by a second 

week at Carronvale to assess their skills. 

A further 20 cadets started out on their first week of KGVI 

training. They came from 13 companies (66th Aberdeen, 

1st Bothwell, 1st Buckie, 1st Culloden, 1st/2nd 

Dumbarton, 3rd Dumfermline, 4th Dunfermline, 41st 

Edinburgh, 3rd Galston, 1st Glasgow, 3rd Kilsyth, 1st 

Muirkirk, 1st St Combs). 

Domino Run – on a mobile phone 

Competition for Company Section 

and Seniors – details on the BB 

Scotland website or paper copies 

are available from Carronvale (This 

competition is not restricted to 

Scottish companies – any BB 

Company can enter) They make a 

domino run of the anchor and video 

it on their mobile phones. Closing 

date for entries 25th November 

2006. The prizes for this 

competition have been sponsored 

by Hamilton & District Battalion. If 

your battalion would like to sponsor 

a competition (£60) please contact 

Carronvale. 

Keep in touch 

Seniors’ Challenge 

Looking for activities for your 

seniors – try the Scottish Seniors’ 

Challenge – 100 activities which 

seniors choose from. 

Gain certificates - 10 challenges 

for a Bronze certificate, 20 for 

Silver and 30 for Gold. More 

details on our website. 

Website 

for boys 

BB Scotland has launched a 

website BB4U aimed at boy 

members rather than leaders. 

Please encourage your boys to try 

it out at http://scotland.boysbrigade.org.uk 

If any of your boys/young men 

are moving away or going off to 

college / university please 

encourage them to fill in the 

form on our website so that we 

can put them in touch with their 

nearest Company in their new 

location. 

Contact Carronvale 01324 562 008 for 

paper copies. 


1st Knocknamuckley Company Spotlight 

Shaping lives 

The company is part of Portadown 

Battalion in Northern Ireland. It was 

formed in 1959 by Tom Somerville who 

was captain for 40 years. The present 

captain is Dennis Davison. Gareth 

McIlwaine, Lieutenant, tells us about 

the present 1st Knocknamuckley 

Company. 

What do you think has been and still is 

the strength of the company 

The company is as strong as ever with 

110 boys, 60 of which form the 

Company Section, 27 boys in the Junior 

Section and 23 in the Anchor Boys. 

The great strength of the company 

over many years is largely attributed to 

its ability to hold on to its senior boys, 

many into officership. Also, we do a lot 

of fundraising, such as auctions, BB 

week, treasure hunts and barbeques 

and car washes. 

How do you hold on to senior boys 

The boys are encouraged to attain 

Stage 111 Leadership, President’s and 

Queen’s Badges and the Duke of 

Edinburgh’s Award is carried out at all 

levels. 27 boys participated in Bronze 

and Silver expeditions in the Mourne 

Mountains recently and another 14 

completed the Gold venture in the 

Lake District. Another 20 commenced 

Bronze level. Adventure weekends are 

planned throughout the session and 

the company enters all Battalion, 

District and national competitions with 

varying success, having won the 

National Volleyball competition on 

three different occasions. We have had 

success in the 

Battalion Cross 

Country 

championships 

and 

Northern Ireland District football. The 

company has also acted as a feeder 

organisation for the Craigavon Aztecs 

Volleyball Club with many of its past 

and present members belonging to the 

company. 

Do you offer the boys any other 

activities in addition to the weeknight 

meetings 

The Junior Section highlight of the 

session is Superstars competition with 

events such as ‘welly-boot’ throw, 

sports, basketball shots and penalty 

kicks. They attend a weekend in the 

Portadown Battalion run Rocky 

Mountain Centre when they have their 

first taste of adventurous activities. 

On Saturday mornings there is Under- 

18 and Under-14 football. Annual 

camp remains a firm favourite which is 

usually a joint BB/GB event. 

Is there anything you think that 

guarantees the company’s existence 

and continuation 

We have a small but highly motivated 

staff team, who willingly use their skills 

for the benefit of the boys. We create 

occasions when staff and boys can 

spend time together, chatting at 

tuckshop time or playing darts, table 

tennis etc. The staff try and 

communicate with boys on all 

levels as well as the weeknight 

parade. 

What form of Christian worship 

and Bible teaching do you share 

with the boys 

All officers take 

turns in leading devotions or Bible 

Class, explaining the gospel message 

to the boys while sharpening their own 

personal Christian witness. 

A final thought to pass on to other 

companies 

Shaping the lives of boys in your care 

is becoming increasingly difficult in 

today’s world but 1st Knocknamuckley 

strives to provide for the physical, 

mental and, most importantly, spiritual 

needs of its boys into adulthood. 

Thank you for sharing a brief glimpse 

of company life in the 1st 

Knocknamuckley, which we hope will 

encourage others in their company 

programmes. 

Does your company have a story 

to share with others Do you 

have a waiting list Have you 

experienced increasing numbers 

this session through good 

practice Would you do more if 

you had more leaders We 

would love to hear from you and 

any more examples of good 

practice will be published in 

future Gazettes. 


Sparkling 

Southport 

2006 

The 55th Annual North West District Display 

The performers adapted well to the new theatre style stage rather than the 

traditional large open arena. The show ran smoothly thanks to the production 

team, the co-operation of the theatre staff, Battalion officials, arena orderlies and 

the inspiration of the Chaplains. The District was very pleased to have the Brigade 

Secretary, Steve Dickinson, as guest of honour. A variety of well presented items 

by many companies in the District was much enjoyed by large audiences in two 

performances. A selection of pictures illustrates some of the items: 

Music in various forms was provided 

by The Liverpool Battalion Band 

comprised of 11th, 35th, 48th 

companies, Silver Band of 1st Rishton, 

and ‘Wirral Sound’ of 1st Moreton 

BB/2nd Moreton GB. 

Other performers were 1st Elworth 

with ‘Ivan and Abdul’, 7th Southport’s 

‘Footballer Dream’, 1st Ashton-in- 

Makerfield’s ‘Come Forth’ – music and 

mime story of Martha, Mary & 

Lazarus, 24th Oldham Company & 

Girls’ Association with ‘New 

Commandment’, 9th Southport – 

brass and keyboard skills with ‘Musical 

Twosome’. 

Congratulations to all performers for a 

very professional show. 

3 

1 2 

5 

4 

Above: 8th Wigan – ‘The Road to Wigan Pier’ – a light-hearted twist on the parable of ‘The 

Good Samaritan’ (1); 1st Ashton-in-Makerfield – ‘Ashton Olympics’ – a typical JS games 

evening based on the Winter Olympics (2); 1st Bare JS – ‘Staying Live’ – figure marching 

with a contemporary image (3); 3rd Trafford – ‘Is this the way’ – traditional Company 

Section drill, followed by ‘Is this the way to Amarillo’ with modified steps to the tune of the 

song (4); 3rd Trafford & 1st Congleton – United Flyers’ – gymnastic display (5); 

Background image: ‘Ivan and Abdul’: 1st Elworth. 


English Athletics 

Championships 

The English Athletics championships took place in Birmingham in July. There was 

initial concern from the organisers that no-one would come and compete, due to 

the England football squad playing their quarter final match that afternoon! 

However, plans were put in place to overcome that factor. There was no way that 

a football match was going to cause young men to withdraw to their lounge tellys! 

One very kind BB Company in Birmingham agreed to host the football after the 

athletics, including putting on refreshments. So with that minor issue sorted and 

bribes in hand, the athletics could continue. 

Teams represented Battalions from 

Birmingham, Devon, London, 

Mid Staffs, Northampton and 

Nottingham, in three age groups. The 

usual events were competed in 100m, 

200m, 400m, 800, 1500m, Hurdles, 4 x 

100m relay, 4 x 400m relay, High Jump, 

Long Jump, Triple Jump, Shot, Discus 

and Javelin. 

The Junior competition was won by 

Northampton, who only failed to win 

three events and miss the perfect score 

by ten points! Something suggests that 

may be we have potential Olympic 2012 

competitors from this area! The 

intermediate age group was very closely 

contested with Birmingham beating 

Nottingham by one point. Birmingham 

also won the senior age group, 

however, members from the 70th 

London put on a good fight finishing 

second by four points. Mr Steve 

Dickinson, Brigade Secretary, joined us 

for the afternoon to present the medals 

and trophies. 

FINAL RESULTS: 

JUNIORS: 1st Northampton 81 points 

2nd Birmingham 66 points 

3rd Nottingham 55 points 

INTERS: 1st Birmingham 76 points 

2nd Nottingham 75 points 

3rd Northampton 67 points 

SENIORS: 1st 70th London 74 points 

2nd Birmingham 71 points 

3rd Nottingham 58 points 

Following the athletics meeting, most 

teams trundled off to 33rd 

Birmingham’s HQ, where the football 

was being televised. Drinks were on 

tap and at half time, we were fed with 

hot dogs and cakes – can’t be bad! The 

only disappointing end to the day was 

the football result. Competitors had a 

great afternoon together and being able 

to watch the footie together was an 

excellent finish to the day. 

Congratulations to all who took part, 

you were a credit to yourselves and 

your teams. Hopefully, we will see 

some of you in London in 2012. 

2007 

Next year’s event is already being 

planned. So get the date in your 

diary – Saturday 7th July 2007 at 

Harvey Hadden Stadium, 

Nottingham. Don’t forget if there 

is only one company in your 

Battalion who wants to compete, 

that is fine – still come along and 

represent your Battalion. Extra 

competition being added for the 

morning - watch this space for 

further details. 


Global Fellowship 

Chapters from the GF Story: For the full 

account click on to www.globalfellowship.net 

Fresh Grants 

GF Executive met in Cardiff 

alongside the BBUK Brigade 

Council 2006 and approved the 

following grants for; 

BB Singapore 

Membership currently stands at 7250 

spanning 117 Companies. A major 

recent undertaking has been the 

development of the BB Learning 

Centre in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This 

was dedicated on 10 June. The centre 

currently sees 50 youths regularly who 

attend English lessons and take part in 

other activities such as music, arts and 

crafts. For the second time, His 

Excellency S.R. Nathan, President of 

the Republic of Singapore presented13 

Boys with their President’s Award 

which is Singapore’s highest 

achievement, on 20th July. The annual 

BB CARES (Community Activities 

Rallying Everyone to Serve) event was 

held on 22nd and 23rd July. Each 

Company brought beneficiaries from 

its selected welfare organisation for a 

weekend of fun and fellowship. 

BB Côte d’Ivoire 

The BB Côte d’Ivoire was founded in 

1962. Due to civil war it was forced to 

cease activity in 1990. However the 

ministry resumed in March 2004 

through the Methodist Church. The 

Executive Officer Bassi Jérémie visited 

churches and discovered that 7 

companies were still in operation. Over 

the last 2 years new companies have 

been added so that BB is now active in 

5 districts; South, North, Yopougon, 

Abobo in Abidjan, and Abengourou . 

BB New Zealand 

Director Graham Creahan reports that 

over 3 years ago BBNZ positively 

adopted a fresh programme designed 

to stem the organisation’s rapid 

decline. The result is an action packed 

21st century programme for youngsters 

in the 6–13 year age range. ICONZ was 

commenced with a new modern style 

T-Shirt and baseball cap. There are no 

military terms and the curriculum 

Burundi 

• Training of 40 new Officers 

Kenya: 

• Training of 270 officers for 

the establishment of 45 new 

companies in the Embu 

region 

• Youth governance. 

Rwanda 

• Training of 80 new officers 

• Pastoral follow-up of existing 

companies 

• Work with street children 

• Establishment of income 

earning project rearing goats 

SE Caribbean 

• Implementation of strategic 

plan. 

Swaziland 

• Establishment of 6 new 

companies 

West Africa 

• Pastoral support for 

struggling BB work especially 

in Benin, Ivory Coast, Togo, 

Gambia 

includes much physical and outdoor 

activity. There are now just under 25 

ICONZ units operating. Executive has 

asked for work to commence on 

developing an ICONZ style curriculum 

for 13–18 year olds. The annual 

National Leadership Development 

Course is an intensive 7 day live in 

training experience for our senior guys. 

Participants camp out solo for three 

nights with no watch, radio or any 

human contact – they just loved it. In 

total 42 young men plus 12 leaders 

attended. 

The South East Caribbean Region 

The Region held a Camp from 18th - 

27th July. They report that it was well 

supported with representation from 

several Isands throughout the region 

including Antigua, Anguilla, Grenada, 

St. Martin, St. Kitts, Trinidad and 

Tobago. The programme comprised of 

a number of parades, drills and drum 

displays, as well as a variety of 

sporting, arts and craft, hiking, first aid 

and other educational, social and 

spiritual activities. The region has 

developed a strategic plan that will see 

a focus on fundraising, increasing 

membership, officer and youth 

training, development of a website and 

the establishment of a regional office. 

This year, the BBCI will organise 2 

Bible Camps and next year intend to 

create a BB section at the University 

and in secondary schools. 

FDF Denmark 

FDF has recently enjoyed a very 

successful International Camp which 

attracted over 13000 participants. 


THIS AUTUMN, why not invite your 

boys to pack and send a shoe box 

full of simple Christmas gifts to a 

desperately poor boy of their own age, 

somewhere in Eastern Europe 

Operation Christmas Child, the world’s 

largest children’s Christmas project, 

has hundreds of thousands of deprived 

boys aged four to 14 on its lists this 

year. Most live in Eastern Europe, 

some in central Asia, and some in 

Africa. 

Your boys’ shoe boxes may well be not 

just this year’s only present, but the 

ONLY present these boys will ever 

receive throughout their entire 

childhood. Your boys would be 

welcome to send a personal letter of 

greeting to the boy to whom the box is 

given 

Through our wide range of free 

resource aids, including DVDs, videos, 

posters, prepared devotional material 

on ‘sharing what we have’, and even a 

puppet, you could spend an evening 

introducing your Anchor Boys, Juniors, 

Company Section or Seniors to the 

lives of needy children of Eastern 

Europe, Asia and Africa. 

OCC shoe boxes go to children living 

in International Displaced Persons 

camps, in disused railway carriages, in 

austere orphanages, in hospitals, in 

overcrowded flats, in slums, and even 

living beside rubbish tips and in 

underground sewers. 

The videos depict the stark poverty – 

but also show what your boys can 

achieve through sending shoe boxes. 

Samaritan’s 

Purse 

The joy and relief these gifts can bring 

to a deprived child is deeply moving. 

“The genuine delight on the faces of 

the children when they opened their 

boxes was so apparent,” recalls one 

OCC distribution team member. “A 

tennis ball, a finger puppet, a small 

plastic toy – their value to the child is a 

thousand fold the cost to the person 

who has prepared the box. 

“Simple gifts really do make a world of 

difference to children whose families 

struggle to provide them with even the 

day-to-day essentials. The children 

were so thrilled with their boxes that it 

was humbling to see.” 

Our Operation Christmas Child leaflet 

gives simple and detailed instructions 

about the sort of presents needed: 

from toothbrushes to tennis balls to 

simple toys to pencils and paper. 

You might suggest that the boys go 

shopping with a parent or a carer and 

select a number of the presents from 

the list. Or you might even do a 

simple fund–raising activity so that 

your Company could buy the gifts 

instead. 

A further evening could be spent with 

the boys gift-wrapping the shoe boxes, 

and packing them together to send off 

to your local Operation Christmas 

Child warehouse. 

In fact, our many warehouses around 

the country are always looking for 

volunteer packers, and your older boys 

might want to consider an evening 

spent in one, helping out. 

This Christmas, we hope to send more 

than a million shoe boxes to needy 

children in: Armenia, Azerbaijan, 

Belarus, Bosnia, Kosova, Kyrgyzstan, 

Liberia, Mozambique, Romania, 

Serbia, Swaziland and Ukraine. 

Your Company would be joining with 

over 10,000 schools, 4,000 churches, 

and thousands of other individuals, 

families and businesses across the UK 

in sending shoe boxes. 

The gift filled shoe boxes cost us so 

little – and the shoe boxes bring these 

children so much. The boxes bring 

some joy and fun into their drab lives, 

and most important, a daily reminder 

to the children that somewhere in the 

world there is indeed love – and that it 

is directed at them. 

The shoe boxes are a reminder that 

God gave Jesus to all of us for 

Christmas. He has not forgotten 

them, and neither have we. 

For further details on our free 

resources, our warehouses and 

our National Shoe Box Sunday, 

please go to: 

www.samaritanspurse.uk.com 


Jamaica 

Project 

The local people were hugely 

appreciative, and members of the 

community made us food and even 

stopped passing cars to ask for 

donations towards the project. At the 

official blessing ceremony of the 

school, with local media present and 

the mayor and local MP, we also made 

a donation of resources to the school, 

including books, stationery and games. 

IN LATEJULY, 24 members and staff 

from the 17th Nottingham and 7th 

Northampton Companies travelled 

half way around the world to the West 

Indies, specifically Jamaica, to 

undertake a community project to help 

the local people of Ocho Rios. 

The story does not begin there though; 

the preparation for this project had 

begun about twelve months ago. A 

great deal of money was required to 

undertake the project, and both groups 

of lads immediately started fundraising. 

In total, £22,000 was required for the 

trip. This was not a National project 

and therefore we had to plan everything 

from scratch. The total of 24 going paid 

a deposit to get the ball rolling, and car 

boot sales, a garden party and several 

other fundraising events went a long 

way towards paying for 

accommodation, flights and also the 

materials needed once in Jamaica. Fast 

forward 9 months and the groups met 

up in Gatwick airport to depart, and we 

were soon in Montego Bay.(Well, ten 

hours later) 

On our first full day, the group went to 

the Pineapple Basic School to look at 

the progress made there in the last 

three years since the previous trip. A 

church had become the school’s 

sponsor, and they were now doing 

quite well. We were told our help was 

needed elsewhere, in a region known 

as “Exchange”. 

The existing school in “Exchange” was 

basically corrugated steel in 

construction, with the main classroom 

being open to the elements. The local 

education advisor informed us the 

school needed to be rebuilt, and we 

decided to use our money to build 

them a decent school. We hired a 

couple of local builders and worked 

shifts to do the manual work. The first 

couple of days were taken up clearing 

the new build area, but in no time our 

work included transportation of 

building materials, laying foundations, 

with a few members even trying their 

hand at bricklaying! The school was 

constructed of brick foundations, 

wooden walls and a corrugated steel 

roof. The classroom was the size that 

in the UK would house a class of about 

30 pupils, however, that was going to 

be split into two rooms each for 40. 

Another part of the job was the 

levelling of the playground, as well as 

painting the new school and its toilets. 

In the two weeks we were in Jamaica, 

we managed to construct the twoclassroom 

school, which will in 

September be the school for about 80 

local children of preschool age. This 

will make a huge difference to the local 

people. Before the children would have 

to travel miles using an expensive bus 

service, the unfortunate ones going to 

the old basic school in Exchange. This 

new school means those children will 

be able to get a decent start in life; what 

better gift can you give 

We were all affected by the whole 

experience, and have learnt a lot about 

how people in other countries live, and 

it has made us appreciative of what we 

have in this country. We would highly 

recommend a trip like this. Our two 

companies have shown how we can 

make a difference to disadvantaged 

children from around the other side of 

the world, and maybe your company 

could do something similar. 

Adam King, Malcolm Semenytsh 

(17th Nottingham) & Andrew Wade 

(7th Northampton) 

Outside the new school 


Visit to 

Cameroon 

“Those who oppress the 

poor insult their Maker, 

but those who help the 

poor honour Him” 

Proverbs 14:32 (NTL) 

Earlier this year we were presented 

with the opportunity to travel to 

West Africa on behalf of The 

Boys’ Brigade UK along with the 

Brigade Secretary to visit BB 

companies in Cameroon. 

Cameroon is a very picturesque 

country with a population of around 16 

million; however life is not trouble-free 

for those who live there. Cameroon 

has an average life expectancy of 46; a 

mortality rate for under 5’s of 14.9%; 

and is a country where 40% of the 

population live below the national 

poverty line. Amidst all these 

difficulties, The Boys’ Brigade 

movement remains strong with around 

6000 members in just over 300 

companies. 

Our trip was full of new experiences 

and adventures, with adrenaline 

running high before we even left the 

UK – our VISAs were only received 3 

days before departure, Stephen was ill 

from taking the Malaria tablets, and we 

all felt like pin cushions from the 

number of precautionary injections 

required, including Yellow Fever. 

We all found the experience to be 

greatly humbling. To witness people 

who have nothing compared to our 

luxuries, yet appreciate everything as a 

great blessing from God – what a 

challenge to us! Our eyes were also 

opened to the commitment and 

dedication of both staff and boys in the 

BB. Staff would travel for three or four 

days to attend training courses or 

council meetings, a journey taking 

them shoulder height through 

crocodile invested rivers – and we 

complain about travelling for a few 

hours to attend Brigade Council! 

The BB in Cameroon is a forwardthinking 

organisation and aims to be 

self sufficient by the year 2016. To date 

they have started a farm in the 

Northern Region for boys to work on 

and generate income; one company 

has a firewood project where they 

bundle firewood and sell to local 

residents; and another company keeps 

chickens. But they have experienced 

barriers as they do not have the initial 

capital to employ a full time farm 

labourer or to buy seeds. They need 

help. 

Stephen Cowden (4th Newtownabbey, 

N Ireland); Rob Botting (1st Woodley, 

Reading) 


Obituaries Obituaries Obituaries Obituaries 

ALAN BURGESS (70) joined the 2nd 

Chislehurst & District Company at Days 

Lane Baptist Church, Sidcup when he was 

12. During his membership of the 

Company he developed a love of music and 

learned to play a number of brass 

instruments. He became an officer in the 

company and on moving to the Maidstone 

area he joined the 1st Maidstone Company, 

firstly as a Lieutenant and then Captain. A 

further move took him to Yateley in Surrey 

where he became an officer in the 1st 

Yateley Company. He was also the secretary 

of the Mid Southern England Battalion and 

a member of the England Regional 

Committee and the Brigade Executive. 

Alan’s other interests were playing in the 

church worship band, organising 

pilgrimages to Ypres and working as a 

volunteer on the Romney, Hythe and 

Dymchurch Railway. Condolences are 

extended to his wife Beryl and their five 

sons and their families. 

REG BURNETT (84) started the 1st 

Costessey Company at Costessey Baptist 

Church in 1952. He served the company 

well for over 53 years, 21 of which he was 

Captain. He took the boys on camps 

including Austria and Switzerland. He 

faithfully served the church as deacon and 

treasurer for many years. Everyone who 

knew him has their own fond memories of a 

gentle, patient and caring man who will be 

greatly missed. He was able to share in the 

joy of his son’s wedding just five days 

before peacefully going to be with his Lord. 

We give thanks to God for his life. Our 

thoughts and prayers are with his wife 

Wendy, son Paul, daughter in law Lisa, the 

family and his friends. 

JOHN B FIDLER (61) joined the 3rd 

Wallasey Company at Liscard 

Congregational Church on its formation. 

He proceeded through the ranks, gaining 

both the Queen’s Badge and The Duke of 

Edinburgh’s Gold Award before succeeding 

his father as Captain in 1974. John 

remained Captain of the company until his 

sudden death in July. John had a firm 

Christian commitment and was greatly 

respected as Captain, headmaster of Park 

Primary School and as a local preacher. His 

gifted leadership enriched the lives of 

generations of young people in the 

community of Wallasey. Because of John’s 

leadership the company participated in 

national competitions, inter-change visits 

with the FDF in Denmark and had a steel 

band. We extend Christian love to his wife 

Sheila, sons Stephen and Paul, mother Joan 

and brother David. 

GORDON HARPER grew up in the 45th 

Birmingham Company at Yardley Wood 

Baptist Church. He was a former Captain of 

51st Birmingham Company at Northfield 

Baptist Church, a position he held for eight 

years. Gordon opened the Anchor Boy 

section in 1981 and recruited officers who 

shared his vision for the BB in Northfield. 

Through his leadership and example he 

instilled the BB object in the boys in his 

charge. He encouraged the older boys to be 

responsible for the younger one and offered 

wise counsel to future captains. He will be 

missed by many officers and boys who 

knew him affectionately as Mr H. Our 

thoughts and prayers are with his wife 

Margaret and his to sons, Peter and 

Richard. 

JOHN NUGENT LAWTON (90) joined as a 

Life Boy and worked his way up through the 

ranks, becoming Captain of the 27th Dublin 

in 1943 and a Lieutenant in the 14th Dublin 

in 1961 after the companies amalgamated. 

In 1965 he and his late wife Kathleen began 

work with 9th Dublin and John was still its 

Captain when he died in April this year. He 

served the Battalion and District well in 

various offices over the years, culminating 

with election as a Vice-President. He was a 

faithful member of the parish of All Saints, 

Grangegorman and its Guild, an altar server 

and Sunday School superintendent. John 

served young people well, and even in old 

age related easily to them. We give thanks to 

God for his life and work and thoughts and 

prayers are with his son Philip and family. 

SHAUN McBRIDE (15) was a member of 

the 212th Glasgow Company (Bishopbriggs) 

for 11 years. Starting in Anchor Boys, he 

progressed through all sections with 

distinction and had recently received his 

President’s Badge and the company’s Best 

Senior. Shaun was an enthusiastic 

individual, particularly when it came to 

sport. He regularly participated in National, 

Battalion and District events, golf and 

football being his favourites. He was always 

willing to lend a hand in all activities at 

summer camp. A thoughtful and caring 

person, Shaun’s friendship and personality 

will be greatly missed by all within the 

company. Our thoughts and prayers are 

with his family. 

Mrs NAN NEIL became known to many 

thousands of members during the last two 

years as wife of our former President, when 

together with John she travelled many 

thousands of miles attending Brigade 

events throughout the British Isles, but she 

was known to countless others through her 

many years of devoted service to the 

Brigade, which started as a sixteen year old 

helper in the 9th Coatbridge Company. 

Nan was an equal partner in the BB firm 

“John and Nan Neil” and she played an 

important role in John’s decision to take full 

time service in the Brigade in 1961. Together 

they made The Boys’ Brigade a life long 

commitment and it was in recognition of 

this service that Nan was made an 

Honorary Vice President of the Brigade. 

Nan valued this recognition highly and the 

letter of invitation from the Brigade 

President was kept among the prized 

possessions in her handbag. 

During John’s Presidential year, whatever 

the occasion Nan was there, always 

immaculate, always putting others first and 

always deeply concerned for the Boys and 

the influence that the Brigade might have. 

That was Nan’s vision, based on the noble 

traditions of the Brigade and shared 

selflessly throughout her life. Few realised, 

the seriousness of Nan’s final illness, which 

she fought with her distinct steadfastness. 

The whole Brigade is indebted to the 

sacrifices that Nan made on all our 

behalves and we assure John and family of 

our prayers at this time. 

ALAN VOCE (78) had 40 years’ association 

with the BB. He was a Life Boy in the 33rd 

Manchester Company and progressed to an 

NCO. He helped run the company during 

the war years and also the company at the 

Moravian Church in Manchester. After the 

war he became an officer in the 33rd 

company, until he moved to Rochdale and 

the Littleborough company. Several more 

moves brought him to Devon where he was 

instrumental in the formation and running 

of the 1st Tiverton company. He was also 

training officer for the Exeter area. Alan, a 

local preacher, said the BB brought him to 

Christ. 

H R (RON) WRIGHT (84) was appointed 

Captain of 3rd Blackburn in 1944. He 

served in many capacities at Group and 

District level until he was appointed to the 

full time Brigade staff as Field Officer for 

Lancashire and Cheshire District in 1966. 

In 1974 he and his wife Edna were 

appointed as Wardens at the Brigade 

National Training Centre, Felden Lodge with 

Ron having part-time responsibility as Field 

Officer for South Midland District. After a 

short time Ron secured a post as Youth and 

Community Officer for the London Borough 

of Harrow. In retirement Ron returned to 

the North West and was appointed 

Honorary Vice-President of the District. We 

extend our sympathy to Edna and sons 

David and Phillip. 


Small ads Small ads Small ads Small ads 

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 January 

issue should be received not later than 1st November. The cost is 20p per word. 

APPROVED CAMPSITES 

The following sites have been officially 

approved, having met Guidelines laid down by 

the Brigade, and local Fire and Public Health 

Authorities. 

CAMP 2007/08 NORFOLK. BB canvas camp 

site fully equipped for up to 50 persons near 

Sheringham/Cromer. Superb clifftop location 

with sea view and access to beach from camp 

site. Contact Chris Norman: (t) 07703 571 915 

(e) chris@boys-brigade.org.uk 

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: 

center@auchengillan.com.Website: 

www.auchengillan.com 

FELDEN LODGE CAMPSITE 2007/08. BB 

canvas campsite operated by 10th Enfield fully 

equipped for up to 50 (smaller camps 

welcome) at the BBUK HQ in Hertfordshire 

(from June to September). Mains 

toilets/showers. Minibus available. Access to 

on site sports facilities, local activity/leisure 

centres, within easy reach of theme parks and 

London. Contact Chris Norman on (t) 07703 

571915 or (e) chris@boys-brigade.org.uk 

SWANAGE CAMPSITE 2007/08. BB canvas 

campsite operated by 10th Enfield (formerly by 

London District) fully equipped for up to 60 

(smaller camps welcome) in Swanage. Suitable 

for mixed groups. Mains toilets/showers and 

onsite sports field, tennis/basketball courts. 

Contact Chris Norman on (t) 07703 571915 or 

(e) chris@boys-brigade.org.uk 

HONEYHILL CAMP; (NW Kent Battalion). 12 

acres Bearsted near Maidstone. Easy access to 

coast, places of interest, sports facilities. 

Building with kitchen, gas, electricity, mess 

tent. Contact Ian Humphreys, Tel: 07870 

197715. Email: 

ian@ianhumphreys.freeserve.co.uk 

WEST MIDLAND DISTRICT CAMPSITE - 

DYFFRYN Enjoy the Blue Flag beaches and the 

hills of the Cambrian Coast. The Boys’ Brigade 

West Midland District Camping Centre at Dyffryn 

Ardudwy Gwynedd has three sites, all with 

electric lighting, calor gas cooking, and flush 

toilets, showers are available. Two of the sites, 

for 20-25 persons, each in its own 2 acre field 

with a 40x20 marquee and a purpose built food 

preparation unit, fully equipped, canvas camping 

are available in 2007, also booking for 2008. 

Details from Jamie Copson, 67 Riverview Close, 

Worcs, WR2 6DP. Tel: 01905 480955. 

Camp 2007 and 2008. Popular site at 

FRESHWATER, ISLE OF WIGHT, available 

August. Fully equipped, flush toilets, mains 

gas/electric cooking, electric fridge, freezer and 

lighting. Close to safe, sandy beaches and 

leisure center. Minimum charge 20 campers. 

For free information pack and further enquiries 

contact Kirk Lakin, Freshwater Camp 

Equipment Trust, 100 West Court Road, 

Worthing, West Sussex, BN14 7DP. Tel: 01903 

205 353 Email: info@freshwatertrust.com 

Website: www.freshwatertrust.com 

NORTH DEVON campsite. Large field, sea 

views, permanent cookhouse, showers and 

toilets. Fully equipped for up to 80. Contact: 

Geoff Hills, Warcombe Farmhouse, Warcombe 

Lane, Morthoe, N Devon EX34 7EJ. Tel: 01271 

870501. 

SWANAGE, DORSET – Booking now for 2007 

Excellent fully equipped camp site. Close to 

this delightful town and its sandy beach. 

Comprehensive, well maintained facilities and 

canvas. Gas, electricity, flush loos. For 

joint/single camps any size from 35 to 100. BB 

approved. Brochure: Steve Nice, 29 Botelers, 

Basildon, Essex, SS16 5SD. Tel: 01268 545 907. 

Email: snice@fish.co.uk. See the facilities on 

our website at www.bdcg.org.uk 

BROMLEY BATTALION CAMPSITE situated at 

Whitecliff Bay, Isle of Wight is available for a 

few dates in 2007. Fully equipped with all 

white canvas. Male/Female shower blocks, 

Flush Toilets, Mains Gas and Electricity. 

Details from George Francis, ‘Kenwyn’, 

Beesfield Lane, Farningham, Kent DA4 OBZ 

(013222 862401 or 01474 705475 (e) 

george.francis44@btinternet.com 

VECTIS YOUTH CAMPS. Three 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 equipmnt supplied. Prices from £30 per 

person per week. Ideal for organized camps of 

between 25 and 200 people. Contact by 

telephone 01344 430203. Email: 

info@vectisyouthcamps.org.uk; website: 

www.vectisyouthcamps.org.uk 

GLENGARRY CAMP 2007/8, 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, new fridge freezer 

etc. White canvas for 30 – 70 including 45’ x 

30’ marquee. Nearby leisure centre with 

indoor pool 10 mins. Contact Mark 020 8903 

1116 or email mark.myhan@talk21.com 

CAMPING AND 

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. (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. 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/Fax: 01772-685000. 

www.TheBoysBrigadeInTheNorthWest.org.uk 

BARNABAS TRUST ACTIVITY HOLIDAY 

CENTRES. Four beautiful locations in the south 

of England, the Midlands and the Scottish 

Borders offering self-catering accommodation 

(indoors and ready pitched tents). A wide 

variety of instructed activities at four centres 

(catered option also available). For brochures 

and prices contact Brian Barnes, Barnabas 

Trust, FREEPOST TN2 186, Tonbridge, Kent 

TN11 9BR. Tel: 01732 361361. 

www.barnabas.org.uk 

SOUTHERN SCOTLAND. Spacious Edwardian 

house in its own grounds within the lovely town 

of Moffat. Rent the Well Road Centre for a selfcatering 

conference/ activity weekend/week. 

Open all year. Two meeting/ activity rooms. 

Large kitchen and dining room. 13 comfortable 

bedrooms of various size. 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 

e-mail: Ben8363@aol.com 

GREEN MOOR CENTRE, Sheffield & District 

Battalion’s residential centre for Training and 

Outdoor Pursuits. Sleeps 28 (3 dormitories, a 

separate 2-staff bedroom and separate 2- 

staff/disabled bedroom. Toilets, showers and 

fully fitted kitchen. Situated in the Upper Don 

Valley, 10 miles north of Sheffield on edge of 

Peak District National Park, within easy reach 

of MA. Grid ref SK280994. Contact Sue Cowie, 

tel/fac: 01246-274021 email: 

Jmcowiefts@tiscali.co.uk 

ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES IN CORNWALL. 

Kayaking, Climbing, Open Canoeing, Surfing, 

Abseiling, Archery, the River Challenge and The 

Quest! A reputation for truly adventurous 

activities in spectacular settings. We’re happy 

to arrange anything from one-off sessions to 

weekly programmes. great range of campsites, 

bunkhouse and hostel accommodation. 

Contact: Simon, Shoreline Outdoor Pursuits, 

11a Crooklets, Bude, Cornwall EX23 8NE. Tel: 

01288 354039. AALA LICENCED FOR ALL 

ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES. 

Camp 2007 ILFRACOMBE, NORTH DEVON. 

Dates in August 2007. Canvas camp site for up 

to 40 people with large marquee, cook tent, 

brick built toilet/shower facilities, field for 

sports/games. Local facilities for quad biking, 

horse riding. 5 minute drive to Ilfracombe. 

Surfing in nearby Woolacoombe. Contact Kevin 

Harper on 0121 745 2456 (kdharper@ 

blueyonder.co.uk) for an information pack. 

CAMP AT CHARMOUTH. Self-catering fully 

equipped canvas site available summer 2007/8. 

Easy access to coast, places of interest and sports 

facilities. For information contact: 020 8466 1826 

(ansaphone) or sara.fagg@ntlworld.com 

Brigade Summer camp, STOKE GABRIEL, 

SOUTH DEVON. Come and camp in our fully 

equipped white canvas camp next to a farm site 

near Paignton. Shop/telephone/showers on 

farm. Many local attractions. Please enquire 

via a sae to Clive Gordon, 88 Farn Road, Oldbury, 

B68 8QZ, 07718761150 or Jim on 07968520488. 

SPECIAL DAYS 

28TH OCTOBER 2006: CHANGE THE UK 

CSV Make a Difference Day is the UK’s biggest 

day of volunteering which last year saw around 

114,000 people take part in over 4000 activities 

across the country. 1,996 bags of litter were 

cleared, 104,130 bulbs were planted, 21,148 

litres of fresh paint were used. Log on to 

www.csv.org.uk/difference: register an activity, 

search those that have already been set up in 

your area and look for inspirational activity 

ideas. Alternatively contact Pete Sessions on 

psessions@ csv.org.uk or call 0207 643 1440. 

BOYS’ BRIGADE MEMORABILIA AUCTION 

at Burntwood Methodist Church, Cannock Rd, 

Burntwood. Saturday 21 st October 2006. View 

from 12 noon, auction starts 2.00pm. 

Catalogues and info available from 1 st 

September on receipt of 2 x 2 nd class stamps. 

Postal bids accepted. Items include BB 

Scouting badge, and Pre-merger Life Saving 

Badge together with membership cards, 

uniform items, other badges UK, overseas etc. 

Proceeds to BB Development. K B King, 14 

Gomer Close, Codicote, Hitchin, Herts SG4 

8DP. kking999@aol.com 


Membership Card 2006-2007 

Sold in packs of 10. Space is 

included on the back to record 

Church/Bible Class attendance 

31 365 1 £1.30 

 

Christmas Cards 

A range of Christmas cards featuring The Boys’ Brigade 

crest are available, sold in packs of 10 with envelopes. 

NEW! 

31 520 1 3 Kings Cards £4.00 

31 521 1 Snow Scene Cards £4.00 

31 513 1 Nativity Cards £3.50 

31 515 1 Family Cards £3.50 

Pocket Diary 2007 

Calendary year pocket diary incorporating 

new anchor logo with ‘the adventure 

begins here’ strap line. 

31 593 1 £3.00 

BBSUPPLIES 

BB Supplies, Garcia Estate, Canterbury Road, 

Worthing, BN13 1BW 

Telephone: 08707 442 292; Fax: 08707 203 842 

Order online 24 hours a day through the Online Shop at 

http://shop.boys-brigade.org.uk 

Also available at local depots around the UK 

(See Supplies Catalogue or Website for more details).

Price List: 

Weekends from £33 

Long weekends from £43 

Mon-Fri from £47 

Summer weeks £92 All prices are per person and include VAT 

Call us now! 

Whithaugh Park, 

FREEPOST Newcastleton Scottish Borders TD9 0BR 

Tel: 01387 375 394 

Fax: 01387 375 661 

Email: whithaugh@barnabas.org.uk 

Please quote ref: BB Oct 

Situated in the beautiful Scottish Borders, and easily 

accessible from major routes, Whithaugh Park (pronounced 

“Wit'ff”) is a superb well-stocked 110 acre activity centre 

offering self-catering or full board options for groups of 

between 5 and 200 young people. Accommodation is in 

warm and welcoming log cabins. Whithaugh is run by long 

established Christian charity Barnabas Adventure Centres. 

Free overnight stay for leaders (exploratory visit) 

110 acre venue amidst breathtaking scenery 

Excellent self-catering accommodation for 5-200 young people 

Scandinavian log cabins 

Optional youth programme 

Full board option 

Indoor heated swimming pool 

Sports hall 

Optional instructed activities: 

on site archery, canoeing, 

climbing wall etc 

Sports pitches 

Close to motorway networks 

Other Barnabas Adventure Centres: 

Carroty Wood (Kent), Frontier Centre 

(Northants) and Halls Green (Kent)

Resources they’ll love to learn from 

Teach children the Christian message in a simple, fun way using our new FREE Christingle 

materials covering all strands of the RE curriculum. 

Through Christingle you can also help us work with children, families, 

schools and other agencies to resolve many of the issues 

that cause 100,000 under-16s in the UK 

to run away. By acting now we can prevent 

many of them risking a life on the streets. 

Get your free Create-a-Christingle 

pack by calling 0845 600 8585 or 

visiting www.christingle.org 

While online, check out our 

dedicated schools information 

including: 

• activities 

• assembly ideas 

• PHSE lesson plans 

• and many other resources 

Christingle: the service for children 

that welcomes the whole community 

Christingle originated in the Moravian Church in 1747 Charity Registration No 221124

October 2006 - The Boys' Brigade

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?