October 2006 - The Boys' Brigade

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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. VOLUME 114 No. 4 • October 2006 • page 99
Page 1 and 2: The official quarterly journal of T
Page 3: Contents Special Features Brigade C
Page 7 and 8: Brigade announcements Brigade annou
Page 9 and 10: International Junior Section Team G
Page 11 and 12: We were able to arrange six face to
Page 13 and 14: Here and there Here and there Irish
Page 15 and 16: Commendations Commendations PRESIDE
Page 17 and 18: Anchors’ Christmas Activities Pro
Page 21 and 22: Juniors’ Christmas Activities Pro
Page 23 and 24: Chaplain’s corner Chaplain’s co
Page 25 and 26: from that week was the conversation
Page 27 and 28: 1st Knocknamuckley Company Spotligh
Page 29 and 30: English Athletics Championships The
Page 31 and 32: THIS AUTUMN, why not invite your bo
Page 33 and 34: Visit to Cameroon “Those who oppr
Page 35 and 36: Small ads Small ads Small ads Small
Page 37 and 38: Price List: Weekends from £33 Long

October 2006 - The Boys' Brigade

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