October 2006 - The Boys' Brigade

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