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THE OFFICIAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE BOYS’ BRIGADE
In this issue
> 125 in Action
> Brigade Secretary’s 125 Walk
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Volume 117 No. 3 July 2008

The Boys’ Brigade
Patron: H.M. The Queen
President: Professor Sir Kenneth
Calman KCB
Brigade Secretary: Steve Dickinson
Headquarters: Felden Lodge,
Felden, Hemel Hempstead,
Hertfordshire HP3 0BL
Tel 01442 231681; Fax 01442 235391;
Email: enquiries@boys-brigade.org.uk;
Website: www.boys-brigade.org.uk
Our Object
The advancement of Christ’s Kingdom
among boys and promotion of habits
of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline,
Self-Respect and all that tends
towards a true Christian Manliness.
The Gazette
The Gazette is the official publication
of The Boys’ Brigade. Official notices
to members appear under Brigade
Announcements. Opinions expressed
in any other articles are those of
the author of the article and do not
necessarily reflect Brigade policy.
Design & Print
Christian Publishing & Outreach,
Garcia Estate, Canterbury Road,
Worthing BN13 1BW;
Telephone: 01903 264 556;
Website: www.cpo.org.uk
Editorial Team
Mary Care, Steve Dickinson, Chris
Norman, Jan Williamson
Submission of copy
All material submitted with a view to
publication in the next issue of BB
Gazette should be addressed to the
Editor at Brigade Headquarters to
arrive by 1st August 2008.
Small Advertisements
Small Advertisements should be sent
to BB Headquarters;
email: gazette@boys-brigade.org.uk
Display Advertisements
Enquiries regarding display
advertising space should be to
Chris Norman: Tel 01442 288 552;
Fax 01442 235391;
Email gazette@boys-brigade.org.uk
EDITORIAL
Two more young men have just been killed in London. I was deeply moved by the words
of Jimmy Mizen’s mother, Margaret, “I just want to say to the parents of this other boy
that I feel so, so sorry for them. I don’t feel anger, I feel sorry for the parents. We’ve got
such lovely memories of Jimmy and they will have such sorrow about their son. I feel for
them, I really do.”
Words of forgiveness that many of us would find difficult, the type of action that we may
hear preached, but practice is another matter. I was then equally moved by the words
of Rabbi Pete Tobias on Pause for Thought on Radio 2 reminding us that in examination
halls this summer there will be several empty desks which should have been occupied
by teenagers who have lost their lives to violence. He then linked the culture within a
generation with our rejection of many young people through our education system,
which labels many as failures from an early age.
You will all be aware that our development campaign over the last two years has been
called “Engage a Generation”. Again here, is there a mismatch between words and
practice? Do we really engage a generation or just part of a generation, the ones that can
fit a particular mould? We have lost many of our Companies in the most disadvantaged
areas and often the BB is not working with the most hard to reach young people. But,
if we look back through our history, a useful exercise in an anniversary year, we see a
radical movement seeking to bring hope and values to the most disadvantaged.
Many churches are looking at their outreach to the whole community and realising that for
many, church does not appear to be relevant to their everyday lives. New ways or fresh
expressions of “being church” are needed to bring the Gospel to those who otherwise
wouldn’t hear it. Can we be brave enough to experiment with new ways of being BB and
begin to reconnect with teenagers who don’t choose what we have to offer? We have just
appointed four development workers. Part of their work will not only be to support and
develop existing groups, but also to support the Development Plan aim: Conduct timelimited
pilot schemes of new methods of working that are currently outside traditional BB
approaches, with the objective of spreading the use of the successful ones.
It is significant that this initiative is happening in our 125th year, and vital that we hold a
strong vision and a strong faith for our future and for the future of young people.
This is an exciting time for BB. There is no movement better suited to bring the Good News
to a whole generation. Please pray for these new staff members as they take up their roles
and pray for the BB as it shapes up to face up to the challenges of today, tomorrow and
the years ahead.
Steve Dickinson
Check out the new BBUK website
which has been redesigned
and updated to provide more
information than ever before...
www.boys-brigade.org.uk
CONTENTS
76
Firm
Foundations
Find out what
happened at this
year’s festival
Democratic Republic
of Congo
Youth of Living Water
82
97
78
90
102
Other items
86 Good Practice
92 Challenge Plus: Launch Order Form
100 The National & Scottish Bands’ Contest
103 Robin Hood 5-a-side Football Competitions
105 Small Ads
125 In Action
A look at what is going on
around the UK and ROI
Visions Into Reality
Were you represented?
into Reality
Youth Fun days
Find out about special rates
available for UK theme parks
and attractions
125th Anniversary Walk
See where the Brigade
Secretary’s walk took him
104
Regular Features
83 Chaplain’s Corner
84 Brigade Announcements
94 Here & There
98 Around the Regions
106 Stedfast Association News
81
Building your skills
Find out more about the
replacement to Grade 3
Leadership
July 2008 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette 75

What’s different about this
year’s Firm Foundations is
that it still hasn’t finished!
Everyone will know that in previous
years we didn’t even reach the
end of the weekend, so you might
be surprised to hear that FF08 is
still going on! Don’t despair it isn’t
because everyone is still stuck on a
muddy field, but because everyone
left Hemel Hempstead with a heart
and commitment to keep on going
wherever they live.
Keep on going with what?
Seeing Jesus as “A Living Hope”
in all areas of their lives.
As part of Hope 08,
we looked at how Jesus’
hope changes me,
changes my friends and
changes my world.
In the evenings
each of these
ideas was
explored, through worship, testimony,
and an inspiring and challenging message:
Change Me – Friday Night
Sonya Newton (Avanti Ministries) shared
how through all the hard times in her life
there was one constant hope, Jesus.
It was this that changed her and can
change us also.
Change My Friends – Saturday Night
Nigel James (Ignite) shared the
story of the paralysed man brought
to Jesus by his friends, and focussed
on how, despite being really difficult
and sometimes embarrassing, we should
share the hope we know with our friends.
Change My world – Sunday Night
Andy Hawthorne (The Message Trust)
spoke about how Jesus is the vine
and we are the branches, and only
when we are rooted in Jesus can we
reach out to others.
Every morning Lorne Campbell &
Phil Knox (YFC) guided us through the
theme further, with fun (who can forget
Hop Gear, Lenny, Phil verses Lorne
especially the baby food game, and
much more!), discussion, teaching,
and practical ideas.
The last part of the weekend
was communion. Groups were
Firm Foundations 2008 was held over
the bank holiday weekend at the end
of May at Felden Lodge. Just over
1000 people attended the festival
enjoying worship, teaching, music,
workshops, activities and lots more.
commissioned to go home to be
revolutionaries of Jesus revealing him
as “a living hope” where they live. As a
result of FF08 we’re not going to be the
same! Hundreds of people promised to
go out from FF and change the world.
Leaders who saw their young people
commit to this, promised to encourage
and support them. Young people who
saw their leaders make the same
promise, committed to make sure it will
happen. Our lives and what we do are
a huge witness to the communities in
which we live. We shouldn’t profess our
love and commitment to Jesus without
that love impacting the lives of those
around us. Therefore we want Jesus not
only to influence what we think, but also
our words, deeds, and communities.
So whether or not you were at FF08,
let’s use our whole lives to communicate
the heart of the good news.
This year’s festival will be characterised
by young people
deciding that they will
not just sit by in a world
of hopelessness, but
will stand up and be
hope. We all know
that the popular
image of young people in this country doesn’t
give the whole picture. Young people leaving
FF were determined not to be tarnished or
discouraged by this negativity, but were ready
to be moved into action!
What now?
• Make a commitment to follow Jesus
with your whole life. Why not go on an
Alpha course?
• Follow up from the text message you sent
to your friends telling them you were at
Firm Foundations.
• Serve your community in a practical way
to reach out to the community, whether
it’s litter picking, scrubbing off graffiti or
even repainting a wall.
As part of Hope 08, Christians all over the
UK are giving one million hours of kindness.
You might already be doing this as part of
the 125 Community Award, or Soul Action’s
Noise project. At Firm Foundations Andy
Hawthorne said:
“The world has always been changed by
individuals doing a bit and doing a bit more ...
If your company isn’t involved in hope –
why not??”
So you’ve been warned!
We want to hear your stories of what has
changed in your lives following FF, send them
in to firm.foundations@boys-brigade.org.uk or
via post to BBUK Headquarters.
Check out www.hope08.com,
www.hope-revolution.com,
www.soulaction.org
For more photos from this year’s festival
or for more information about Firm
Foundations visit the website at
www.firm-foundations.org.uk
If you haven’t brought a group before,
or are looking forward to next year
already, book next year’s date which is
22nd to 25th May 2009 in your diary now!
76 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette July 2008
July 2008 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette 77

in action...
Everyone is getting involved in the 125 celebration with Companies, Battalions and Districts across the UK & Republic
of Ireland running events and projects. Many of these will include fundraising for the Association of Children’s Hospices
and Palm in Palm Project, as well as young people working towards their 125 Community Award.
If your Company, Battalion or District has held an event, send us a picture and story about what you have been doing.
You can find lots more news and stories on the 125 Website at www.bb125.org.uk
So here’s just a snap shot of what has been going on...
Liverpool Battalion 125 Mission – 9th – 11th April 2008
“Our three night mission brought boys, girls and leaders
together from all over the city and it was the first of the
Liverpool Battalion’s celebrations to mark the BB 125th
anniversary. On the Anchors’ night we had almost 60 boys
plus a few parents, the same number at the Juniors’ night
and 70 teenagers attended the Company/ Seniors’ night!
The Anchor and Junior nights were very lively. The theme
was ‘You’re Invited to a Party” which ran through the songs,
a quiz, a memory verse and story. The quiz prize involved
balloons, full of such things as water, shaving foam, glitter or talc being burst over
leaders’ heads! The story was a short play, which illustrated the only solution to
our sin is through Jesus’ death.
A team from Christians in Sport took the Company & Senior section night. The
boys played games and during the rest break one of the Christians in Sport team
gave a 10 minute talk about Jesus on a (fittingly for our city) football theme. The
boys were challenged with how they would respond to Jesus’ claim that ‘I am
the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father except by me’.
It was great to see so many young people enjoying themselves and to know
that 125 years on, the BB is still advancing Christ’s Kingdom amongst boys.
Derek Swanson
Battalion Chaplain
Hope On The Streets for the 125th
Members of the Junior and Company
Sections of the 1st Tewkesbury
Company, together with staff and
parents, joined in with the weekend
of cleaning the town up as part of
the local Hope 08 campaign.
Tewkesbury was particularly badly affected
by the floods in July last year and the
organisers of the working weekend decided
to do something positive towards helping
put right some of the damage caused
around one of the local rivers. Boys’ Brigade
members met at 9.30 on the Saturday
morning, together with over 100 others
from local Churches, for the dishing out
of litter pickers, gloves, plastic bags and
instructions on the work to be carried out.
Whilst the bulk
of the people
helping out stayed
around the river
area, the Junior
and Company
Section members
were handed
paint brushes,
dustsheets and
gloves, ready to
paint “the town
red” (well white
actually). We had
decided that our
contribution to
the work would
be to paint out graffiti in the alleyways
(of which Tewkesbury has many) and
anywhere else we found it.
We had some specially printed wet paint
signs, with both the BB logo and 125 logo
on, ensuring no-one was in any doubt as
to who was responsible for the work being
done. Boys and paint are sometimes a
dangerous and messy combination but
credit must go to all our members as they
set about their task with enthusiasm and
quickly began to make a difference.
As we moved around the town from
one alley to the next, many locals
stopped to ask what was happening and
to congratulate us on the good work.
One couple were so impressed that
they went to the cake shop and bought
doughnuts for all the boys (strange how
there weren’t any left for the Captain!).
After completing the anti graffiti work,
we then chose specific areas to do a
litter pick and, having noticed just how
much there was around the local Youth
Centre that we use, we decided it would
be a good idea to clean that area up too.
Other members helped with the work
around the river before meeting back up
to enjoy a BBQ and refreshments. Face
painting was also on offer but judging
by the state of several of our boys, they
had obviously decided they couldn’t
wait and had started with the masonry
paint we were using earlier.
A great time was had by all and the
sense of pride was very noticeable,
another positive story for young people
and Boys’ Brigade in particular. BB
contributed to a total of over 500 hours by
people in Tewkesbury, toward the target of
1 million, set as a nationwide total for the
year by the Hope 08 Campaign. Members
who took part will now be receiving the
special 125 Community Badges at our
Awards evening and an additional day
of work is planned so that those who
couldn’t make it to this one will have
chance to earn their badges as well.
Andrew Baldwin
Captain
1st Tewkesbury Company
78th Birmingham clean up
Smethwick
As part of the 125th Anniversary
Celebration of The Boys’ Brigade
and Hope 08 the 78th Birmingham
Company and the 16+ group with the
support of our Pastor Steve Hurley
took part in a local clean up operation,
engaging with the local community
in Smethwick.
The project also coincided with
Sandwell Council ‘Big Spring
Clean Campaign’.
Clean Glasgow . . .
125 Easter Cards
Members of 133rd London
Company and Girls’ Association
made 125 Easter cards for the
local community. They hand
delivered them to two old people’s
homes in Tottenham, to the home
communicant at the church and
to local churches and schools in
the community. All cards were
individually made by members
who took great pleasure and care
in making them.
On 26th April 13 boys from all three sections of the 25th Glasgow Company,
helped in a “Clean Glasgow” litter pick up at Albert Primary School at the request
of their local Primary school.
Most of the boys present or past are members of the school so it was an opportunity
to provide a meaningful community service while working towards their “125” badge.
The Brigade was delighted to receive
the following message from
The Church of Scotland:
“The General Assembly
congratulate The Boys’ Brigade
on their invaluable work
among boys and young men
and more recently girls over the
past 125 years to further the
Kingdom among them –
“Sure and Steadfast”.”
78 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette July 2008 July 2008 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette 79

The Boys’ Brigade and Children’s
Hospices UK – Together
making the most of life
As you know, to celebrate
125 years, The Boys’ Brigade
will be supporting Children’s
Hospices UK. Aiming to raise
£125,000 for children’s hospice
services across the UK, we need
the enthusiasm of every Boys’
Brigade member to make this
partnership a success. Below are
some fundraising ideas to help us
reach this ambitious target and
some information on how this
money will help an estimated
20,000 life-limited children, and
their families, across the UK.
How can I raise money for my
local children’s hospice?
Get involved in our Swim for Kids
event this October. This swimathon
is a brilliant opportunity for you and
your Company to get sponsored
and raise money for your local
children’s hospice. Simply set a target
for yourself or your team and dive in.
Billy’s Story
Billy is Caroline and Terry’s youngest child
(8) – they have four other children.
Billy has been using Little Havens since
just after it opened. He has A Genesis of the
Corpus Collosum, which means he has multicomplex
epilepsy, is brain blind, profound
developmental delay and cerebral palsy.
Billy is totally immobile and dependent and
is fed through a tube in his tummy. Caroline,
his mother, tells his story:
“I had a normal pregnancy, but two days before
Billy was due to be born I fell down the stairs.
In hospital I was told I was fine and I could go
home. One day after my due date I felt so ill I
thought my head would explode. I had actually
haemorrhaged. The birth was traumatic and Billy
had to be resuscitated. Despite this he wasn’t taken
to Special Care and stayed with me.
When Billy was three weeks old I knew something
was wrong. He couldn’t bear to be touched. During
a check-up with my youngest daughter, the health
visitor had a look at Billy and called a doctor
straight away and it just snowballed from there.
My little boy had to undergo so many tests once
he was referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital
– neurological examinations, MRI scans, genetic
Making a difference
• £1 could pay for a child’s
oxygen mask
• £5 could pay for a telephone
conversation at 3am with a parent
who needs to talk
• £10 is the amount it costs for the
time taken to change a drip
• £25 could pay for music therapy
session for one child
• £100 can pay for an evening’s
respite care
• £879 could pay for a child’s respite
care in a hospice for one day
• £1,000 provides 70 hours of
hospice at home care
• £3,000 could pay for children to
receive a year of play therapy from
a children’s nurse throughout
school time giving their mum and
dad a much needed break
• £15,000 is the amount it costs
for one Care Assistant
• £35,000 could ‘adopt a nurse’
for one yea
testing. We
were given the
diagnosis: his
condition was
terminal and it
was unlikely he
would see his
first birthday.
It was
obviously a
lot to take in.
Some bits
you put away in your brain until you can deal
with it. If you’re lucky enough you get to come to
somewhere like Little Havens. When our referral
to Little Havens was accepted, the enormity of
our situation settled in. Even though the format of
children’s hospices can be explained, many people
find it hard to grasp the concept.
Little Havens is our second home. At home
we have everyday chores to do like housework,
shopping, school dinners, cooking. At Little
Havens we can live. We’re not considered different,
we can be normal.
We know ultimately why we’re here but that
thought isn’t a burden to us. We’re living, not
dwelling. The end-of-life service is just a small
part of what Little Havens does. I actually came up
Children’s Hospices UK is
organising the world’s largest
triathlon, to take place on
9th and 10th August 2008.
A triathlon is a continuous race
comprising a swim, cycle and
a run.
Why not encourage your company
members to join around 12,000
competitors in this exciting
challenge. For race entry options,
costs and details, take a look
at the official London Triathlon
website to decide which distance
to opt for.
To reserve your place, call
Tracy on 0117 989 7825 or
tracy@childhospice.org.uk
with the Little Havens strapline – Love, Laughter
and Life. That is what this place is all about.
At Little Havens Billy really enjoys and responds
fantastically well to music therapy. During a visit
by a Chinese Restaurant to celebrate their country’s
New Year, Billy was reacting to the sound of their
drum while the dragon danced around. I watched
my son. I saw “him” – not his illness, or seizures
or medication, just him.
We also go on trips to the circus, seafront,
Legoland, swimming and even flying. These
are things that we couldn’t either afford to or
practically do. It has also given our other children
opportunities. Every single child is treasured, not
just the poorly ones, but siblings too.
Sometimes in the morning you can hear prayers
being said in the Chapel. You don’t have to belong
to any religious denomination, but the thing that
ties us all together is our faith in Little Havens.
I cannot praise the staff at Little Havens enough.
The structure is like an extremely sophisticated
dance. Each member of staff is a different step
and it comes together.
I cannot imagine a life without Little Havens
because it has been Billy’s life since he was born.
I am a parent, I have parents, but the ethos and
foundations that Little Havens was built on is like
an even bigger parent. We come here to Live.
125th Anniversary Walk
It seemed like a good
idea twelve months
ago, but as the days
drew closer a few doubts
crept in. 125 miles over six
days to celebrate the 125th
anniversary and raise
funds for the Palm in Palm
Project and Basic School
provision in Jamaica.
The Mall
At 11.00 on Thursday 22nd
May I set off from Trafalgar
Square and headed up The
Mall. It was kind of the Band
of Her Majesty’s Guards
to accompany me on the
first leg as they marched
towards Buckingham Palace.
Knightsbridge led to South
Kensington and crossing
the Thames at Wandsworth.
Final leg of day 1 at Worcester Park
A good pace resulted in
reaching Worcester Park in
time to be joined by members
of the Company on the last
leg of the day to Sutton.
The second day saw me
dropped off in Elstree to walk
Day 2 reaching Watford
the route of the A41 to
Watford to join the Grand
Union Canal on its route
to Hemel Hempstead
and return to Felden for
Firm Foundations.
I returned to Northampton
after the festival for the
longest day of the walk.
Start of day 3 in Northampton
Twenty six miles lay ahead
visiting the eleven Companies
of the town. I was joined by
other hardy walkers for the
day and welcomed at
a number of the churches
– a surfeit of tea. At the end
we all shared a meal and
I was able to explain a little
of the Cameroon project to
those present.
Greeted in Northampton
At 11th Northampton HQ
In Leicester & getting wet
Wednesday took me to
Leicester and again a route
that joined the Companies in
the city starting in Blaby and
finishing in Loughborough.
This was the only day of the
walk which saw rain, with
the middle of the day being
particularly wet. I was very
grateful for company on the
walk and friendly greetings
at a number of churches.
Thursday saw me in
Nottingham joined for the
day by a number of walkers.
It had been arranged that
we should meet the Lord
Mayor at the City Hall at 2.15,
resulting in a rather fast pace
with the last quarter of a mile
requiring running. This was
interesting on about the 100th
mile of the walk. We managed
to arrive just in time, were
Meeting the Lord Mayor
in Nottingham
welcomed by the Lord Mayor
and explained the purpose
of the walk to him.
Rest stop in Nottingham
1st Birmingham Company
The last day of the walk
was in Birmingham with a
route from Sutton Coldfield
to Shirley. The end was in
sight and we maintained a
steady pace. It was good
to meet the young men of
the 1st Birmingham in the
shadows of the Aston Villa
ground. I managed to join in
their football game, but I think
my team found me a liability.
The afternoon was the final
slog with the last eight miles
from the city centre to Shirley
arriving at 5.00pm.
The end at Shirley
Methodist Church
The walk was complete
and apart from a few blisters
I was still in one piece, much
to the surprise of some. The
venture could not have been
possible without the help
of so many people and I
would like to thank all those
who planned routes, walked
with me, opened churches,
provided refreshments, gave
words of encouragement and
sponsored me. Your support
was very much appreciated.
So far over £3,500 has been
raised for the two causes
and this will make a real
difference in the lives of
children and young people.
Steve Dickinson
80 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette July 2008 July 2008 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette 81

TurningPoint 2008
Northern Ireland’s B.B. Turning
Point Youth Festival in April
was a great success with
some 200 young people and their
leaders attending an actionpacked
weekend of activities
at the Ganaway Centre in
the Ards Peninsula.
‘For Sale’ provided a
thought provoking theme
for the weekend with the
guest speaker Philip Kerr
from Crown Jesus Ministries,
challenging the young
people of their value to God and
how by following Him, future
development is possible in their lives.
A full programme presented a wide
range of choice with some ‘Going For
Gold’ in the Archery hall, while others
scaled their individual ‘Everest’ and
reached the summit of the largest
indoor climbing wall in Ireland or
reached the dizzy heights of the high
level ropes course. For those who
preferred to keep their feet on ‘terra
firma,’ soccer and rugby coaching
together with Team Challenges were
led by Christians in Sport.
Christian Aid highlighted the need to
reduce poverty in Latin America and
their venue ‘Casa Romero’ played host
to a number of workshops ranging from
Guatemalan Mirror making, circus skills
and juggling. Their Latin American Café
serving Fair Trade hot chocolate and
brownies proved a great attraction.
The Ichthus group of young
musicians led the worship
in the main arena and on
Saturday held a praise
party backed
by Christian songs.
The Live Lounge
Café showcased
popular features such
as ‘Millisle Idol’ and
You think you can Dance?
together with the Games
Arcade ensuring those who
entered were adequately entertained.
The Trading Post sold exclusive
TurningPoint merchandise.
A team of senior boys and girls and
young leaders from Down Battalion
hosted a ‘Social’ on Friday evening
before competing, challenging and
building relationships with the young
people throughout the weekend with a
varied programme of Sumo Wrestling,
Giant Twister and counselling – an
excellent addition to the programme.
TurningPoint was grateful for the
presence and hands-on participation
of the Brigade Secretary Mr Steve
Dickinson, Mr John Young MBE and
Mr Jonathan Eales who on Saturday
afternoon hosted a ‘Visions into
Reality’ conference bringing together
B.B. personnel from across Northern
Ireland in the Beacon indoor Worship
centre. Also most welcome were
Mr Roger Green and Mr Dan Griffiths
from Birmingham Battalion who headed
up the worker support team.
A lasting memory of the weekend
will be the response of 16 young
people who came to a TurningPoint
in their lives when they made a
commitment to follow Jesus Christ.
Plans are already being prepared
for TurningPoint 2009 with groups
booking for next year before they had
left on Sunday afternoon. Information
about this can be sourced from
Paul McCarroll at Boys’ Brigade House,
14 May Street, Belfast, BT1 4NR
or telephone 028 9032 4853,
email belfast@boys-brigade.org.uk
Spike Milligan, when asked
why he was in some particular
place, replied, “Everyone
has to be somewhere”. Typical of
his zany humour, it was in fact a
profound remark. Human life exists
in a specific context, measurable
in time and space. Numbers and
statistics dominate our lives, from
the dates of birth and death to credit
card numbers, email addresses,
mobile phone numbers, cholesterol
count, blood pressure, and many
more besides.
I have just been reading the book,
‘Longitude’ by Dava Sobel; it tells the
story of John Harrison, a clock maker
who led the pursuit of an accurate
timepiece for the guidance and safety
of long distance sea voyagers. It is
a fascinating piece of history and a
gripping story of invention, endeavour
and achievement. T. S. Eliot also
speaks on the subject in his poem,
Ash Wednesday, “Because I know that
time is always time and place is always
and only place, and what is actual is
actual only for one time and only for
one place”.
At one specific point in time, in a
relatively obscure part of the then
known world, God sent his only son to
be born in human fashion. His life on
earth measured approximately thirty
three years, most of which is unknown
to us, although the last three years are
well documented and have inspired
millions of people to follow his
teaching. We do not know his height,
weight, email address, blood group or
hair colour, but we do believe that he
was, and still is, the Son of God and
the Saviour of humankind. Wise men
and shepherds appear in the story of
his birth, soldiers and religious bigots
witnessed his passing, his crucifixion
is a fact of history and his resurrection
is an article of faith. That we measure
our human history in BC and AD
indicates something of the importance
of Jesus. He has been called, ‘the man
who divided history into two halves’.
During his time in human form,
Jesus formed the church and gave
the Holy Spirit to empower and inspire
both the church and its individual
members. Great things have been
done for humanity by men and women
who followed Jesus and sought to
serve others in his name. Just about
125 years ago, William Alexander
Smith, as part of his own journey of
faith in Jesus, formed the fledgling
Boys’ Brigade in Scotland and it soon
grew into a worldwide movement.
Many have come to faith through the
BB, communities have prospered,
churches grown and lives have been
transformed. Is the work done? Is our
task over? Are we redundant? I think
not. I am just one of an infinite number
whose feet were set in the right path
by the example and pastoral care of
dedicated officers and open minded
churches. The challenge for each
person, each company and each
church, is, as the hymn writer
put it, “to serve the present
age”. Our 125 years of
history is a glorious
testimony to a
splendid vision
of Christian faith
and service,
but this year’s
celebrations
are also a
springboard
for the future,
our future and
theirs – those
who come after
us. Let us not
fail them, or Him
who called us.
This is the time,
yours is the place,
we are the people.
Like Spike said, everyone
has to be somewhere.
by The Revd
Terry Hurst
Brigade Chaplain
82 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette July 2008
July 2008 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette 83

Brigade announcements Brigade announcements
Brigade announcements Brigade announcements
MEETING OF THE BRIGADE
EXECUTIVE – 17th/18th
May 2008
The Meeting was held at Brigade
Headquarters Felden Lodge. This is a
summary of the main items covered.
• Development Plan
The Brigade Secretary updated the
Executive on progress towards the
aims of the Development Plan
• Visions into Reality
225 delegates representing 81
Battalions & Districts had attended
the Conferences over the six venues.
The Executive considered how these
conferences were to be followed up
and further support given to Battalions
to progress action plans.
• 125th anniversary of The
Boys’ Brigade
The Executive was updated on plans
for the 125th anniversary service at
Glasgow Cathedral and the review
of 125 Queensmen at the Guildhall
on Saturday 28th June. A group is
progressing the Guildhall review and
Regions will select representative
Queensmen. The Executive was
pleased to note that the Brigade had
been asked to provide 12 Seniors to act
as Carpet Guards at the afternoon and
evening performances at the Festival of
Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall
in recognition of our 125th anniversary.
• Finance
The Brigade Treasurer reported on a
difficult year for the Brigade’s finances.
At the year-end, the Brigade recorded
a deficit of £110,167 which was
£38,000 above plan. This was after the
Pension Deficit funding of £109,400.
A prior year adjustment will be made
in the accounts for the West Nile Street
expenditure of approximately £23,000.
The key issues of overspend relate
to property maintenance and heating
and lighting.
• New appointments
The Executive was pleased to hear of
the appointment of four development
workers as advertised in the April
Gazette. The focus for the Liverpool
post will be on piloting new methods of
working that can be replicated around
the United Kingdom and the Republic
of Ireland, while the other posts will
focus on supporting existing work
and starting new work in churches.
The Northamptonshire worker will
also spend a percentage of his time
developing and supporting the Engage
a Generation project with a UK remit.
• Business Director
The Business Director updated the
Executive on the statistical return
process, his work with supplies and
the insurance brokers and the ongoing
developments at Felden Lodge. The
Executive agreed that from September
Battalions and Districts, where agreed,
will be able to issue President’s
Badges. The arrangements for Queen’s
Badges are unaffected.
• Director of Youth and
Children’s Work
The Director of Youth and Children’s
Work updated the Brigade Executive
on staff and volunteer development
and on the work of the Independent
Safeguarding Authority.
• Constitutional Review
The Executive agreed minor drafting
amendments to the constitutional
motions as reported in the April
Gazette. The Executive considered
its response to an amendment to
the motion which had been received.
(The amendment has since
been withdrawn).
• Brierley Research
The Executive received a presentation
from Dr Peter Brierley and Mrs Heather
Wraight who had been carrying out
research into the perception of the
Constitutional Review
Brigade amongst the churches. This
research had been commissioned as
part of the Development Plan and will
form the basis of our approaches to
churches in the future. It was agreed
that a similar presentation be made
to Brigade Council.
• Brigade Council
The Executive received updates on
Brigade Council 2008 at Tulliallan
Castle, Scotland
• Committee Reports
The Executive received reports from
the Regional Committees.
• Office Relocation
With effect from the beginning of June
the Regional Director for England, Eric
Hudson, will have an office based at
Felden Lodge. The office telephone
number will be 01442 231681. All
correspondence should be sent to
Felden Lodge.
Voting at Brigade Council
The voting papers for this year’s Brigade
Council are included with this Gazette and
are available on the website. Companies
are entitled to one vote and may exercise
this through the Captain or a nominated
Officer at Brigade Council, may proxy it
In the April Gazette notice was given of the following Motions to Brigade Council:
In the name of the Brigade Executive
The Brigade Executive propose the following constitutional motions for
consideration at Brigade Council on 6th September 2008:
1) Brigade Constitution
To adopt the Memorandum and Articles of Association as set out in Appendix A
as the constitution of The Boys’ Brigade, as approved by the Brigade Executive
and the Charity Commission, and that this shall be effective from 1 January 2009
2) Brigade Regulations
To adopt the Brigade Regulations as set out in Appendix B with effect from
1 January 2009
The Executive has taken soundings from Counsel which has resulted in three minor
drafting amendments. The amendments do not change the tone of the documents
and they help to provide greater precision and clarity. To this end, the following
amendments will be incorporated without an amendment motion.
Memorandum & Articles of Association
Memorandum clause 4.3.1.3
Delete “did not care”
Replace with “was reckless”
Brigade Regulations
Section 3, clauses 5
Delete “There shall be the following categories of child and young person
membership.”
Replace with “Children and young people shall be members of The Boys’ Brigade
through Companies which shall be designated as one of the following:”
Section 9, clause 11 and Section 10, clause 10
Insert the word “otherwise” after “unless specifically stated”
to another member of Brigade Council or
may vote by post. Please ensure that your
voice is heard. Battalion and District Office
Bearers who are entitled to vote may only
do so in person at Council and cannot
proxy this vote or vote by post.
Junior Section International
Team Games
Details for the games have been
circulated to Company Captains through
the Company Mailing and can also be
downloaded from the BBUK Website.
This session the Competition will run
from 1st October to 31st December 2008
with all results being received at BBUK
Headquarters by 16th January 2009.
125 Challenge
This competition replaces the Top Team
Challenge and is for the Company Section
and Seniors age group. As with the Top
Team Challenge a sealed pack containing
the challenges will be sent on request
to companies taking part. A response
card has been circulated to Company
Captains through the Company Mailing
and requests for the pack can also be
submitted on the BBUK Website, and
packs will be sent out in early September.
This session the Competition will run
from 1st October to 31st December 2008
with all results being received at BBUK
Headquarters by 16th January 2009.
Camelot Theme Park
Competition
Thank you to all those who entered the
competition in the April Gazette, and
congratulations to the 2nd Bromsgrove
Company and 15th Wigan Company
who were the winners. They will each
be enjoying a free day at the Camelot
Theme Park.
Look out for the competition in this
Gazette to win tickets for Alton Towers.
Justgiving.com
The Boys’ Brigade has set up an account
on Justgiving.com to enable friends and
supporters of the Brigade to fundraise
and donate online. If you have not used
justgiving.com before then it is a great
way for getting people to sponsor you
for an event you may be doing. You
can create your own fundraising page
and donate to The Boys’ Brigade
including national appeals such as
the Association of Children’s Hospices
and Palm in Palm Project Appeals.
Please note you cannot set up
fundraising pages to raise funds for
your Company, Battalion, District or
other charity through The Boys’
Brigade account.
Should you require more information
please contact Chris Norman at BBUK
Headquarters on 01442 231 681.
125TH ANNIVERSARY
SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING
Glasgow cathedral – 4th October
All Battalions have been asked
to send 4 representatives to
this service. A number have not
yet responded and Battalion
Secretaries are asked to deal
with this as a matter of urgency.
CHALLENGE PLUS LAUNCH DAY
Saturday 20th September 2008
Leaders working with Senior sections
who would like to find out about the new
programme Challenge Plus are invited
to a training day at Felden. The day will
include information on how to run the
new programme, some tasters of the
new activities and an opportunity to
see the new badges and learn about
the new awards schemes.
The cost of the day will be £10 and
a lunch will be provided.
Full details and booking form are
on the BB website: www.boys-brigade.
org.uk/challengeplustraining.htm
NEW COMPANY
The 1st Bridgwater Company at Holy
Trinity Church, Bridgwater has been
enrolled. We wish the company well
and pray that God will richly bless
the members in the years ahead.
CAPITATION FEES 2008/2009
Annual Registration fee payable by all companies..............................................£90
Company officers ................................................................................................£24
(Second officer at the same address)..................................................................£19
Battalion & District officers not on company roll..................................................£24
Officers in full time education or training..............................................................£18
Officers in receipt of state retirement pension.....................................................£18
Associate members.............................................................................................£27
Per young person..............................................................................................£9.50
The maximum fee of £1,100 per Company for young person and Company
registration will remain unchanged.
Girls in The Boys’ Brigade
All members will now be aware of the
proposals by the Brigade Executive for
consideration by Brigade Council in
September. The Executive believes that
the constitutional proposals regularise
the position that many Companies
find themselves in, allow a flexibility of
approach that is needed in the many
differing situations that are faced and
provide a regulatory framework to
protect single gender work with boys
and young men.
Questions have been raised with regards
to the provision of activities, events and
competitions by Battalions. Battalions
are constituted to support their constituent
Companies and provision of activity
should reflect this and there should be
equality of opportunity for Companies
that have a Girls’ Association. Equality
of opportunity does not necessarily mean
that all activities have to be mixed.
The advice given in the Frequently Asked
Questions in the April Company Mailing
is reprinted below:
Q: What changes will we need to make
at Company level? Battalion level?
A: If you have taken the decision to
set up a Girls’ Association, then it is
essential that both boys and girls are
treated equally in the Company. (Equally
doesn’t always mean exactly the same,
but with equal opportunities to achieve
and participate and to be valued equally.)
One of the roles of the Battalion is to
support all of the Companies in its area,
so if a Battalion has a mix of companies
including boys-only and those Companies
with a Girls’ Association, then those
Battalions should ensure that events
and competitions offer opportunities to
both girls and boys. Where a national
sporting body lays down guidelines
about organised sports or games that
means that you cannot have mixed
teams, then an opportunity for single sex
teams to compete separately should be
provided, if possible.
The Brigade Executive urges all
Companies to support the proposals
to progress this matter and thereby
enable the Brigade to focus on other
pressing issues.
Brigade Training Officers
The BB in England and Wales is pleased
to welcome the following leaders to the
network of Brigade Training Officers:
Trevor Pannell Jason Close Colin Watts
Andrew Oakley Justin Nevison-Andrews
Louisa Hawkes Leigh Maydew
We wish them well in their new role.
84 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette July 2008 July 2008 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette 85

GOOD PRACTICE
Some years ago, working on Target Badge topics with a group of Company
Section first years, I came across a section of the BB website, which gave
information on Sir William Smith and the early days of the BB. The notes included
a passage that read as follows: “The first camp by the 1st Glasgow Company was
held in a building at Tighnabruaich on the Kyles of Bute in 1886. William Smith
was an experienced yachtsman and each squad had its own craft – it was a sight
indeed to see the boats in nautical array on the placid waters of Bute.”
ADVENTURE UNDER SAIL
FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS
GOOD PRACTICE
The anchor emblem of The Boys’
Brigade was put to the test over
the first weekend in April when
an intrepid group of young explorers
set out on an expedition on the Firth
of Clyde in conditions that arctic
explorers would have understood.
The group from the 5th East Kilbride
Company of The Boys’ Brigade, based
at the West Kirk, was accompanied by
two BB leaders, Ken Taggart and Fraser
Anderson, together with four Girl Guides
from East Renfrewshire and South
Lanarkshire. The adventure took place
on a 72-foot former round the world
racing yacht, “Alba Explorer” which
is one of the fleet operated by Ocean
Youth Trust Scotland.
After meeting the skipper and crew,
then going through a safety briefing and
fitting waterproofs and lifejackets, the
group divided into watches and cast off
from the pontoons at Braehead shopping
centre late in the evening, to motor down
the River Clyde with the tide. A star-lit
sky accompanied the yacht as it passed
by Clyde landmarks and out of the river
at Port Glasgow to cross over towards
Helensburgh. After arriving off Rhu Marina
in the early hours of Saturday morning, the
crew finally headed off to their bunks.
Saturday dawned bright and cold with
an icy wind blowing down Gareloch.
After waiting for a nuclear submarine to
pass on its way into Faslane base, it was
with a forecast of northerly gales that the
explorers set off with reefed sails in the
blustery conditions. Moving around deck
was more awkward with several layers of
clothing to keep out the cold.
Faces were hidden under hats and
waterproof hoods so the best way
to recognise crew was often by their
welly boots!
The voyage then took the crew round
into Loch Long where conditions
became gusty in the lines approaching
squalls. Visibility reduced at times and
each watch was glad when they could
get into the shelter of the cabin at the
end of their watch and out of the hail
showers. Once down below, making
lunch for the crew of 17 was not what
it would be at home, where the cooker
doesn’t move about and objects don’t
tend to fly across the kitchen table!
All were relieved when conditions began
to calm down later. More sail could be
carried and the tired crew were glad when
the mooring was reached at the end of
the journey. The sails were stowed just as
a snow shower passed to remind us that
summer had not arrived just yet!
It was a great journey for all the crew
and The Boys’ Brigade are very grateful to
a number of organisations who supported
the adventure including South Lanarkshire
Council, KPMG, The Rotary Club, The
Merchants House of Glasgow, Clyde
Cruising Club and John Wood Group plc.
The challenge of living and working on
the boat was a great experience for all,
but any plans for a similar future event will
definitely consider the Caribbean as an
alternative warmer location!
Ken Taggart
At a Local
Battalion
Meeting
I met Steve
Dickinson, who
was presenting
the Brigade plans
for Engage a
Generation. We
looked at the
local Boys’ Brigade numbers over
the last five years and how they have
declined and some companies closed.
Our Company (6th South East Essex)
was the exception as the numbers
have increased by over 50% since I
took over as Captain in 2002.
One thing leads to another...
Being a Boys’ Brigade Captain is one of
those things that I never imagined myself
doing. I certainly didn’t when I joined the
15th Luton Company in 1980 at the age
of 6 and still wasn’t in my mind when
my family moved to Essex in 1988 and
I joined the 6th South East Essex. I just
continued to progress through the ranks
until I reached an age where I had finished
badgework and there was nothing to do,
so I started to help in the company. I was
at an officers’ meeting and the Captain
announced that he was standing down
and the rest of the officers decided that I
would be the best choice! So the decision
was made and at the age of 28, I took
over as BB Captain on a temporary basis.
The ball starts rolling...
I now had to look at the numbers and
the current programme, which hadn’t
really changed in the last 10-15 years. We
were in a thriving Church, yet the BB was
struggling, partly because of a less than
ideal relationship between our company
and the church. The Ministers and I
discussed the present situation and what
we thought was needed to be a successful
BB Company. It can be difficult for officers
who have served for the last 10 years plus
to change and try something new. They
had shown great loyalty to the company
and it is hard to challenge previous
methods. Much prayer was offered as to
how to take the company forward.
Problems, problems...
The leader of the Junior Section decided
to stand down and there was no apparent
replacement. I approached the Church for
help and a volunteer who had a wealth of
previous experience of youth work came
forward.
Once the Juniors were back up and
running, the Anchor Boy leader said
that she was going to have to close as
she was the only staff member, which I
had to agree was not ideal. So, again,
I was looking for help. It was at this
point that the decision was made to
change the meeting night to the same
night as Junior and Company Sections
and to change the meeting time. The
next problem was that the leader who
had previously worked for the last 15
years would not be able to continue!
However, my prayers were answered
when the Youth Minister came forward
to lead the Anchor Boys.
Time for action...
Things were now looking good – we had
a Company with a young enthusiastic
staff, but we lacked boy members – the
Anchors and Juniors had only 14 boys
between them. We needed a recruitment
drive for new members.
As part of the outreach of our church,
there are visits to local schools where
assemblies may be taken and after
school football clubs, some of which are
led by people at the Church. The boys
are encouraged to come along on a
Friday BB night.
Results…
This has been a huge success and
because of this link between the church
and local schools, our numbers have
been steadily increasing and at times
we have had a waiting list. The Football
clubs, run by some of the officers, have
raised awareness of the BB with the local
schools and community, with the support
of the church. To keep the boys interested
activities include camping trips, mountain
biking, tournaments, craft projects plus
the usual BB activities.
My vision as Captain was that one day
all sections would meet on the same
night, so that the younger boys would
get a glimpse of what they could look
forward to in the older Sections and
that we would fill the church. I feel that
this has now been achieved and at our
last awards night, there was standing
room only. Support from parents is
overwhelming.
I am not saying what we have done will
work for everyone, I am just sharing what
we have done in our company, how we
have grown from 30 boys to nearly 100
and what we did to get there.
Martyn Clarke
Captain
6th South East Essex
86 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette July 2008 July 2008 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette 87

Tesco Sports for Schools
and Clubs Scheme
In 2006 our company decided to
take part in the sports scheme
run by Tesco. As a small company
we wondered whether it would be
worthwhile to participate, especially
as many of the local schools were
already collecting the vouchers.
With letters to parents, emails to work
colleagues and asking family members
to redirect their vouchers to us instead
of their schools, we managed to collect
about 1500.
The scheme allows a voucher for
every £10 spent in store. You can then
exchange these for an extensive range of
equipment from tennis balls to
England
unihoc sets, even full adventure
playground equipment.
In last year’s scheme we were able
to get a portable CD player and a
parachute. By asking the boys what
they would like to order encouraged
them to collect the number of vouchers
needed for the particular items. We are
currently waiting for our order of a new
unihoc set and a ‘speedy net’ – an easy
to assemble tennis or badminton net –
from 2007’s scheme where we collected
about 1900 vouchers.
By taking part in the Tesco scheme
and collecting the vouchers for sports
equipment we can extend the range of
5th July England Regional Athletics
2nd – 8th August KGVI
20th September Challenge Plus Training – Felden
Scotland
88 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette July 2008
Diary Dates
26 July – 2 August King George VI – Second Year Course
(by invitation only)
2 – 9 August King George VI – New Entrants’ Course
30 - 31 August 125 Live – Scone Palace Cricket Ground
– organised by Perth & District Battalion
5 – 7 September Brigade Council & The Gathering –
Tulliallan Castle
27 September BB Games 125 – Coatbridge Outdoor
Sports Centre - organised by Airdrie,
Coatbridge & District Battalion
4 October 125th Anniversary Service
– Glasgow Cathedral
activities we can offer the boys without
cost to the company other than postage
to place the order! Even if you only
collect enough vouchers to replace
a football it is a worthwhile project for
any company.
Chris Ware
1st Havant & Leigh Park Company
Take part in 2008 …
Why not take part in the scheme
in 2008, vouchers will be in store
from September 2008 – you can
find out more information and how
to register your Company at
www.sportsforschoolsandclubs.co.uk
11 – 12 October North Scottish Area Conference – Buckie
– organised by Banffshire Battalion
25 – 26 October Brigade Training Officers’
Foundation Course
International Junior Section Team
Games 2007/2008
There were 208 entries into this year’s competition from around the world including Australia, Scotland, Republic of Ireland, Wales,
Northern Ireland and England.
The top ten were as follows:
Questions
Placing Company Region Points overall
1 25th Stirling Scotland 1165
2 1st Erskine “C” Scotland 1122
3 3rd Kilkeel “A” Northern Ireland 1118
4 17th Brisbane Australia 1109
5 1st Clonakilty Republic of Ireland 1099
6 9th Route “A” Northern Ireland 1067
7 1st Moira “A” Northern Ireland 1055
8 3rd Pine Rivers “2” Australia 1041
9 1st Gillingham England 1038
10 9th Riverton Australia 1019
Full results can be found on the BBUK Website at: www.boys-brigade.org.uk/international-team-games.htm
Volunteering …
We continue to interview some volunteers in each edition of the Gazette and this time two leaders from Scotland answer some
questions about what motivates them to volunteer each week.
Profile
Name: Sandy Moffat
Age: 17
Town: Dunfermline
Occupation:
Customer Services Advisor
Hobbies/Interests: Driving and BB
1. Why did you become a volunteer?
Following Grandfather’s footsteps in BB.
2. What makes you laugh?
People you are with, sharing time and fun.
3. Best camp/holiday
First ever visit to Craggan (Edinburgh Battalion’s
Outdoor Centre) the weather was good and we never
missed out on anything in the programme. Subsequent
visits, programmes have been restricted by weather.
4. Hi spots
KGVI first year, great staff and super group of cadets.
Worked hard and had great fun, made lots of friends
with staff and cadets.
5. Lo Spot
Company band not doing as well as expected in
bands contest, but not really a low just a short term
disappointment.
6. What keeps you going?
Ambition to do well in BB. – in the past Queen’s Badge
and KGVI., in the future to be a good leader.
Questions
Profile
Name: Willie Rundell
Age: 42
Town: Wishaw
Occupation: Insurance Assessor
Hobbies/Interests: BB and Hill-walking
1. Why did you become a volunteer?
Joined the BB at mother’s behest and never regretted it.
Felt I should give something back, became an officer and
again have no regrets.
2. What makes you laugh?
The boys and officers, their humour, sometimes
unintentional contribute weekly to the enjoyment of our
programme.
3. Best camp/holiday
Company Camp at Auchincruive, this was a great
experience for all participating, The weather was good
and there was lots to do and everyone participated. The
whole group worked and played together and great fun
was had by all.
4. Hi spot – Lo Spot
Highs and lows occur every week, we work though the
lows and come out into the next high. Boys continually
provide highs, by their achievements, comments and
opinions on each other, the programme and the officers.
5. What keeps you going? The officers and boys, we are
a team and every player is needed.
July 2008 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette 89

NATIONAL COMPETITIONS
Were you represented?
A
total of 225 delegates
representing 81 Battalions
and Districts attended the
conferences held over six venues
in the spring. The first conference
was held at Carronvale on 16th
February and the final one at
Ganaway on 26th April.
All Battalions had been invited
to send three delegates to the
conferences whose aims were
to inform and consult on recent
initiatives, to share more widely
the Brigade Development Plan
and to enthuse areas for growth
and development. The theme for
the conference was based on
Acts Chapter 2 v 17 “your old men
will dream dreams, your young
men will see visions”. In looking at
how we turn our visions into reality,
the Brigade Secretary quoted:
the plan is very detailed it really
is about two things – supporting
existing work and looking for
opportunities to start new
work. In addressing these two
needs, the Company Support
Scheme and Engage a Generation
were detailed and Battalions
challenged to take them up.
• The proposed constitutional
changes were shared and there
was opportunity for detailed
questioning. After this there
was an overview of programme
development and Challenge Plus.
• The Open Forum allowed
for discussion of topics that
were of concern to Battalions
and members of Regional
Committees, Brigade Executive
and Staff were on hand to
answer specific points.
“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action
without vision just passes the time. Vision with
action can change the world.” (Joel A Barker)
into Reality
The Competitions
We can look back on another session of National Competitions that have taken
place in various locations throughout the United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland.
Competition and fellowship were enjoyed by both boys &
officers throughout the session. This session saw some boys
and companies taking part in National Finals for the first time
in Carrickfergus and Larne (Northern Ireland), Strathkelvin and
Edinburgh (Scotland), and Newbury & Blackpool (England).
Results from the 2008 Finals
Senior Football
1st 2nd GOUROCK
2nd 70th London
3rd 4/5th Kilmarnock
4th 2nd Castlederg
5th 6/8th Dundee
6th 17th North West Durham
Chess
1st 1st NEWTONHILL
2nd 1st Knocknamuckley
3rd 32nd Nottingham
4th 3rd Kilsyth
Masterteam
1st 1st BALLYCLARE
2nd 7th East Kilbride
3rd 2nd Forfar
4th 9th South East Essex
5th 16th Newtownabbey
6th 35th Liverpool
Junior Football
1st 1st MOUNTJOY
2nd 2nd Castlederg
3rd 42nd Dundee
4th 48th London
5th 2nd Port Glasgow
6th 2nd Sutton on Ashfield
Badminton
1st 7th WISHAW
2nd 5th Coleraine
3rd 4th Newtownabbey
4th 1st Polmont
Joint 5th 9th South East Essex &
32nd Nottingham
Table Tennis
1st 44th Glasgow
2nd 1st Grangemouth
3rd 1st Burton-in-Kendal
4th 48th London
5th 11th Northampton
6th 1st Knocknamuckley
Why Not Give Your Boys a
New Challenge
National Competitions will give your
Company & Senior Section
members a new challenge for next
session. Meet new companies
from outside your own Battalion
and you might even reach a
National Final somewhere in
the UK. National Competitions
provide competitions to suit every
boy and company size. Entry
forms for the new session are
available from summer Company
mailing, and more information by
visiting www.boys-brigade.org.uk/
nationalcompetitions.htm
Above: Masterteam 2008 Group
• The first session concentrated
on setting the scene looking at
what had happened to BB over
the last ten years. Delegates,
having discussed factors that
have caused decline and whether
these were internal or external to
the Brigade, highlighted priorities
that the Brigade should now
address. The Brigade Development
Plan was shared and it was
pleasing that all of these priorities
were there somewhere. Although
• Delegates were then asked
to draft an action plan and
highlight three priorities to
consider as a result of the day.
This was the most important
activity as there have been
conferences before, which were
thought beneficial, but little has
happened. Delegates were asked
to stress the support they needed
from the Brigade to realise their
vision and the Staff and Executive
will be looking closely at these.
• So will the vision become a reality?
It’s the responsibility of us all and we
all have a part to play. The future is
not something that happens to us, it
is something we shape and create –
what part will you play?
National Football Final
90 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette July 2008 July 2008 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette 91

Challenge Plus
Programme
for 15 to 18 year olds in the Seniors
An exciting new programme for leaders working with 15
to 18 year olds, providing you with resources to meet the
needs of your young people will be available from August 2008.
The Challenge Plus Programme provides:
• fully resourced Projects with tips and
ideas for delivery
• flexibility of working in age groups
or all ages together
• a wide range of activities
• a series of challenge cards
•
• new award scheme
• new volunteering scheme
• links with The Duke of
faith development resources
Edinburgh’s Award
What’s in the pack?
Your programme pack will contain:
3 sections including:
• Information – this will guide you
through how to use the pack,
including programme planning,
entitlements, rules and regulations
and administration including
record keeping.
• Projects – fully resourced project
outlines with tips and ideas for delivery.
• Challenges – task objectives with
tips and ideas for implementation.
• Awards – how the award scheme
recognises young people’s
achievements including how to gain
the Queen’s Badge and information
on the new Volunteering Awards.
How will the programme work?
The Challenge Plus Programme is split
into Projects and Challenges as follows:
Projects will include taster activities
that will be short sessions to act as
an introduction to a project. There will
then be resourced ideas on how the
Project could be carried out.
The projects will be grouped into
3 programme zones:
• Community
• Life Skills
• Recreation & Leisure.
Each Project will have objectives, will
provide resourced project outlines
with tips and ideas for delivery, may be
split into sub activities and will provide
information on how to take Projects
further, including: websites, books
and other resources.
Challenges are focussed on activities
that could be completed by the group
or as an individual ranging from ‘Climb
a Munro’ to something very different like
‘Review a local takeaway meal’. Each
Challenge will be accompanied by ideas
on how the challenge could be carried
out and health & safety guidance.
Challenge Plus LAUNCH ORDER FORM
Programme
To order your copy of the new Challenge Plus Programme Pack
please complete this form and return to BBUK Headquarters.
Packs will be despatched from 11th August 2008 onwards, please allow up to 14 days
for delivery. (Please note: this pack is not currently available through BB Supplies).
I would like to order ....... copies of the Challenge Plus Programme Pack
at the special launch price of £27 + Postage & Packaging
(normal programme pack price £30).
Postage and Packaging should be added as below:
1 pack £4
2-4 packs £7
5-7 packs £11
8-10 packs £13
11 or more packs please contact Accounts Team at BBUK
Headquarters (01442 231 681) before making your order.
DELIVERY
Name:.........................................................................................................................
Company/Battalion/District:........................................................................................
Delivery Address: .......................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
Postcode ...................................................................................................................
Daytime Telephone Number: .....................................................................................
PAYMENT
I enclose a cheque for £ .................... made payable to “The Boys’ Brigade”
including postage & packaging.
Please debit my credit/debit card with the amount of £ .................................
(details as below) including postage & packaging:
CARD NUMBER: _________ / ________ / ________ / ________
CV2 SECURITY NUMBER: _________ (last 3 digits on back of card)
START DATE: ____ / ____ EXPIRY DATE: ____ / ____ ISSUE NO (SWITCH): __
NAME ON CARD: ......................................................................................................
Address (If different from delivery address above): ...................................................
...................................................................................................................................
.............................................................Postcode.......................................................
Signature: ..................................................................................................................
Please RETURN to Challenge Plus Programme Orders,
The Boys’ Brigade, Felden Lodge, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP3 0BL
or FAX (if payment by Credit Card) to: 01442 235 391.
Please Note: It will not be possible to take orders by telephone.
92 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette July 2008 July 2008 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette 93

HERE & THERE
of Christian Youth Work in Rugby
The 1st Rugby Company celebrated the company’s centenary with a special
weekend of activities last February. On Saturday an early breakfast attracted over
50 past and present members. This was followed by a football match for ‘old
boys’ at the Griffin Centre and in the afternoon a Pirate Party was held for present
members, which finished with a film and pizza and chips. As if that wasn’t enough
for one day, a Company Display took place in the evening. A parade service
was held on the Sunday at Rugby Baptist Church. Her Worship the Mayor
of Rugby, Sue Peach, read a letter conveying best wishes from The Queen.
The Brigade Secretary dedicated new company colours and during the service
a time capsule was opened which had been placed in the church safe 25 years
ago. This contained photographs and letters from boys in the company in 1983
predicting what life would be like in 2008, some of which were very close to
reality! The weekend was a great success and fitting tribute to the work of boys
and officers over the last one hundred years.
The Mayor of Lisburn
The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Lisburn,
Councillor James Tinsley, joined the Company
Section of 1st Magheragall Company in
1981. In 1988 he started helping in the Junior
Section and in 1990 became a Lieutenant by
completing the KGVI Course at Rathmore,
Larne. In the early 1990’s he was selected
as one of a number of representatives of the
BB in Northern Ireland to meet The Queen
at Windsor Castle. He has always been an
active member of the company staff and is
now leader in charge of the Anchor Boys.
In the summer of 2007 he became the
youngest Mayor of Lisburn and has been Mayor of Lisburn
actively promoting the importance of citizenship
to BB members and school children throughout the city.
Plymouth Battalion have fun
Twenty-seven Plymouth Battalion Anchor Boys met for their
annual fun afternoon. They enjoyed activities based around
the story of David and Goliath, which included VeggieTales
DVD and the Giant Pickle, drama, crafts and Go4lt type
games, concluding with a knock-out handball competition.
They certainly had fun and learnt that they can do big things
with God’s help.
94 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette July 2008
With courtesy of Highland News
2nd Inverness
Centenary
2nd Inverness Centenary
The celebration weekend started with
a gala concert at Culloden Academy
Theatre, by members of the Company,
themed around the history and
development of the company. A civic
reception hosted by Highland Council
was held and a dinner dance. Sir
Kenneth Calman, Brigade President,
was guest of honour for the weekend.
The climax of the weekend culminated
with a parade of members and others
from Highland Battalion through the
City centre, before a special service at
Ness Bank Church, where Sir Kenneth
gave the address.
Triple Celebration
£150 was collected for the Palm in Palm
Project at a special parade church
service, which was a triple celebration
to mark the 125th anniversary of the BB,
50th anniversary of Darlington & District
Battalion and 50th anniversary of 2nd
Darlington Company. Many officers
and boys, past and present, attended
the service, which was led by Revd
John Bower, a founder member of the
company. After the service there was
a cake to share and opportunity for old
friends to meet up and the Battalion Arts
Festival was held.
Edinburgh Connections - Kenny MacAskill
Edinburgh
Connections
Kenny MacAskill MSP, Scottish Cabinet
Secretary for Justice and local member
of the Scottish Parliament, recently visited
the 25th Edinburgh and 41st Edinburgh
companies. He was very impressed with
the range of activities taking place and
spent time chatting to the boys and BB
staff about youth issues. The boys were
keen to ask him how a top politician
spends his day! Speaking afterwards,
Mr MacAskill said ‘The Boys’ Brigade is
a tremendous organisation and does so
much good work week in week out for
young people throughout Scotland.
The Scottish Government is keen to do
all we can to support the work of all the
uniformed youth organisations in Scotland.’
Since his visit Mr MacAskill made contact
with the Edinburgh, Leith and District
Battalion and has followed up on a number
of issues on behalf of the Brigade.
Dear Editor...
Opening and
Dedication of the
Ganaway Beacon
On Sunday 13th April the Ganaway
Beacon was opened at the Belfast
Battalion’s activity and conference
centre on the Ards peninsula. Opened
by Mr James Smyth, Battalion Honorary
Vice President and dedicated by the
Battalion Chaplain, Mr Brian Anderson,
the Beacon is a special meeting area
providing a facility where young people
and leaders from across Northern Ireland
communities and diverse cultures can
come together in spiritual contemplation,
It is always encouraging to learn of local
companies desiring to make association with
BB in differing parts of the world. Recently
I received such a request from 2nd Coleraine
in Co. Londonderry. They are wanting to celebrate
the 125th Anniversary of our founder by assisting
in the development of a company abroad. As
the umbrella organisation of BB internationally,
Global Fellowship welcomes such requests
and does its best to twin companies, battalions
and organisations.
When it comes to working at an international/
cross cultural level there are often a number
of unseen challenges and rewards that Global
Fellowship is keen to share from its experience
with both local and foreign BB groups so as to
maximise the experience for all concerned. If
your company is planning or would like to engage
at any level with another unit abroad we would
encourage you to be touch with our free
service through admin@globalfellowship.net
Regards
Tim Pratt –
Outgoing CEO, Global Fellowship of Christian Youth
(L to r) Craig Sheills, Chris Backe (QB), Conor Dempsey,
Adam McDiarmid, Carnie Hamilton, Ian Wood (QB),
Kyle Naples (QB), Kevin Backe, Liam O’Neill (QB)
BB WORLD CUP
teaching and development of the
good relations that will be crucial to
the creation of a shared future.
41st
Edinburgh
Queen’s
Badges
John Hughes, Manager
of Falkirk FC, presented
four Queens’ Badges and
five President’s Badges
to members of the 41st
Edinburgh Battalion.
For a number of years the Edinburgh, Leith
& District and Northampton Battalions have
regularly held an inter-battalion game of football.
Other battalions including Cardiff, Nottingham
and Dunferline have also taken part on some
occasions, with each battalion providing a
Junior and Senior team. The boys colloquially
refer to this as the BB World Cup. As well as the
football competition the host battalion provides
accommodation over a weekend, the
boys take part in some sightseeing
and usually a trip to ten-pin bowling.
These weekends have proved
to be an enjoyable and fairly
stress free way of enabling BB
members from different parts
of the UK to meet in a social
context. If your battalion or
even your company would
be interested in taking part
in a similar event, contact
Jonathon Eales at Felden
and he would be happy to
make any connections.
July 2008 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette 95

HERE & THERE
News from Paisley
BB demo at Rocks Game
On 16th March the Scottish Rocks,
Scotland’s only professional basketball
team, had a home match against
Birmingham at the Braehead Arena.
There was a pleasant surprise for
spectators at half time. Rocks’
management had arranged for the
Paisley & District Battalion to stage a
special BB Display. There were seven
minutes of simultaneous displays by
all three sections. In the centre, 20
Anchor Boys from 1st Erskine, 15th
Paisley and 3rd Johnstone companies
showed games which can be played
using a parachute. At one end of the
court, 10 boys from 3rd Renfrew Junior
Section put heart and soul into getting
round a very varied ‘potted sports’ circuit. At the other end, gymnastics were
performed by 12 Seniors from 1st Neilston, 3rd Johnstone and 1st Bridge of
Weir companies. The Display was much appreciated by the spectators and
the Rocks’ General Manager, Bruce Cook, said he would be delighted to
have the BB back on future occasions.
Competition Day
Results:
In March the Battalion held its annual
Junior Section Competitions Day at
Wallneuk North Church Halls, and 4-boy
teams entered from 11 companies. The
three competitions were Arts & Craft,
Bible Knowledge and Potted Sports.
The boys were asked to make a door
handle sign for Arts & Crafts.
Potted Sports:
1st 1st Neilston (Graeme Milloy, Stephen Milloy, Grant Alexander,
Jack Harris)
2nd 24th Paisley (Iain Craig, Alexander Gilmour, Samuel Everett,
Craig McDonald)
3rd 1st Kilbarchan (James Murphy, Colin Robertson,
Jack Jamieson, Joe Barratt)
Arts & Crafts:
1st 11th Paisley (Fraser Boyd, James Wilcox, Ciaran Blyth, Greg Kerr)
2nd 1st Kilbarchan (as above)
3rd 22nd Paisley (Owen Kelly, Teddy Gallagher, Reece Laiolo,
Jack MacPherson)
Bible Knowledge:
1st 11th Paisley (as above)
2nd 24th Paisley (as above)
3rd 1st Kilbarchan (as above)
Paisley & Dist Batt –
Junior Section Comp Day
DEA Silver in the
Peak District
Members of
the 2nd Enfield
and 10th Enfield
Companies
completed
their Duke of
Edinburgh’s
Award Silver
Expedition in the
Peak District in James in Snow
early April. The
team consisting of John Murfitt, Ben Hall,
Mark Griffiths and James Norman spent
4 days and 3 nights walking around the
Vale of Edale including Mam Tor in varying
weather conditions which included sun,
cloud, rain, wind and lots of snow!
Enfield Expedition – Group at end of Expedition
President’s Badges
Mr John Young MBE, Brigade Vice President
presented President’s Badges to members of
43rd Belfast: (l to r) Robert Cairnduff, Drew
Vincent, Adam Fardiner, David Johnston.
Thank you
The 1st Denton Company would like to thank
Costain for their generosity in donating £220
towards the purchase of a new gas cooker for
use at their annual summer camps. Costain in
the Community (CITC) is a scheme designed
to benefit charitable/volunteer organisations
such as The Boys’ Brigade, whilst promoting
Costain’s reputation as a considerable
contractor. The new cooker will enable
campers to continue having excellent food
in a safe cookhouse.
Youth of Living Water
Democratic
Republic of
The Challenges of DR Congo
Despite Congo’s wealth of resources
there has been much conflict in trying
to gain control of its minerals. As a
result of this DR Congo has been
engaged in civil war for many years with
over 4,000,000 having lost their lives.
Zaire gained independence from
Belgium in June 1960 and became
known as Congo. However General
Mobutu, Chief of the Army, led a coup
in 1965 seeking to gain control of the
mineral rich Katanga province.
In October 1996 dissident groups led by
Laurent Kabila and supported by rebels
in Rwanda and Uganda rose in revolt.
Children joining the rebel army or the Youth
of Living Water – one path leads to death the
other offers hope for the future.
Kabila declared himself President with
Mobutu fleeing to Morocco.
However in summer 1998 yet another
rebel group announced itself, again
backed by Rwanda and Uganda and
further conflict broke out. A ceasefire
was signed in August 1999 but in
January 2001 President Kabila was
assassinated by one of his bodyguards.
His son Joseph took over as the new
Head of State in January 2001 and
proved to be more open to negotiations.
A transitional national government was
formed in 2003. This, at least formally,
ended the war. The first democratic
elections for over 40 years took place in
July and October 2006. Joseph Kabila
was elected President but any progress
is slow.
Congo
The situation has left DR Congo in
a state of absolute desperation.
• Hundreds of thousands of people
have been displaced creating a
humanitarian disaster with many
having no hope of home, food,
health, education or income.
• High ethnic tension remains in the
East and North-East of the country.
• Justice for victims who have had
their human rights abused is sparse.
• The education and the public health
system are both shattered.
• Mass widespread corruption.
• There has been a national economic
collapse. The DR Congo is ranked
near the bottom of countries on
the 2007 Human Development Index
at 168 out of 177 .
• Violence and insecurity continues.
• Armed forces continue to pose a
threat to civilians.
• There are frequent reports of
civilian executions.
• Widespread rape and sexual
violence continues.
• Banditry and forced labour
is common.
• Over 30,000 children have been
forced into rebel armies and
this continues to occur.
Youth of Living Water
Originally called The Boys’ Brigade
but for obvious political reasons
YOLW has had to gain a new identity.
It operates in the South East of the
country in the mineral rich Katanga
province, which is around the size
of France. They offer a weekly
programme through a number
of groups across the province
for around 2000 boys and girls.
The National Secretary is Mr Jean
Tshiswaka from the Anglican Church.
Apart from discipling young people to
follow Christ along the lines of the Brigade
methodology, the focus is on seeking to
develop the young person’s character
within the context of their culture. They
therefore have an emphasis on social
development. Seminars are regularly held
on issues such as HIV/AIDS, employment,
human rights, poverty etc. They also run
a number of small vocational training
and income earning initiatives such as
pig rearing, maize growing and rental of
wedding gowns.
Here members from YoLW learn how to grow
and then sell maize
To assist young people in “fighting” the
aftermath of the war, they have established
a Skills Training Programme. The objective
is to train young people through a 9 month
apprenticeship school. It will teach students
carpentry or tailoring skills leading to
gainful employment and the ability to take
responsibility for their own lives. The first
intake has 12 students and they propose
to double this number each year.
At the end of the 9 month period the
products the youth have made will be
sold through local markets. Some of the
income will be invested in the further
development of the school but the youth
will also receive a commission..
Given the recent history of the country,
there is no guarantee that the youth will
find external employment on completion
of their course. At the very least however
they will have learnt skills that will bring
income to their families through the
establishment of micro-enterprise.
96 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette July 2008 July 2008 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette 97

Around the regions
England
Web Site
The England Region young
people’s group is designing an
England page on the Brigade’s
web site, which will be used to
promote events and activities
within the region. It is expected
that the page will go live at the
beginning of next session.
Engage a Generation
All Battalions in the Region have been contacted asking them
to make time in a Battalion meeting to hear about Engage a
Generation. To date approximately 50% of Battalions have
agreed a date. Please contact the Regional Director for further
information if your Battalion has not yet responded.
Scotland
125Cinema
Archive video footage will be shown during the Brigade
Council weekend.
Our thanks, so far, to George Francis for video of the 1947
Chislehurst & District Camp (now Bromley battalion) and to
Rob Bolton for a dvd of BB archive films ranging from 1908
to 1966. As well as being shown, copies of this dvd will be on
sale during the Council weekend.
The footage contains gymnastics, camping, marching, bands,
Royal reviews and much more.
If you have any footage that you would be willing to lend please
contact: BB4U@btinternet.com
BBay Auction
An auction of old memorabilia (uniforms, badges, membership
cards, manuals) at Brigade Council Weekend Tulliallan Castle,
5 – 7 Sept 2008, in aid of 125 Children’s Hospices Appeal.
Everyone attending the Council weekend has been asked to
bring along (or send in) one item of memorabilia, but you can
also donate items even if you are not attending Council.
Please send items to:-
The Boys’ Brigade, Scottish Headquarters, Carronvale House,
Carronvale Road, Larbert, Stirlingshire FK5 3LH
For more details phone 01324 562 008
In August a catalogue of items in the auction will be available
on the BB Scotland website http://scotland.boys-brigade.org.uk.
The site will also contain details of how you can bid for items,
even if you are not attending the Council weekend.
Marching Band Competition
The UK Band Championships has now come under the remit of
the Region and is run jointly with The Girls’ Brigade – England &
Wales. The competition held on 7th June was the last in the current
format. In the future the event will become a Music Festival, which
will include marching bands but will also include other musical
disciplines. A venue is being sought and a steering group will meet
shortly to plan the event. Watch out for further details in the Gazette
and Company mailings.
Northern Saints
Watch out for further information about this new event which will be
held in the North of England over the August Bank Holiday weekend
starting in 2009. This will be an activity based Evangelistic event and
will be ideal for Company and Senior Section members. Partners are
being sought and a planning group established and updates will be
announced in future Gazettes and mailings.
Scottish Senior’s Challenge
Ross Harrison of the 1st Kirkintilloch BB
Company sent in this report to complete
Senior’s Challenge no 50.
“In November 2007, as part of my Senior’s
Challenge, I travelled to Lamlash on the Isle
of Arran to see The Boys’ Brigade Lifeboat.
I had to go down at 9am on a cold Saturday
morning because they were taking the
lifeboat out on a training exercise. I was shown around by Mark who
was really helpful. He told me all about the engine, the equipment and
how it was used, where everyone sat and the jobs they did. He let me
sit in the lifeboat and try on some of the equipment.”
This is the last year of the Scottish Senior’s Challenge. In September
it will be replaced by the new programme for Seniors “Challenge
Plus”. The Scotland Committee would like to thank all the Seniors
and Companies who have used the challenges over the last five years
and hope that you will enjoy using “Challenge Plus”.
Battalions DISPLAYS
Battalions (not just Scottish ones) are
invited to remember the last 125 years
of The Boys’ Brigade in their areas.
Create a display of old photos and/or memorabilia
for the Brigade Council weekend 5 – 7 Sept 2008
at Tulliallan Castle.
A display area of 6ft x 3ft will be available. Bring your own
equipment. A table will be provided. Use display boards or
PowerPoint type presentations. Some battalions have already
booked. To book a display area for your battalion, phone
01324 562 008, by 10th August 2008, indicating if you
need an electric power supply. Prizes for the best displays.
Around the regions
Northern Ireland
THE BOYS’ BRIGADE IN NORTHERN IRELAND
JUNIOR SECTION 1-2-5 GO CHALLENGE
During 2008 Junior Sections in Northern Ireland have
had the opportunity to celebrate the 125th Anniversary
of The Boys’ Brigade by taking part in the 1-2-5 GO
CHALLENGE at four venues throughout Northern Ireland.
Two events have already been held in February and April with
another two due to be held during October (Cookstown 11/12 Oct,
Lisburn 17/18 Oct). Around 180 boys have already taken part and
there is the opportunity for up to another 360 to take part in October.
For two hours 15 minutes teams of four boys take part in 15
innovative and exciting challenges working together as a team.
A small group of Officers from Northern Ireland planned, designed
and made the Challenges and have been responsible for the
organisation at each venue. One of the aims was to provide activities
and use equipment and resources that would be different from
those normally available on a section evening.
With titles such as In the Driving Seat, Onetwofive Go
Challenge, Curling, Wonder Wall, Locks and Badges, Pick and
Pass, Tangoes, Magnetic Challenge, Maze, Walk the Plank,
Quick Reaction, Caterpillar Walk, Golf Ball Tunnel, Calculator
Game and Speed Cups, boys have been kept fully occupied with
a great variety of activities. Using a number of halls and rooms at
each venue has kept up the surprise element, as boys have no idea
of what the challenges entail.
Small trophies are awarded to the winners of each session and
all boys receive a special 1-2-5 GO Challenge Certificate.
Feedback from the boys (and officers) has been very positive
Republic of Ireland
David Tough visits BB in
Ghana
David Tough,
Captain
1st Tralee
Company
has just
returned
from two
weeks in
Ghana as part of a team of ESB (Electricity
Supply Board) volunteers working on
refurbishing a large school at Teshi, Accra.
ESB is supporting the redevelopment of
this 3,500 pupil school as part of their 80th
Anniversary. The team of 25 ESB Staff was
involved in painting classrooms, installing
lights, a computer room and resource
centre at the school.
...GO
and encouraging. The
favourite Challenges
(mentioned by the boys)
have included In the
Driving Seat, Wonder Wall, Magnetic Challenge and Maze.
It is also good feedback to know that some sections have
even registered to bring more boys to a second venue.
Companies are encouraged to register as soon as possible for
the final 2 events – closing date Monday 22 September 2008.
Professor Norman Nevin, presented the certificates
and trophies.
CHALLENGE
Paul McCarroll, full-time Senior Executive
Officer with the Belfast Battalion has been
awarded a Churchill Fellowship Travel
Bursary from the Winston Churchill Memorial
Trust. He will spend 6-8 weeks in Canada
and North America during the summer,
studying the Recruitment and Retention of
Volunteers with a wide range of organisations
from the voluntary and community sector.
The Fellowship attracts over 1000 applicants each year, from which
100 individuals are chosen who wish to broaden their horizons,
using their Fellowship to bring experience to their organisation and
community on their return. We look forward to the benefits of Paul’s
experiences in his work with young people in the future.
LauraLynn Children’s Hospice Foundation
“Together making the most of life”
The BB in the Republic of Ireland is supporting the
LauraLynn Children’s Hospice Foundation as part of the
Brigade celebrating 125 years of our founding.
As we go to press £8500 has been received towards
our target of £25,000. Thank you to the Companies
that have already contributed and good luck with
your fundraising to those who have various activities
planned over the coming months.
Enrolment Service of
10th Dublin Company
98 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette July 2008 July 2008 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette 99

England and Wales BB/GB
National Band Championships
The Scottish Bands’ Contest
19th April 2008
Twenty five bands took part in an excellent day of friendly competition at the Northwood Stadium,
Stoke on Trent on 7th June.
There were many different styles of music and all of the young people gave of their best to provide an entertaining
day for the appreciative audience.
Results:
BB/GB Inspection
Beginners’ Class
Novice Class
Open Class Indoor
Contest Class
Championship Class
Cadet Class
Open Class (Outdoor)
Drum Major
Individual Drum
Individual Valved Instrument
Individual Non-Valved Instrument
51st Birmingham BB/35th Birmingham GB
1st Malvern BB
Hull and East Yorkshire GB
13th Bromley BB/ 1st St Mary Cray GB
4th Stafford BB/GB
10th Wolverhampton BB/ 1st Lanesfield/1st Coseley GB
4th Stafford BB/GB
13th Bromley BB/1st St Mary Cray GB
Ashley Elliott, 11th Northampton BB
Daniel Kemshed, 11th Northampton BB
Simon Davies, 1st Tamworth BB
Ben Harrison, 11th Northampton BB
The twenty ninth Scottish Bands’ Contest was once again a very successful
day demonstrating the high standard within Scottish bands.
Chief guest for the day was John Young MBE, Brigade Vice President and
chairman of the Brigade Executive. John was joined in the morning by Provost Winifred
Sloan of South Ayrshire Council and John Scott MSP for the Ayr constituency.
Results:
Mini pipe bands
Novice – 44th Dundee
Contest – 231st Glasgow
Championship – 6/8th Dundee
Pipe Bands
Novice – 1st Troon
Contest – 231st Glasgow
Championship – 6/8th Dundee
1st Troon Championship Band
Open Class
Contest – 7th Airdrie Flute Band
Championship – 1st Tulliallan Trumpet Band
Best Mallets Player on the Day – 2nd Port Glasgow
1st Fraserburgh
1st Troon
4th Dunfermline
6/8 Dundee
1st Malvern
The Presentations
11th Northampton
100 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette July 2008 July 2008 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette 101

Youth Fun Days
If you’re looking for a great day out for your Company or Battalion, then
look no further than Youth Fun Days (formerly known as N&L Scout Events).
The Boys’ Brigade is working
with Youth Fun Days to
provide discounted tickets
for Youth Groups for all of Merlin
Entertainments Group attractions -
Alton Towers Resort, LEGOLAND®
Windsor, THORPE PARK,
Chessington World of Adventures
& Zoo, Warwick Castle, Madame
Tussauds, the Dungeons, SEA LIFE.
a free group visit to
Alton Towers for up to
20 people by answering the following
question – “What Bay is new to Alton
Towers for 2008?” Answers to be sent
to altontowerscompetition@boys-brigade.
org.uk by 31st July 2008. The winning
group will receive 20 free tickets to
Alton Towers to be taken prior to
31st October 2008.
win!!
On Saturday 8th November
why not bring a group along
to our Exclusive event at
Alton Towers? Tickets are just
£16.50 adults (17 yrs+) and £13.00
children (4-16 yrs) if purchased before
1st September 2008, plus you will
receive 1 free adult ticket for every
10 child tickets purchased!
You can order your tickets online at
www.youthfundays.co.uk, so big fun
is just a click away! Alternatively ring
0161 277 8998 or 0115 952 3617 to
book by phone.
So whatever the age or size of your
Group, it’s easy to organise a fantastic
day out that doesn’t cost the earth.
Find out the cost of visiting the
Youth Fun Days attractions for 2008
in the table on the right:
Alton Towers
Adults 17 yrs + £21.50, Children 4-16 yrs £14.60, under 4’s
free Groups of 10 + receive 1 FREE Adult ticket for every
10 child tickets purchased
Thorpe Park
Adults 17 yrs + £21.50, Children 4-16 yrs £14.30
Groups of 10 + receive 1 FREE Adult ticket for every
10 child tickets purchased
Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo
Adults 17 yrs + £21.50, Children 4-16 yrs £14.30
Groups of 10 + receive 1 FREE Adult ticket for every
10 child tickets purchased
Madame Tussauds London
Adults 15 yrs + £17.50, Children 5-14 yrs £14.00
Visit www.youthfundays.co.uk for further information and to
purchase your tickets. All tickets must be purchased at
least 2 working days in advance of your tickets
Warwick Castle
Tickets from Adults 17 yrs + £12.00, Children 4-16 yrs £7.70
LEGOLAND Windsor
Adults & Children £18.00
Group bookings Adults & Children 10 + people £17.50.
All group bookings
Sea Life
Adults & Children from £3.50
Group bookings of 10 + people receive
1 FREE adult ticket for every 5 child tickets purchased.
The Dungeons
London Dungeon
Adults & Children £10.00 per ticket
Group bookings of 10 + people receive
1 FREE adult ticket for every 10 child tickets purchased.
York Dungeon
Adults & Children £3.50
Group bookings of 10 + people receive
1 FREE adult ticket for every 10 child tickets purchased.
Edinburgh Dungeon
Adults & Children £4.95
Group bookings of 10 + people receive
1 FREE adult ticket for every 10 child tickets purchased.
Robin Hood Knockout Outdoor 5-a-side
Football Competitions 2008
On Saturday, 26th April
2008 the Nottingham
Battalion again arranged
and hosted national
outdoor 5-a-side
Football Competitions
at the Powerleague
Soccer Centre in
Nottingham
for members
of The Boys’
Brigade.
Following an initial entry of 33 teams
from Ireland and England, 27 teams
actually took part in the Competition.
The Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor
Jeannie Packer, visited and presented
the prizes.
There were trophies, individual medals and
prizes. This event and the one in 2007 were
funded with help towards the cost of prizes from
The Co-operative Group’s Community Dividend
Fund and in addition this year The Rotary Club
of Wollaton Park kindly made a grant. The local
branch of Sainsbury’s Supermarkets plc helped
towards the catering costs.
Congratulations to all those who took part in
a splendid day. The 25th and 39th Nottingham
Companies did the catering and the 44th
Nottingham Company provided overnight
accommodation on the Friday for the teams
from Torquay and Lancashire.
Results:
Under-18 League Winners Shield (to be returned each year) and gold medals and B.B. trophies (to be kept):.........................................22nd Dublin
Under-18 League Runners-up silver medals and shin pads (to be kept):................................................................................................ 1st Torquay
Under-14 League – The David Nunn Memorial Trophy (which will be retained at Powerleague) and The Robin Hood
Knockout Competition Winners Cup (to be returned each year) plus gold medals and footballs (to be kept):.......................................... 48th London
Under-14 League Runners-up silver medals and B.B. draw string bags (to be kept):...................................................................15th South Shields
Cup for the Best Sporting Team in the Under-18 League (to be returned each year)
plus water bottles (to be kept):..........................................................................................................32nd Nottingham/1st Awsworth joint team
The Clifford Jones Memorial Trophy for the Best Sporting Team in the Under-14 League
(to be returned each year) plus water bottles (to be kept):...............................................................................................1st Ashton-in-Makerfield
102 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette July 2008 July 2008 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette 103

Building
Your Skills
With the introduction of the Discover programme
last year, as part of the ongoing Programme Review,
an opportunity was taken to update the training
material used as part of the work towards the
President’s Badge, formerly Grade 3 Leadership.
With the introduction of the Discover
programme last year, as part of the
ongoing Programme Review, an
opportunity was taken to update
the training material used as
part of the work towards the
President’s Badge, formerly Grade
3 Leadership. The new material
called ‘Building Your Skills’ is
aimed at developing skills required
to work co-operatively with others
to make a difference in the life
of the young person and the
Company. The training is open
to young people in Year 4 of the
Company Section, or older, working
towards the President’s Badge
but is also available to any young
person who would benefit from
developing their team skills and
negotiating skills.
Throughout the training, participants
are challenged to look at the different
roles they play in groups and how they
can change, how to work with others in
a way that strengthens the group and
also gets the task done. Probably the
biggest challenge is how they can use
their experiences to make a difference
in their own companies. The course
is practical and interactive with tasks
covering teamwork,
communication,
trust, planning,
problem solving and
creativity and all
tackled in a
fun way.
A number of
Battalions have
already used
the material and
feedback from both
participants and
staff has been very
positive. Possibly
the most northerly
course was run in Kirkwall on Orkney
in February. Scottish Headquarters had
organised a Youth Leader Training course
on the island over the weekend and
rounded the trip off with a Building Your
Skills course for seven young men from
the 1st Kirkwall Company. Although a
small course, it was a positive experience
for all, boys and staff alike, with great
examples of teamwork and creativity
being shown from the aeroplane making
as an ice breaker through to the final task
of building a bed from balloons.
The training was the last stage in the work
towards the President’s Badge and all
seven young men have now started work
on their Queen’s Badge. With 1st Kirkwall
celebrating its Centenary in 2009 it would
be great to see them all completing the
highest award and adding to the roll of
Queen’s Men in the Company.
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 October 2008 issue should be received
not later than 1st August 2008. 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.
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 2009. BB
canvas campsite (operated by 10 th Enfield)
fully equipped for up to 50 (smaller camps
welcome) at the BBUK HQ in Hertfordshire
(from June to Sept). Contact Chris Norman
on (t) 07703 571915 or
(e) chris@boys-brigade.org.uk
SWANAGE CAMPSITE 2009. BB canvas
campsite (operated by 10th Enfield) fully
equipped for up to 60 (smaller camps
welcome) in Swanage. 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 Dennis Hatt,
Tel: 01795 873392 Mob: 07749 790413.
Email: dennis_1stminster@talktalk.net
WEST MIDLAND DISTRICT CAMPING
CENTRE, DYFFRYN ARDUDWY. The Boys’
Brigade Camping Centre at Dyffryn Ardudwy
has available 3 camp sites all suitable for
mixed camps. The largest main centre
site caters for up to 70 people, has a fully
equipped kitchen and dining area. Also
provided is dormitory accommodation for
40 people with flush toilets, wash and shower
facilities. Ridge tents are provided on the
adjacent 3 acre field which can also be used
for sports. The smaller 2 acre sites cater
for up to 60 people and each is equipped with
kitchen, store, electric lighting, gas cookers,
fridge, freezer, tents, 40x20 marquee, wash
and flush toilet facilities, with access to main
centre showers.
Details from Jamie Copson 01905 480 955.
Email: dyffryn.camping.ccentre
@boys-brigade.org.uk
Website: http//dyffryn.boys-brigade.org.uk
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 equipment
supplied. Prices from £35 per person per
week. Ideal for organized camps of between
25 and 150 people. Telephone 01344 430203.
Email: siteadministrator@vectisyouthcamps.
org.uk website: www.vectisyouthcamps.org.uk
GLENGARRY CAMP 2008/9, 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
CRAGGAN, the Outdoor Centre of Edinburgh,
Leith and District Battalion. Set in glorious
countryside by Loch Tay, Perthshire. The
Centre is recently refurbished, has disabled
access, sleeps 30, is self-catering and is ideal
for weekend and other camps. Well situated
for outdoor and water activities with own canoes
and jetty. Contact craggan@thebb-edinburgh.
org.uk or 0131 551 1200 ext 20.
BROMLEY BATTALION SITE, WHITECLIFF
BAY, ISLE OF WIGHT. Fully equipped white
canvas, male/female shower blocks, flush toilets,
mains gas and electricity. Small or large numbers
(45 to 100). Details George Francis, “Kenwyn”,
Beesfield Lane, Farningham, DA4 0BZ.
Phone 01322 862401 or Keith Francis, 01474
705485. Email: george.francis44@btinternet.com
or visit website www.bbcampsite.co.uk
for availability and all information.
Camping/Holiday
Activities
BLACKPOOL AREA. Self-catering
accommodation. (1) Accommodation for
44 in comfort. 4 single bedrooms for staff.
2 shower rooms, bedding and crockery
provided. Fully equipped kitchen. (2)
Small Party Unit for 16 persons, including two
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 ADVENTURE CENTRES.
Bring your company/battalion to one of
our spacious venues. Carroty Wood (Kent),
Whithaugh Park (Scottish Borders), Frontier
Centre (Northants) and Halls Green (Kent).
We’d love to send you a brochure!
Contact: Brian Barnes, Barnabas Adventure
Centres, FREEPOST TN2 186,
Tonbridge, Kent TN11 9QX.
Tel: 01732 366766, www.barnabas.org.uk
or email: bb@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 self-catering 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 website:
www.wellroadcentre.co.uk
GREENMOOR CENTRE, Sheffield & District
Battalion’s residential self-catering Centre.
Sleeps 28 (3 dormitories, separate 2-staff
bedroom and 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 M1.
Grid ref SK280994. Contact Sue Cowie
01246-274021, email jmcowiefts@tiscali.co.uk
Camp 2008/9 ILFRACOMBE, NORTH DEVON.
Dates in August 2008/9. 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.
BRATTON FLEMING 2009. Wonderful site with
panoramic views of the North Devon coastline
and easy access to local activities. Fully working
site with gas cookers and fridges, taking 100
people. Weeks available in August 2009.
For more details contact Richard Barker
01202 775499 or rwbarker@aol.com
Camp 2008/2009 STOKE GABRIEL, SOUTH
DEVON. Come and camp in our fully equipped
white canvas next to farm/holiday park near
Paignton. Shop/telephone and showers on
holiday park. Many local attractions. Please
enquire to Clive Gordon 0121 544 0904 / 0771
8761150. Email: cliveg04@yahoo.co.uk or
Jim 07968 520488. Email: Jimdrew@blueyonder.
co.uk More info/campsite photos on website
http://3warley.boys-brigade.org.uk
104 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette July 2008 July 2008 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette 105

Stedfast
Association
News
The Federation’s Annual
Council Meeting
was held in Manchester over the weekend
25th – 27th April. It was a marvellous
weekend of BB Fellowship with visitors
from Dublin, Liverpool, London, Norfolk,
Reading and South Wales. The weekend
included trips to the home of Manchester
United and Tatton Park with some
shopping therapy for those who needed it.
Visitors stayed at the Cresta Court Hotel
in Altrincham where the Manchester
Association hosted a welcome dinner. Its
Chaplain, Revd Noel Proctor entertained
the gathering in speech and song and
there was also a memorable concert at
Altrincham Methodist Church.
OBITUARIES
WILLIAM BOWIE MBE MC MA (97) was
one of the longest and most effective
Presidents of the Glasgow Battalion. Before
the war, during which he was awarded the
Military Cross, he served as an officer in
the 234th Glasgow Company. He engaged
with people of all ages and with pride he
was committed to everything the Brigade
represented. Following his presidency, he
continued to serve as an Honorary Vice-
President. Many of the new initiatives in
Glasgow benefited from his generous
support. He was appointed a Brigade
Honorary Vice-President.
JAMES EDE (33) joined the 14th West Kent
Company as an Anchor Boy and progressed
through all sections of the company
becoming an officer in 1993 and Captain in
2004. James showed great dedication to
the Company, Battalion and Christ Church,
Bexleyheath, and was an inspiration to all.
He achieved much in his short life and will
be sadly missed by all who knew him.
THE REVD MARTIN W GARNER (69). He
and Captain, David Mills MBE, founded
the 1st Burton-in-Kendal Company. He
was presented to HRH Prince Philip for his
pioneering work with the VSO, particularly
in the Nilgiri Hills of India and Borneo. His
enthusiasm to share his faith was evidenced
in his daily life. There are a great many
people who thank God for the opportunity to
have known Martin.
On Sunday morning we joined the
congregation of the Altrincham
Methodist Church for worship, the
home of the 2nd Altrincham Company,
followed in the afternoon with the
Battalion Church Parade at
Manchester Cathedral.
If you would like to contribute anything
for future columns, please contact
Philip Daley, The Stedfast Association,
Unit C1 Nutgrove Office Park,
Nutgrove Avenue, Rathfarnham,
Dublin 14 or email boysbrigade@eircom.
net or telephone +353 (01) 296 4622.
Vacancy for NVQ/SVQ
Administrator
The BB is looking for an NVQ/SVQ
Administrator to be responsible for the
smooth running of our NVQ Centre.
The role will also involve general
I.T. support at Felden and consequently a
good level if IT skills will be required.
For full details and application pack,
please go to
www.boys-brigade.org.uk/vacancies.htm
L KEITH LOWER was the founder Captain
of 2nd Strood Company at Frindsbury
Baptist Church, near Rochester, Kent. Keith
was one of the pioneers who set up and
ran the Medway Camp sites on the Isle of
Wight and the North West Kent Battalion’s
Honeyhill Campsite, near Maidstone. Keith
was appointed an Honorary Vice President
of North West Kent Battalion; other roles
included serving as deacon, secretary and
treasurer in his church for many years. He will
be sadly missed by sons Philip and Stephen,
their respective families and friends.
S ALASDAIR MUNRO JP (72) was a boy in
the 43rd Liverpool Company (St Cyprians,
Edge Hill). he became an officer in the 43rd
and subsequently a Brigade Training Officer
and for a term, Battalion President. He was
also President of the Liverpool PMA and
Secretary of the BB Anglican Council for
many years. Our sympathy is extended to his
wife, Kathleen and son, Alasdair, in their loss.
GORDON TAYLOR (79) joined the 16th
Leeds Company at age 19 and progressed
through the ranks to become a Lieutenant.
When he moved to Sheffield he was an officer
at St John’s Crookes and the 20th Sheffield
Companies and in 1977 he was instrumental
in setting up the 10th Sheffield Company at
Hillsborough Tabernacle Church. He served
there for 30 years, including ten as Captain.
He was also a church deacon. His love of
The Boys’ Brigade and its foundations were
fundamental in all that he did; he is deeply
missed by all his family and friends.
BB COLLECTORS’ CLUB
Can we help you fund striking
your own badge?
From time to time many Battalions and
Companies strike badges and other
souvenirs to celebrate special occasions.
These items can be costly to produce,
especially in small numbers and
generally have a set up charge.
The Boys’ Brigade Collectors’ Club
can perhaps help you by buying a small
amount of your badges or souvenirs
for our members. If you commission such
a souvenir I would be happy to hear from
you – Kevin Aitchison, Co-ordinator of
The Boys’ Brigade Collectors’ Club,
http://bbcc.boys-brigade.org.uk
(0131 334 7731).
Are you interested in joining
The Boys’ Brigade Collectors’ Club?
Club membership is only open to UK
residents. Following the initial joining fee
of £12, the current annual fee is £9.00
payable in January. The first thing you
receive is a quarterly Newsletter and Club
membership buttonhole badge.
If you require any further information
either contact me or visit our site
http://bbcc.boys-brigade.org.uk
Kevin Aitchison, Joint Co-ordinator, BBCC
CRAIG RICHARDS (101) was a boy and
officer in 16th Leith Company, (Junction
Road Church). Craig was an enthusiastic
officer for 73 years and is particularly
remembered for his service in the 1930’s
as Battalion Secretary, helping the Battalion
to acquire Lethem Park and Pollock
Pavilion, which are still in use today. Craig
was a City Councillor and Member of
the Edinburgh Merchants’ Company. He
always had a twinkle in his eye and was
usually to be seen immaculately dressed
sporting a bowler hat.
KENNETH THOMPSON (64) was a boy
member of 11th Hamilton Company and
progressed through the ranks to become
officer and captain, serving for over 50
years. His purpose in life was to serve,
which he ably did and was well respected
by all who knew him. He was also a
church officer and elder. Kenneth will be
missed by his family and friends and all
who served with him.
ARTHUR WOOTON (85) joined the 19th
Wolverhampton Company when he was 11
years old and only broke his service during
the war when he joined the Royal Marines.
He returned after the war and served as
a lieutenant teaching Drill, First Aid and
Bible study in particular. In retirement he
continued to service the company as a
Vice President. He will be greatly missed
by his wife, Eileen and family and all who
knew him.
Brigade Memorabilia Auction
Our annual BB Memorabilia Auction will be held at
St Stephen’s Methodist Church, Bideford Way,
Cannock, on Saturday 25th October.
As in all previous auctions we anticipate a good range
of early badges, membership cards and the like. We
have been promised a Bolton Boys’ Brigade badge
this time.
Viewing will start at approximately 11.00am with the
auction running from 2.00pm until about 4.00pm.
Postal bids will be welcome. Note that bidding will
go up in steps of about 10% or less, so that to be
successful any bid needs to be one step above any
other, and not necessarily reach the specified limit.
Catalogues will be available from the end of July and
are normally sent to those bidding in the previous
auction. They will include details on how to get to
the venue. There is parking available at the church.
If you have not taken part in previous auctions then
drop a line to Ken. Please include two second
class stamps.
Some items are being sold for owners on a 50:50
basis. Apart from this all profit goes to Brigade
development.
For further information contact Ken King,
14 Gomer Close, Codicote, Hitchin, SG4 8XP.
Global Fellowship of Christian Youth, the international umbrella body of which BB UK is a
member, invites applications for the part-time post of
Chief Executive Officer
Successful candidates should be in sympathy with the aims of GF, have an ability to provide
strategic leadership, be willing and able to travel and work with people from around the world
and a proven track record in project management. The post is a part-time one and attracts a
salary of up to £20,000 (subject to qualifications and experience) for a 50% working week
plus an office allowance.
An application pack can be downloaded from www.globalfellowship.net
Deadline for applications: 31 July 2008
BASIC EXPEDITION LEADERSHIP
(SPORTS LEADERS UK – LEVEL 2)
The BB in Birmingham is organising a BEL course delivered
over four weekends and three day-long sessions, between
October 2008 and February 2009. To complete the BEL,
30 hours working and leading groups is required. This
is an ideal course for those wishing to instruct within the
Expeditions Section of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
at Bronze and Silver levels in open countryside; work
towards the Service Section of the Award; develop outdoor
leadership skills and is a recognised National Governing
Body qualification. The cost of the course is £150.00* and
includes all tuition, registration and residential fees. The
delivery will be in the Midlands area. Details: Dave Mayo,
tel: 01543 271182 or email dave_mayo@btinternet.com
*(Registration fee of £75.00 is refunded to those delegates who
are under 18 years of age at the commencement of the course).
OPEN GOLD VENTURE
The Boys’ Brigade/Girls’ Brigade are organising an Open
Gold Expedition (journeying and exploring opportunities
available) on Dartmoor during 22-28 August 2009. Based
at Broadleas Camping and Training Centre, Haytor, Devon,
and staffed by qualified supervisors and assessors, this is
an excellent opportunity to join with other individuals and
groups to complete a qualifying or full practice journey.
The cost is £95 and it is open to participants from any
organisation or group. Details: Dave Mayo – as above.
Felden Lodge, Felden Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 OBL, UK
Email: treasurer@globalfellowship.net Web: www.globalfellowship.net
Global Fellowship of Christian Youth is a Registered Charity in England – No 275036
106 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette July 2008 July 2008 The Boys’ Brigade Gazette 107

BB SUPPLIES
31 367 1 Membership Cards 2008/2009.............................................................................................. £1.30
Sold in packs of 10, membership cards are available for the new session 2008 – 2009.
Available from 11th August 2008.
31 148 1 I-FILE Handbook................................................................................................................ £4.00
The I-FILE Handbook is a new full colour A5 handbook for members of the Company Section
and Seniors which includes information and facts on The Boys’ Brigade as well as log
sheets to record progress through the Discover and Challenge Plus Award Schemes plus
the Discovery Badge, President’s Badge and Young Volunteer Awards.
Service Badges NEW
New service badges will be available from 11th August 2008, which will be used across all
age groups. Check the Online Shop or your Supplies Catalogue for product codes and prices.
Don’t forget to buy your 125th Anniversary items which are selling fast...
12 120 1 Mug with Circular 125 Logo............... £4.00
12 121 1 Hand Clapper....................................... £1.60
12 122 1 Ball Pen................................................. £1.50
12 123 1 Marrow Mug with 125 Logo (Colour).....£5.00
12 150 1 Bronze Badge....................................... £1.50
12 151 1 Silver Badge......................................... £1.50
12 100 1 Silver Medal ***Limited Stock***... £11.00
12 101 1 Paperweight ***SOLD OUT***
02 440 1 Community Award............................... £1.00
Pictures of all items available through BB Supplies are available online
at http://shop.boys-brigade.org.uk
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)
Early
booking offer
Adults £16.50 & Children £13
+ 1 free adult ticket with every
10 child tickets purchased
For bookings made before
1st September 08
With Youthfundays (formerly N&L Scout Events) Celebrate 125 years of The Boys’ Brigade with your Battalion or Company.
Adults £17.00 (17 yrs +) and Children £13.50 (4-16 yrs) Plus 1 free adult ticket for every 10 child tickets purchased
A selection of theme park rides will be available
To book please call 0115 9523617* or e-mail office@nottinghamshire-scouts.com
For Further information or to download a booking form please visit www.youthfundays.co.uk
*Tel number available during office hours Mon-Fri 9.00am-5.00pm Payment can be made via debit or credit card (2.9% handling charge) or cheque.