THE BOYS BRIGADE >the adventure begins here THE BOYS BRIGADE PAISLEY & DISTRICT BATTALION ANNUAL REPORT SESSION 2012/2013
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The Boys Brigade OBJECT The advancement of Christ's Kingdom among Boys, and the promotion of habits of obedience, reverence, discipline, self respect and all that tends towards a true Christian manliness. Paisley & District Battalion MISSION Helping the Church win Boys for Jesus Christ AIMS Supporting local Companies Developing the Christian Commitment of our Leaders Providing effective leadership training Organising attractive inter-company activities OFFICE BEARERS President: Bill Keddie Vice Presidents: Mary Dempster, John Stewart, David Love Secretary: Lawrence Napier Chaplain: Rev Arthur Sherratt Treasurer: Jim Auchincloss Assistant Secretary: Anne Sellars OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE Anchor Boy Convener: Jan Phillips Junior Section Convener: David Love Company Section Convener: Hugh Young Seniors and Young Leaders Convener: Vacant Duke of Edinburgh Convener: Stuart Nelson Christian Faith Convener: Mary Dempster Community Member: James Wardrop Development Convener: David Syme Fund Raising Convener: Vacant Property Convener: Stewart Gilchrist Public Relations and Resources Convener: John Stewart Training Convener: Stewart Digney Additional members: Andrew Dinnett, Stewart Digney Jnr Battalian Administrator: June Murdoch HONORARY OFFICE BEARERS Honorary President: The Very Rev. Dr Sandy McDonald Honorary Vice Presidents (Non BB): Provost Anne Hall, Provost Alastair Carmichael, Rt. Hon. Douglas Alexander MP, Wendy Alexander, Annabel Goldie MSP, George Adam MSP, Derek Mackay MSP, David Stewart, Divisional Commander 'K' Division, Strathclyde Police, John McDowell J.P., The Moderator of Greenock and Paisley Presbytery, Rev Alan K Sorensen BD, MTh, Dip Min, FSA Scot, Allan Steele. Honorary Vice Presidents (BB): Tommy Pattison, Anne Sellars, W. Raymond Shaw, Eric Thomson, Campbell McGregor I am privileged to be given this opportunity to contribute a foreword in our 2012/2013 Annual Report; particularly as it coincides with the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who is patron of The Boys' Brigade. Our first main event of the year was the Reception for the Queen's Men which took place in Paisley Abbey. The evening was once again hosted by Renfrewshire Council and we fully appreciate their continued support. We would also like to thank Anne Hall, the Provost, and Mark McMillan, the Leader of the Council, for taking time to attend. A big thank you too for all the parents attending. It is very important that the boys receive the support of their families at this stage in their young lives. Our Battalion Church Parade this year to Sherwood Greenlaw Church, Paisley was a tremendous success with an attendance higher than last year. The Christian Faith Report gives fuller details, p 10 The Parade should have been in March but a certain Football Club reached the final of the League Cup at Hampden on the same date. At this time I would like to thank all our hard working members who give a great deal of their spare time to ensure that the Battalion has a full calendar of events and competitions for all our sections. The events are very well organised and staffed but, on occasions, could be better attended. We would recommend to all Captains and Officers in Charge to continue to encourage boys to attend. As in previous years we would like to thank the various Churches who allow us to use their premises for our various needs. They are Erskine Parish Church, Johnstone St. Andrews Trinity Church, Lylesland Parish Church, Renfrew North Church, Sherwood Greenlaw Church, Stow Brae Kirk, Oakshaw Trinity Church, Wallneuk North Church and Martyrs Sandyford Church. Their assistance in providing halls for our various functions is much appreciated. This session sees us finalising the purchase of our current Headquarters building and adjacent land following serious consideration of all our options. It will be a landmark moment in the history of the Battalion. It was a pleasure to be part of the special ceremony in Bourock Church, Barrhead, in February when Ryan Jeffrey, of the 2nd Barrhead Company, received the BB President's Certificate of Commendation from Boys' Brigade Vice President, Alistair Burrow. As you are aware I have only been in the post of President since June 2012 and the months since have been a real eye opener to me. The work done by the Battalion is quite staggering and I would like to thank the following personnel: all our Officers who week after week look after the boys: and to those who are additionally assisting as Conveners, and Office Bearers; I give my heartfelt thanks. To the Executive and office staff without whose cooperation the work in the Battalion would not be able to move forward. In particular, I would like to thank three gentlemen, Jim Auchincloss, our Treasurer, who controls the purse strings, Lawrence Napier, the ever present heart of the Battalion and our Past-President Campbell McGregor, for his continuing support of the Battalion and his friendship and help in guiding me through this first year. I would commend all those who worked to promote our National 10% in 2012 Campaign. We have in fact increased the number of boys in the Battalion by slightly over 10% this year. May we continue to increase our numbers and further Advance Christ's Kingdom Among Boys. My thanks to you all. Foreword Bill Keddie 1
Executive Report Successful Recruitment Campaign We are pleased to record a good increase in our boy membership this session; the first for a number of years. It came on the back of an excellent recruiting campaign carried out by three quarters of our Companies who contributed to this fine achievement. As a Battalion we reached the national target of 10%. For full details see page 20. Constitution Upgrade Battalion Council approved a revised constitution which reflects the current aspirations of the Battalion. Salient features are the introduction of two new conveners dealing with Development and Duke of Edinburgh Awards. The remit of the Seniors Convener has been altered to Seniors and Young Leaders Convener to reflect a widening of the age group to include prospective Officers. How is Our Battalion Performing To assess how well our Battalion was perceived to be carrying out its main function of supporting its member Companies, Eric Thomson devised a two part project. This involved a qualitative study involving 10 face to face tape recorded interviews with a cross section of Battalion Officers and a subsequent quantitative study. This comprised a questionnaire based telephone interview by members of the Battalion Executive with 39 Officers. The findings of these consultations are still in the process of being considered by the Battalion Executive. Battalion Council The Annual General Meeting of Battalion Council was held on Monday 11th June 2012 in Wallneuk North Church Hall. The Battalion Chaplain, the Rev Arthur Sherratt, conducted the opening and closing devotions. Updates on The Company Support Scheme and Headquarters were given to members. Approval was given to the revised constitution and the results of the survey How is the Battalion Performing were presented. A presentation was made by Mrs Mary Dempster to outgoing President, Campbell McGregor, who was appointed an Hon Vice President of the Battalion. She thanked him for all the hard work and dedication which he had given to the Battalion during his ten years in office. Mr Bill Keddie was appointed President and Mr David Syme and Mr Stuart Nelson were appointed to the newly created positions of Development Convener and Duke of Edinburgh Award Convener respectively. Mr Stewart Digney Jr returned to the Executive as an additional member appointed by Council. The Autumn Meeting of Battalion Council was held on Monday 12th November 2012 in Sherwood Greenlaw Church Hall. An interim report on How is our Battalion Performing was provided. Mr David Richmond, Brigade Executive Representative, reported on various issues at national level. Mr Jim Auchincloss, Battalion Treasurer, explained the details of the finance report. Members of Council were informed about the present situation with our Headquarters. Mr Hugh Young put through a minor change to the Company Section Competition Rules. Remembrance Sunday Six boys from the 22nd Paisley Company attached to Sherwood Greenlaw Church represented the Battalion at the Service of Remembrance on Sunday 11th November 2012 at the Cenotaph, Paisley. Rhys Kirkwood, Harry Smith and Stephen McIntyre laid a wreath on behalf of the Junior Section and Matthew McIntyre, Euan McTavish and Fraser Murdoch represented the Company Section. All six carried out their duties to the credit of Company and Battalion. Civic Reception The continued support given by Renfrewshire Council is appreciated very much by members of the Battalion Executive. A full report is given on page 16. 1st Renfrew Company In August 2012 after being attached to Renfrew Old Parish Church for over 124 years, the Company was given just six weeks notice by the Church of Scotland to find alternative premises. This proved difficult in the middle of the holiday season within the time scales at our disposal. We have appreciated the welcome given to the Officers and Boys of the Company at Renfrew North Church where the Company merged with the 3rd Renfrew Company to become the 1st/3rd Renfrew Company. We wish the new combined Company well. 2nd Erskine Company At the beginning of the session, the trustees of Erskine Baptist Church informed the Battalion that the Company would not be restarting in September. General Assembly Guard of Honour On Sunday 20th May 2012 Officers and Boys of the 1st Neilston Company formed part of the Guard of Honour hosted by Edinburgh Battalion for the Lord High Commissioner, Lord Selkirk of Douglas when he attended morning service in St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh. Following inspection, the Guard of Honour attended morning worship in St Andrew's and St George's West Church, Edinburgh. Appointments and Staffing During the session there have been three changes of Captain. I thank Mr Graham Manson who retired from 2nd Barrhead, Mrs Sharon Clark who stepped down at 1st Beith and Mr David Perritt who left 1st Elderslie. 2
I add my thanks for the help, support and cooperation which Former President Campbell McGregor gave me, and still gives me in many ways. Finally, Mrs June Murdoch, Battalion Administrator and Mrs Christine Wilson, Headquarters Cleaner, deserve a warm thanks for all their work on behalf of the Battalion. Obituaries Andrew Hosie Honorary Vice President It is with deep regret that we record the death of Andrew Hosie on Thursday 6th September 2012 following a lengthy period in hospital. Andrew completed his Basic Training and was appointed a Lieutenant in the 23rd Paisley Company attached to the former Orr Square Church. He was appointed Captain in 1968; a position he held until 1977. In the same year he became Captain of the 1st Renfrew Company attached to Renfrew Old Parish Church. This position he held for 16 years. Andrew served the Battalion in a number of capacities including Training Convener, Service for Others Convener, and Company Section Executive Convener, culminating in his appointment as Battalion President from 1984 until 1994. In addition, Andrew served on the Scotland Committee and on the Brigade Executive nationally. His busy Boys' Brigade schedule was just one of many interests. A Thanksgiving Service was held on Wednesday 12th September 2012, and a packed Oakshaw Trinity Church highlighted the respect in which Andrew was held by the community at large. To Anne, we extend our deepest sympathy in the loss of a close friend and loving husband. Mrs Jean Cunningham On Monday 9th April 2012 we recorded the death of Mrs Jean Cunningham following a long illness. Jean enrolled as an Officer in the 3rd Paisley Company attached to Wallneuk Church in 1969. In March 1985 she became Officer in Charge of the Junior Section of the 25th Paisley Company which had become attached to Wallneuk North Church following the merger with Merksworth Church. Widowed in 1978, Jean donated the Robert Cunningham Memorial Trophy in memory of her husband to the Junior Section to be presented to the winners of the Relay Race at the Battalion Swimming Gala. The large turnout at her funeral was testament to the high regard in which she was held. To Ian, Allan, Marion, Douglas and Jamie we extend our deepest sympathy. George Knox We recorded the death of George Knox on Thursday 7th February 2013. George had been Captain of the 6th Paisley Company for 30 years from 1956 until 1986. The Company met in the Wallneuk Mission Halls with a link to St. James' Church. From 1981 to 1984 George was a Vice President of the Battalion and served as a Reserve Officer from 1986 until 1999. To his son Ken and family we extend our deepest sympathy. We remember Rev Alasdair Cameron Minister of Sherwood Greenlaw Church who died suddenly on Sunday 17th June 2012. Alasdair had been Chaplain to the 22nd Paisley Company for 19 years. We recorded the passing of Alex Jack of the 1st West Kilbride Company on Tuesday 17th April 2012. Although not a member of Paisley and District Battalion, he offered his help to us when he read our advertisement in the local press seeking assistance for one of our struggling Companies. His Company has participated in our PT Competitions since that time. Sadly, we noted the death of Mrs Mina Pattison wife of Tommy Pattison, an Honorary Vice President of the Battalion. Her funeral service was held on 19th April 2012 in Neilston Parish Church. Lawrence Napier Battalion Secretary 3
Anchor Boys Following feedback in the recent Battalion survey we made some changes to Anchors activity afternoons. These changes led to Stow Brae Kirk hosting an American afternoon for our boys in primary 3. Over 60 boys came along and had fun learning a line dance and making baseball caps, which they then wore to play that great American game. With hotdogs and juice to sustain the activity levels a great time was had by all. The afternoon ended with everyone showing off their new line dancing skills. As ever our thanks go to the many leaders who give up their time to organise Battalion events or simply just to bring boys along and then help out on the day without their help such fun afternoons for our boys just wouldn t be possible. Thanks too to Stow Brae and Lylesland Kirk Sessions for their generosity in providing accommodation. Primary 2 day at Lylesland Church also saw some changes with a new theme of Our Senses. Every one of our senses were used in playing games, tasting pizza and juice, listening to songs and then joining in to sing and in making bangers which certainly tested the hearing! Another great afternoon with an increased attendance. Anchor Boy day is changing too in that we re going back to a traditional Anchor Boy day format although in a new venue Gleniffer High school. Due to our Battalion parade being originally scheduled for earlier in the year we opted for a later than normal date of 27 April so that really will round off our session. Jan Phillips Anchor Boy Activities Convenor 4
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Junior Section Junior Section Activities this year underwent a number of changes following extensive consultation with local Companies. Increasing participation was the stated aim. International Team Games was held in Martyrs Sandyford Church and allowed sections within the Battalion to take part in the worldwide competition organised by The Boys Brigade. Thirteen teams of six competed for the Battalion prize, with 24th Paisley being crowned overall winners. All results were forwarded to Boys Brigade Headquarters for entry to the worldwide competition. We await the results with interest! The Annual Ten Pin Bowling Competition was held at Xscape in November 2012 and proved more popular than ever. Sections this year were given the opportunity to enter two teams and as a result a fantastic 81 boys from 15 different Companies participated. The competition was won by 1st Neilston. The Swimming Gala was held in Renfrew Baths in January 2013 and proved to be as popular as ever, with the change of venue being well received by both boys, officers and spectators. 32 boys from 11 companies took part in both individual and relay events with the overall winners being 24th Paisley. Figure Marching returned to this years programme with a closely fought competition in February 2013. Judges from Hamilton and District Battalion were impressed with the standard from the 5 competing companies. The narrow winners were 1st Bishopton. In March 2013 a new event, Junior Section Fun Day, was introduced to the Junior Section Activities programme. Held in Gleniffer High School, the all day event, saw 108 boys take part in six different activity sessions. Strathclyde Police, St. Mirren Football Club and Scripture Union led some of the activity sessions, while crafts, basketball and unihoc completed the days programme. A great day was had by all and it is hoped that the success of the day can be built upon to make 2014 even better! The final event of the Junior Section Activity Programme was held in April 2013 at Linwood Sports Centre. The Annual Sports Day saw forty boys from 10 Companies take part. The overall winners were the 1st Houston Company. Given the changes to activity programme, the Battalion Championship was decided using the results from Ten Pin Bowling, Swimming Gala, Figure Marching and Sports Day. The Battalion- Championship this year was won by 1st Houston Company. In 2nd place came 1st Erskine and 3rd place, 1st Neilston. Overall, the changes made to the Junior Section Activity Programme have been well received and indeed have resulted in an increase in the number of boys taking part in Battalion events. The aim, however, remains to provide opportunities for as many Junior Section boys as possible to take part in Battalion Activities. David Love Junior Section Activities Convenor Competition Winners Ten Pin Bowling Swimming Gala Figure Marching Sports Day 1st Neilston 24th Paisley 1st Bishopton 1st Houston 6
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Company Section Activities The Company Section Activities Committee ran a full year of competitions which consisted of 22 competitions covering 12 different activities. Fourteen Companies of the Battalion participated in at least one of these events. All of the competitions were conducted in a friendly but competitive manner which promotes the work of our Battalion. The Boys who represented each Company were a credit to their Companies in the way that they applied themselves to the disciplines of each event. The Activities range from traditional Boys Brigade events of Drill, Christian Faith, Physical Education and First Aid and covers the sports of Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Cross Country, Swimming and Badminton. With a general Quiz and Recruit Games making up the other activities. The championship could not be run without the assistance given by many both from BB Staff to others from outside agencies. I would like to take this opportunity to thank some of these individuals and groups. The Cross Country venue was held at Woodneuk Farm, Barrhead and a long supporter of the Battalion, Tommy Thomson, not only allowed us to use his land but also set the course. The event was also supported by Tom Andrew, who supplied the portable toilets at no cost to the Battalion. As always the Battalion were assisted in the running of the Championship by local Kirk Sessions allowing us to use the Church halls and I would like to express my thanks to Paisley Sherwood Greenlaw (Christian Faith), Erskine Parish Church (Drill), St Andrews Trinity, Johnstone (P.E.), Renfrew North Parish (Recruit Games) and Paisley Stow Brae Kirk (Quiz, First Aid, & venue for our Committee Meetings) we could not do it without your help. I would also like to thank the officers of the Battalion who helped in any way from time keeping, refereeing, or just bringing your team to the events without this help we could not run the championship. The committee is always looking for ways to improve the way things are run so if you can help in any way please contact me or come along to any of our committee meetings. Hugh Young Company Section Activities Convenor The Swimming Gala was moved to Renfrew Swimming Pool, and the new venue was a great success. The evening which is a joint event with the Junior Section Committee was again sponsored by Providing for the People of Paisley and the medals funded by Lodge St Johnstone. These organisations were represented by Mr Hugh Gilmour and Mr Peter Smolarek, who presented the winners award on the night. Our thanks also go to the swimming officials from REN96 and the staff of Renfrew Swimming pool who ensured the safety of the Boys and we are indebted to them for this. The First Aid event was judged by Red Cross staff provided by Heather Sim and lead by Ann Brogan, who was assisted by Jeanette Cossar and Angus Weir. The P.E. competition was once again opened up to Companies from surrounding Battalions and we incorporated our Battalion competition into an open event. However again we only got one team entry from outwith the Battalion but the fellowship of the night proved to be a great success and we will be repeating this event next year and hope to have other Battalions take part. The event was judged by Mr David Nicholls head teacher of Gleniffer High School, Paisley, who was highly impressed by the quality of the skills on display. This year we were able to secure accommodation for our main sports activities of Badminton, Basketball, Volleyball and Five-a-Side Football, at Linwood Sports Centre and the staff of Renfrewshire Leisure, who very amenable to all of our requests large or small. Thanks also to Glasgow Battalion Secretary Jim McVean and Colin Goodall, of Glasgow Battalion Drill committee, for attending as judges for our drill Competition. 8
Company Section Competition Winners for session 2012/2013 Christian Education Junior 15th Paisley Senior 15th Paisley Drill Squad 1st Kilbarchan Elementary 1st Elderslie Physical Education Junior 1st Houston Senior 1st Neilston First Aid Junior 15th Paisley Senior 15th Paisley Basketball Junior 1st Kilbarchan Senior 24th Paisley Badminton Junior 1st Houston Senior 1st Kilbarchan Cross Country Junior 1st Erskine Senior 1st Neilston Volleyball All ages 1st Houston Recruit Games P7&S1 1st Erskine Quiz Junior 15th Paisley Senior 1st Kilbarchan Five-a-side Football Junior 1st Erskine Senior 1st Kilbarchan Swimming Junior 1st Erskine Senior 24th Paisley Battalion Championship Results 1st 1st Kilbarchan 259 points 2nd 1st Houston 258 points 3rd 15th Paisley 253 points 9
Christian Faith Committee This year we had a change of venue for the Christian Faith Competition and went to Sherwood Greenlaw Church to hold the competition on Sunday 2nd December 2012. The committee continues to look at ways of improving the content and format of the competition. This year the Seniors and Juniors had the same format, resulting in Senior and Junior both viewing a DVD presentation based on a Bible story, taking notes and answering questions later on the DVD content. There were 6 Senior teams and 5 Junior teams entered for the competition. The feedback from the boys on the day was very positive and all boys were a credit to their companies. Uniforms were excellent as was their behaviour. It was great to see the each group of boys working as a team and supporting each other throughout the competition. The winner of the Seniors Competition was the 15th Paisley and the winner of the Junior Competition was 15th Paisley. Well done to both Sections of the same company winning each of the competitions. and Paisley Presbytery of The Church of Scotland. It was also uplifting to see the people of Paisley walking along the parade route supporting the Boys. Thanks to all those who made the effort to make it the special occasion it was. The committee are gathering Christian Faith material to support the work of all sections within companies. We will be notifying all Officers within the Battalion by email about the material that will be available to them over the summer holidays in the hope that it will help them prepare for the new BB Session and continue to support the object of the Boys Brigade through their Christian work. Mary Dempster Christian Faith Convenor The Annual Church parade was held on Sunday 21st April 2013 at Sherwood Greenlaw Church. The home of the 22nd Paisley Company with whom our new Battalion President Bill Keddie has a long association. The event was well supported by Companies within the Battalion with the attendance of approx 500 which was an increase of 25% over last year. The Guests included Councillor John Caldwell Deputy Provost of Renfrewshire Council and The Rev A Sorensen, Moderator of Greenock 10
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Presentation Day Awards 2012 saw a change of venue to Oakshaw Trinity Church on Sunday 10th June. George Adam MSP, an Honorary Vice President of Paisley and District Battalion, was our Guest of Honour and presented 47 Boys with their President's Badge Certificates; 8 Boys received their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award Certificates and 11 Boys received their Silver Award Certificates. Cpl Michael Bonner, 1st Houston Company, gave a humorous insight to the work he had carried out to gain his Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award. Battalion Championships Mr Ronald Leitch, Security Operations Manager, Glasgow Airport, presented the BAA Glasgow Junior Section Championship Trophy to the 22nd Paisley Company with certificates to the 1st Bridge of Weir Company (2nd place) and 1st Erskine Company (3rd place) He also presented the Braehead Company Section Championship Trophy to the 15th Paisley Company and certificates to 1st Houston Company (2nd place) and 1st Erskine Company (3rd place). Ms Rhona McNeil led the Renfrew North Church Praise Band with the musical entertainment. The opening and closing devotions were conducted by the Rev Douglas Hamilton, Interim Chaplain, 14th Paisley Company. President's Badge Recipients 1st Barrhead John Blair 2nd Barrhead Jordi Diez-Neill Matthew Hepburn Calum Kilpatrick Duncan McGregor Mark McKay Robert Morrison Connor Wasson 1st Elderslie Jack Mitchell Grant Roberts Fraser Roger 1st Erskine Daniel Duncan Ian Simpson 1st Houston Kyle Booth Sean Doherty Adam Dardis Gavin McCurdy Conor McHarg Jack Spence Josh Telfer 2nd Johnstone Alistair Edgar Joshua Laughlan Niall Paterson 3rd Johnstone Regan Lindsay Liam Miller 1st Kilbarchan Jonathan Ferguson Jack McAllister Lewis McArthur 8th Paisley Aaron Chivers 11th Paisley Blair Forrest 14th Paisley Andrew Burt Matthew McFadyen James Simpson 15th Paisley Alan Young 16th Paisley Connor Gordon Daryl McGuire 22nd Paisley Connor Smith 24th Paisley Iain Craig Matthew Cunningham Alexander Gilmour James Hamilton David Irvine Euan MacLean Nicolas Mooney Callum Wright 13
Duke of Edinburgh The Battalion has successfully endorsed 23 applications for the Duke of Edinburgh Award this session. There were 9 Boys who completed at Bronze level, 7 at Silver, and 7 Gold Awards. The Gold Award candidates will be presented with their Gold DofE Certificates in the Gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the beginning of July. There are only three Companies in the Battalion who offer the DofE to their Boys at present. We have now set up an advisory group to encourage Companies to take on board the DofE. This group will be available to give advice and support Companies who are already involved in the DofE and also to those Companies who would like to start the DofE within their Section. Duke of Edinburgh Award Recipients Bronze 1st Elderslie Cameron Bryan Lewis Wilson 1st Houston Sean Doherty Adam Dardis Gavin McCurdy Conor McHarg Jack Spence Josh Telfer Silver 1st Elderslie Jeff Barclay David Reid 1st Houston Michael Bonner Kyle Booth Cameron Brown Grant Cadden Ruaridh Fitzpatrick Alistair Preston-Jones Josh Penman Duncan Webb Mark Yuill Stuart Nelson D of E Convener We have also led the charge in encouraging use of the Battalion facebook page, something which helps get news out fast and which many Officers have found useful. If you would like to keep up-to-date with Battalion news, please search for us and like our page. Property Committee David Syme Development Convener There was some disappointment this year that despite some hard work by the Property Committee in developing various Options to re-develop our current Headquarters site we learned that the Big Lottery would not support our project as they did not accept it was a true community project. We had previously decided to delay the purchase of our existing headquarters building as we saw this as part of the overall project but have decided to conclude the purchase as soon as possible. The Property Committee has reviewed the various options and decided to limit the re-development to a single storey building. There are still 3 possible options which are, Refurbish the existing building Refurbish the existing building and extend to use the full site available A new build using the full site available Development Committee As part of recent Battalion constitutional changes, a Development Committee has been formed to oversee development within the Battalion and all of our Companies. We know that within the Brigade that we have to work harder and harder these days to maintain our position and profile as a leading youth organisation. It has been a busy first year for the Committee, with promotional visits to Churches, leaflet distribution at local fayres and assistance with Battalion recruitment strategy to name but a few. Towards the end of the current session we have been looking at sharing programme ideas and that is something we will be continuing into session 2013/14. We believe that there is great work going on across the Battalion but are conscious that too many of our great staff hide their lights under various bushels- we hope to change that! Whilst the refurbishment options seem the most realistic at present, as they offer the ability to develop the building in stages as finance allows, the Property Committee in conjunction with the Fund Raising Committee is embarking on a funding strategy to prepare a prospectus to submit to various possible funders to gauge interest and then to firm up on our preferred option. My thanks to all those who have supported me during this year and who worked hard in developing our various options, and who supported the Open Day and other exhibits during the past year. Stewart Gilchrist Battalion Property Convener 14
Fund Raising Committee The Committee continues to meet regularly, albeit without a Convener at the present time. Funds continue to be raised through our Ambassador Scheme which includes money from trusts, companies, outside organisations and private individuals. This year has seen a reduction of 3,000 in giving from the Ambassador Scheme. Our scheme started in 1997, is run by the Fund Raising Committee and the annual income from it is shown below:- Our BB Ambassadors BASF, Braehead Shopping Centre, Benston Motor Engineers, Carlton Die Castings Ltd, Charities Trust, Chicks, Christina Mary Hendrie Trust, Cruden Foundation, Doosan Babcock Energy Ltd, Dr Guthrie's Association, Dunfermline Building Society, E. Alex Coleman Charitable Trust, East Renfrewshire Council, Elizabeth Franklin Moore and Star Foundation, Engage Renfrewshire, Erskine Cunningham Hill Trust Edinburgh, Garfield Weston Foundation, Gennaro Glass and Glazing, Glasgow Airport, HDH Wills Charitable Trust, James Wood Bequest Fund, Jane Hodge Foundation, J M McLaren, John Coldman Trust, J T H Charitable Trust, Kyle Greer, Lodge County Kilwinning, Lodge Houston St. Johnstone, Loo King Ltd, Matthew B Campbell Trust, Matthews Wrightson Charity Trust, Meikleriggs Bowling Club, John McDowell, Moffat Charitable Trust, Peter Brough Bequest, Peter Coats Trust, Peter Storrs Charitable Trust, P F Charitable Trust, Providing for People in Paisley, Raymond Shaw, Renfrewshire Council, Renfrew Rotary Club, Roger Vere Foundation, Rosemount Asset Management Ltd, Scottish Leather Group Ltd, Southern Coaches Ltd, Stella Symons Charitable Trust, Sylvia Aitken Trust, Talteg Ltd, Teknek Ltd, The Alexis Trust, The Amorys Charitable Trust, The Angela Gallagher Memorial Fund, The Annandale Charitable Trust, The Bodfach Trust, The Fitton Trust, The Gibbs Charitable Trust, The Hope Trust, The Makerston Club, The Misses Barrie Charitable Trust, The Scots Trust, The SMB Trust, The Russell Trust, The W M Mann Foundation, University of West of Scotland, W A Cargill Fund, Western Recreation Trust, Youthlink. The latest figure of 25,327 is different from the amounts in the accounts. Until 2011 the Ambassador Scheme returns were based on The Boys' Brigade session with a year end of 31st August. In 2012, this was amended to 31st December to bring the scheme into line with the financial year end for the accounts. We continue to be dependent on our Ambassadors to continue to carry out the work of the Battalion. Without their support we would not be able to complete our current activities. Contact is maintained with each Ambassador by means of an interim report in March, our Annual Report in July and an invitation to our annual Civic Reception for Queen's Badge winners held in September. The Provost presents certificates of appreciation to our Ambassadors who are present. The Committee has launched a BB Buddies Scheme aimed at former Officers of the Battalion. A Quiz Night in November raised 400. The Committee is looking for additional Ambassadors. If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador, or if you can recommend someone we could approach, I would be grateful to hear from you. Campbell McGregor, for Fund Raising Committee 15
Queen's Badge Winners for session 2012/2013 1st Barrhead Scott Hay 2nd Barrhead Russell Kerr Connor Wasson 1st Bishopton Josh Gallacher Graham Hannah Euan McKechnie Ross McLelland Euan McLean Calum Russell 1st Elderslie Jeff Barclay David Reid 1st Houston Michael Bonner Kyle Booth Cameron Brown Grant Cadden Ruairidh Fitzpatrick Josh Penman Alistair Preston-Jones Duncan Webb Mark Yuill 2nd Johnstone Christopher Young 3rd Johnstone Alistair Morrison Nathan Orr 1st Kilbarchan Nicholas Love Shaun Jardine-Malone Ross Ogilvie 8th Paisley Gavin Lawson Craig McLaren Michael O'Kane Scott Wylie 11th Paisley Joshua Gibbons Alexander Gibson Ross Guthrie Fraser Laidlaw Scott McPhie Stewart Ryan Pavel Sharma William Twaddle 15th Paisley Robert Cockburn 16th Paisley Jamie Gordon Alastair Peakman Mark Ingram 22nd Paisley Gary Curran Greg Gibson Andrew Gough Fraser Murdoch 24th Paisley Matthew Clyne Ross MacDonald Stuart McLean 1st Uplawmoor Alan Waldron Civic Reception We were grateful to Renfrewshire Council who granted a Civic Reception in Paisley Abbey for our young men who had gained their Queen's Badges on Monday, 17th September 2012, 50 boys there were presented with their Queen's Badge certificates by Provost Anne Hall. Following an Inspection of Award Recipients by Provost Anne Hall, Mr Mark McMillan, Leader of the Council, welcomed all to Paisley Abbey on behalf of the Council. Mr Bill Keddie, Battalion President, replied on behalf of the Battalion. Connor Wasson, 2nd Barrhead Company, outlined the work he had undertaken to gain his Queen's Badge. Provost Anne Hall appreciated the work done by the Battalion prior to presenting the certificates to the boys; she also presented certificates to a number of our BB Ambassadors. The Rev Arthur Sherratt, Battalion Chaplain, conducted the opening and closing devotions and Mr Murray McDonald led the praise. Musical entertainment was provided by the 3rd Johnstone Brigade Band. Mr Stewart Geddes, 1st Kilbarchan Company, directed the boys and Mr Grant Mather, 1st Bishopton Company, took a substantial number of photographs during the evening. 16
Training Throughout the past year we have endeavoured to meet the training needs of the Battalion through the provision of quality training courses and advice. We have also participated in training the wider Brigade through our own courses and also further afield two of our Trainers travelled to Oban and presented Youth Leader Training to an enthusiastic band of new Officers for the soon to be re-launched BB Company in the town. This session the Training Committee provided the following events:- Queen's Badge Candidates' Conference, Working with 4 year olds course, New BB Volunteer Induction Course, Skills for Queen's Badge Course, Building Your Skills (2 Courses) and the Queen's Badge Completion Course. We were delighted with the feedback from the students on the re-vamped Building Your Skills courses and, in response to the Battalion Survey, we plan to deliver Youth Leader Training over one week-end next year. We are particularly grateful to the 'good folk' of Sherwood Greenlaw and Stow Brae Churches for the use of their halls and facilities, both of which proved to be excellent venues. Yet again the highlight of the training year was the Queen's Badge Completion Course at Carronvale House (Scottish BB HQ). Forty three young men from Paisley and District Battalion, Airdrie, Arbroath, Glasgow, Gourock, Old Kilpatrick and West Kilbride attended; and if you ever wished to dispel the negative myths about 'the youth of today' then this was the place to be. It was our privilege to again facilitate an excellent group of young people as they endeavoured to achieve the highest award in the Brigade - the future truly is bright. Finally, my sincere thanks to my fellow trainers, who have yet again risen to the challenge and, through great teamwork, successfully delivered. Stewart Digney Training Convenor 17
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Other Convenors Reports Public Relations Committee and Resource Committee The past year saw a complete revision and update of our website and from all accounts this has proved popular. Sincere thanks is due to John Young, who manages the site on our behalf and for all his work to ensure the site was available at the beginning of the Session. Arts and Craft training sessions have been held again this year but held in BB headquarters There were excellent reports from those who attended and we record our thanks to Anne Sellars and her team for providing this resource training. This year Presentation Day will be held in Oakshaw Trinity Church on 2nd June our Chief Guest will be our Hon. President,The Very Rev, Sandy McDonald. My thanks again to Mrs Moira Bryan for editing the News Update; Eric Thomson, Grant Mather and John Sellars for taking the photographs of the Battalion events which appear in the Annual Report; the Editors and staff of the local press for their support; the advertisers who help to meet the cost of producing this Report and to the members of the P and R Committees for their hard work and support. Supplies John Stewart P and R Committee Convenor During 2012 turnover remained steady at 50,000 the same as the previous year. The service from Supplies is very good and steady delivery is good with few shortages. I hope we will be able to maintain our sales to all our customers and hope to increase our turnover during 2013. We are glad that Ian Gray has joined us and thank all the volunteers who continue to provide cover during the year. Alan Taylor Supplies Finance The draft accounts for the year ended 31st December 2012 show that we have broken even for the year (last year a surplus of 3,000). The accounts continue to be prepared under SORP Regulations. Despite a reduction of 5,000 in our income from Donations/ Ambassadors there have been increases from the Buddies donations and also a surplus from the Quiz Night organised by the Fund Raising Committee. Our expenditure shows a small reduction from the previous year. Last year's comments regarding the delay in the purchase of HQ still applies although this should be resolved in the current year. We are grateful to the Buddies who donated during the year together with Anon ( 10 per month), Steadfast Bowling Competition and a legacy from the estate of the late Ana Simpson. An abstract of the draft accounts is shown below. INCOME EXPENDITURE Subscriptions 8,000 Headquarters 9,000 Donations/ Ambassadors 16,000 Salaries 7,000 Events 1,000 Overheads 8,000 Depreciation 1,000 --------- ---------- 25,000 25,000 I am grateful to all who contributed to our finances, especially our Ambassadors (old and new). We are also indebted to Alan and his team in supplies. My thanks to all who have assisted me in the year. Jim Auchincloss Battalion Treasurer 19
Membership Session 2012-2013 1729 1643 1588 1505 1479 1486 1506 1415 1469 1429 1340 1334 1361 1288 1266 1214 1341 We are delighted to report an increase of 127 Boys in our Companies this year, with 18 of our Companies contributing to this excellent figure. This is the first increase in numbers since 2008 However the number of Officers serving in Companies has fallen by 14 to 211. Not included in this number are the 25 Reserve Officers and Helpers, whose numbers are not recorded. Thanks to all our leaders who give so much of their time to the Brigade, particularly those Officers who serve in more than one Section of their Company to cover the shortfall in Leaders, thereby by putting considerably more pressure on their busy lives. Membership Statistics 20