Queens Badges Presented by Brigade Secretary at District Centenary Display, Yeovil (4th October 2014)

Queens Badges Presented at the District Centenary Display at Yeovil by Steve Dickinson the Brigade Secretary

Margaret Pang (7th Gloucester) Mark Brooks (5th Gloucester) Chris Rawlings & Ethan Talbot (1st Tewkesbury)

Queens Badge weekend 12th-14th September 2014

Queens Badge weekend 12^th-14^th September 2014

Ashley and I set off for the weekend on the Friday after sixth form and college, admittedly it wasn’t off to a great start; no train tickets and no Queen’s badge book. (Not mentioning any names: Ashley). Never the less we got there in one piece, even with delays on the trains. It wasn’t long before friendships had been formed, even before the ice breaker’s and ‘getting to know’ each other session. After this we had a task to do. We were split into teams of three, the task was to get a bping pong ball into a cup with just some sellotape, duct tape and string. Tyler from the Plymouth battalion, who was in my team, got the ball into the cup before the other team. This task was surprisingly amusing to watch each other try and get the balls in the cup. Ed then asked to do presentations on the work we had done so far for our queen’s badge.

The adults disappeared off to bed, but all of us kids stayed up and watched Harry Potter. This was a great opportunity for us all to spend some time together and make the friendships stronger.

Saturday was the day of the walk that we all dreading. We didn’t walk anywhere near as far as we all thought. It was typical that when I woke up on Saturday morning I had conjunctivitis, ended up in a trip to the hospital. We started off on our walk, split into teams, teams that we hadn’t been working in before. There was one navigator who had a map and we were given different grid references on the map.  We finished the walk after 3-4 hours. We then had a nice relaxing evening, with a BBQ on the beach, the only catch was we had to cook the food ourselves on disposable BBQ’s.  Saturday evening was another evening of Harry potter films on the sofas. Just chilling out and talking together.

Sunday came and we had one final task to do. We worked in two’s for this task. We had to produce a rocket for an egg pilot to sit and launch it across the tarmac. We were given basic materials and if the teams wanted any other resources you had to bargain with the other teams. Trying to persuade a team that they would need the same resources as you was hard work; it took a lot to persuade one team in particular. We then had to launch them across the tarmac, the egg that was the least cracked was the team that won. After we had done this is was time for everyone to say goodbye. A weekend of fun and laughter was had by all.

If you are doing your Queen’s Badge I fully recommend carrying on with and putting in the hard work because it will all pay off after. From this weekend I have made lifelong friends, which I hope I will see again in the future. I recommend the weekend fully, It was a great experience that I would do over again.

Staff Sergeant Becca Goldsworthy. 

Queens Badges presented to 1st Redruth members

  “ Two members of the 1st Redruth Company were presented with the Queen’s Badge at the October Parade service by the District Vice President, Chris Semmens, these were Staff Sergeant Rebecca Goldsworthy and Sergeant Ashley Plumb.

Both members attended the Q.B. completion course in September, organised by John Tibbles. Ashley stated that he thoroughly enjoyed the course and wished that it could have been extended by a couple of days.

    The Company has been very successful in the last three and a half years as seven members have now been awarded the Queen’s Badge, three of whom were female.

    May I thanks those people who congratulated our ‘Cinderella’ performers at the District Display, following which I have received several telephone calls and emails stating how much they enjoyed their performance.”

Micheal Semmens

Company Captain

Stewarding at the Palace

Queens Garden Party at Buckingham Palace

It was an honour and a privilege to be a steward at the Queen's garden party at Buckingham's palace. It was a fantastic experience and one I will always remember.

Once getting through airport style security, we were greeted with sandwiches made in the famous palace kitchens. We were then split into groups and assigned our duties. My duty was to stand in at the grand entrance to the palace and welcome guests. I also collected tickets and counted them, which together we counted about seven and a half thousand.

After we were given time to go and have a walk round the garden party. During this time I had the opportunity to see the Queen and other royals like the Duke of Edinburgh. I also had the chance to speak to some of the guests, some of whom were BB officers. I then returned to my post and smiled and said goodbye to guests as they were leaving.

When we had finished and were allowed to leave we marched out in two lines through the grand entrance and out the front of Buckingham palace, where guests and tourists applauded us.

Again, it was an honour and a privilege to represent the Boy's Brigade and one day I hope to invited back to the palace not as a steward but as a guest.

S/SGT Mark Brooks

5th Gloucester

Cycle Ride - Gloucester to Lands End - 20th to 22nd June 2014

On the Friday 20th June we will be setting off from the Hucclecote Methodist Church to cycle to Lands End some 260 miles targeting to arrive at Lands End at around mid day on the Sunday to then drive back to Gloucester.
You might well ask why we are undertaking this daunting and possible dangerous challenge.
Well as you may be aware we try to run an expansive program for all of the boys in the BB, which can include quite a bit of travelling to local, regional and national competitions and meets as well as travelling the different groups, Juniors and Company sections, travelling to weekend and annual camps. Each time we do this we have to hire mini buses and vans to transport the boys and officers and equipment meaning on average the Brigades spend on average £1,500. each year on transport.
Over the years we have felt it would be much more beneficial to have our own mini-bus, to ensure that it’s available when we need it, to perhaps attend even more events because we know we do not need to hire a mini-bus. The likely cost is around £15,000 to purchase and we have started fund raising towards purchasing the mini-bus.
So this is why officers are challenging themselves to cycle to Lands End to kick start the fund raising. If you feel you wish to sponsor us!, then please PM me with your donation

Gordon Dale
5th Gloucester Captain

11th Bristol - Sleep Out

11^th BRISTOL COMPANY – THE BOYS’ BRIGADE

SLEEP OUT

As part of their Queen’s Badge, James, Tom, Fraser V and Fraser J took up the challenge to sleep one night outdoors and raise money in aid of homeless people in Bristol.  They joined hundreds of others to highlight the reality of homelessness in the city and help those affected by poverty. They were joined by Callum Slocombe (Warrant Officer) and our Chaplin, the Rev Denise Yeadon. Thanks to everyone who found cardboard and polythene.  They certainly needed it.  As you can see from the photos they made a good ‘cardboard village’.  They even managed to get a photo taken with the Mayor of Bristol, George Ferguson.

After all the rain we had in the weeks leading up to the Friday evening, it was, with a sigh of relief, dry, but, of all nights the temperature suddenly dropped to about -1.  They were cold but dry.  They say they did sleep a little, although they had cold feet, and it was noisy from the road and they also had to contend with blue flashing lights, when the ambulances left the Ambulance Station.

The Sleep Out was organised by Crisis Centre Ministries and held at Pip ‘n’ Jay Church in Bristol, on Friday 28 February/Saturday 1 March, from 10.30 pm until 6.30 am.    Crisis is open throughout the year, providing a Christian response to the needs of people with life-disrupting problems.  Their aim is to extend the opening times for the Spring of Hope Ladies’ Night Shelter, opening nights a week, which is likely to cost around £40,000.00. 

The total they raised through sponsorship, a donation from KMC and the on-line sponsors, was an amazing £1,360.00.

Well done to everyone and a very big thank you to all those who sponsored them.

SUE BLOWER

COMPANY CAPTAIN                                                 

March 2014

PS :  Over £10,000.00 has been raised


  

Boys' Brigade Award Service

There were plenty of reasons for smiling faces as the 2nd Bath Company of The Boys Brigade took part in a church service and badge presentation recently at the Weston Free Church in Weston, Bath. The event saw member of each of the Brigades' age range groups, from the Anchor Boys through to the Juniors and the Seniors, get together and celebrate their achievements.

Guernsey's New Colours

At the 2013 AGM of the Guernsey Battalion tribute was paid by our President, Sir Geoffrey Rowland , to the service and commitment of Sir Charles Frossard KBE who had held office as first President of the Battalion for over 40 years. Sir Charles had left a bequest to the Battalion and it had been agreed that a new Battalion Colour should be acquired in his memory and also that a suitable framed photograph would be hung in the headquarters of each Company. These items were duly acquired and it had been planned that Lady Frossard should make the presentations at the 2014 Church Parade. Unfortunately Lady Frossard, whose daughters would be out of the island at that time , felt unable to attend and consequently she had requested that Sir Geoffrey should make the presentations on her behalf. Sir Geoffrey confirmed that he would be honoured to do so and that the new Colour would serve admirably as a fitting memorial to Sir Charles and celebration of his immense service. Sir Geoffrey recalled a conversation with Sir Charles at a past Battalion Church Parade and paraphrased what Sir Charles had said - “ Children at certain stages , as they grow up, are often not very good at listening to adults but they invariably imitate what they see. The Officers of the Battalion with their bearing and infectious enthusiasm set a marvellous example in every way. The youngsters follow it . With guidance , instruction, a little help and a little hope they flourish. What a wonderful movement the BB is.”

The 2014 Church Parade was duly held at St. Mary’s Church, L’Islet - home of the 2nd. Guernsey on the second Sunday in March. The weather was glorious with the band of the 2nd. Guernsey leading the parade and the 2nd Guernsey carrying the “old” battalion Colour. The service was conducted by the 2nd Guernsey Chaplain and lessons were read by Guernsey’s Bailiff Mr. Richard Collas and by the Battalion President, Sir Geoffrey Rowland. During the service the Chaplain presented the framed photographs of Sir Charles to each Company Captain before dedicating the new Colour which was then presented by Sir Geoffrey to Lt. Chris Tebble, of the 5th. Guernsey - the annual Church Parade is hosted by each Company in turn and during the service responsibility for the Battalion Colour passes from one Company to the next. The 5th. Company will thus hold the Colour for one year and it will be carried at formal parades around the island.

Bryan Brehaut,
Secretary,
Guernsey Battalion.

Cornwall's Queensmen

Cornwall's Lord Lieutenant, Col. Edward Bolitho has presented Francis Howell and Jacob Colgan with their Queens Badges at the Company's annual enrolment service, held on Sunday 2nd February. Col. Bolitho gave a short speech in which he praised the boys for their commitment and achievement. He also recalled meeting them with HRH Prince Charles and The Duchess Of Cornwall at an event last summer, in which they represented the Cornwall Battalion.

Francis and Jacob are the first in ten years to gain their Queens Badges at 2nd Camborne and both have also been rewarded for their dedication to the Company with Promotions. They are a credit to The Boys' Brigade and both have very bright futures ahead of them within the organisation.

Andrew Howell
Battalion President

Picture (l-r), Andrew Howell (Bttn President), Mike Champion (Mayor of Camborne), Jacob Colgan, Francis Howell, Col. Edward Bolitho, Malcolm Godolphin (Company Captain)

Awards for Achievement

Each year, Guernsey holds its prestigious “Awards for Achievement” and included therein is the somewhat unique “Unsung Hero”.

This award is a peoples award that recognizes someone who has worked selflessly for the benefit of others within the community of the Bailiwick of Guernsey. Nominations are invited from the public from which a panel of judges form a shortlist.

I am delighted to be able to tell you that not only was the captain of the 2nd. Guernsey (Steve England) nominated but he also went on to win the award.

Bryan Brehaut,
Secretary,
Guernsey Battalion.

KGV1 Residential with Boys Brigade

What is KGVI? Well it’s a 2 week long residential course which gives you all that you need to become a leader in The Boys' Brigade. The training is at the Regional Headquarters of The Boys’ Brigade at Felden Lodge. You split the 2 week course over two years and I attended my first year during August 2013. I was given lots of information before attending the course telling me about what I would learn and what I needed to bring with me.

I was told that the course would help me learn new skills, make new friends, get new ideas and inspiration, explore your own faith, grow in confidence and share experiences. I can say that during the week I was able to experience all of these things. Over the week we did many sessions which gave us an idea of what it was like to be a BB Officer and what was expected of us. For example the days were split into three parts; a morning, afternoon and evening session where we looked at all the challenges faced by a leader. We also covered issues such as safeguarding, activity planning and how to involve all members of the Brigade in activities.

It was the hottest week of the year and it was great to spend the day playing rugby and sitting outside during sessions talking in our groups. We were all well looked after and made to feel at home.

My favourite day was on the Wednesday when we all went into London for the day. We were set a sightseeing challenge and then had free time to explore the city. Amazingly we didn’t get lost once and even managed to make it back to Felden.

I didn’t know what to expect before I went, but I can honestly say that I enjoyed every minute of the week. I made new friends who I look forward to seeing again next year for my second year’s training.

Tom Nelder, 7th Plymouth Company

Queen's Badge Presentation

On the morning of Wednesday 17th July, I, Samuel Constable, found myself overlooking the historic St James’s Palace in London. This in itself is, of course, quite unremarkable as it happens to be something many people do when they visit London. However, in my case I had the privilege of thinking something relatively few of those people get to think when they gaze upon the magnificent walls and turrets of one of the most significant Palaces in British history – I was going to be in there that afternoon.

Allow me to explain – the previous September I had completed my Queen’s Badge Completion Course in Exmouth, to be presented with the badge in public at the beginning of this year. On that day in July I was to be presented with it again – this time by HRH Prince Andrew, The Duke of York.

I travelled to London by train on the Tuesday with my Father, luckily choosing a carriage with functional air conditioning which is more than could be said for the other half of the train (or indeed my colleagues some years previously – see May 2011 BB West) and we arrived at Paddington Station around 6:30pm and quickly found the surprisingly nice looking hostel where we were to spend the night. After getting our room and quickly unpacking we headed out and spent the evening exploring London and taking in the sights. After an enjoyable tour of the most famous attractions of the city we returned to our room, watched a little TV over a nice cuppa and then had a surprisingly good night’s sleep.

The following morning we handed back our room key around 11am and trialled our route to the Palace (good thing too – we got lost the first time). After an enjoyable lunch in a small café I changed into my uniform at Westminster Abbey (I was allowed to – I didn’t break into the Abbey just to change) and headed back to the Palace with a group of the other Boys who had been selected for the same privilege. As all 50 of us filed into the Palace with our invitations and our proof of ID we handed our Queen’s Badges in and prepared to meet the Prince. We all lined up against the wall of one of the more impressive rooms in the palace as various guests filed in and a number of young ladies came around with plates of very posh-looking food.

Some minutes later everything went quiet. We all took the hint, jumping back into the line, which had become rather blurry over the time between us being assembled and that moment. His Royal Highness walked slowly up to the raised platform at the end of the room, leaned into the microphone and said, quite calmly, “Okay, you can all breath again now.” This was followed by a collective sigh as all those of us who had not realised we had been holding our breath suddenly and unanimously exhaled.

After a series of rousing, inspiring and humorous speeches from the Prince and various Brigade officials we got down to the presentations. Each of us was called up by name and Company (I noticed I was the only one from the West of England and Channel Islands District) to shake hands with Prince Andrew as he handed us back our badges in shiny, new, specially engraved boxes.

A few more speeches later it was time for the formal reception, during which two major things happened. Firstly, we were given the chance to mingle with the Prince who chatted with each of us about our badges and life in general and, secondly, the young ladies with the food took the hint and substituted the Earl Grey and mozzarella bites for fruit juice and chocolate brownies.

After His Royal Highness left several photos were taken and we were given the opportunity to look around the Palace on the understanding that if a room was locked we couldn’t go in. We go to see the Throne Room, the armoury (strictly no touching allowed) and various rooms of portraits, several of which any GCSE History student could instantly recognise. The building was beautiful and the day had been an amazing experience. When, 8 hours later, the train pulled back into Redruth, there was nothing I would rather have stayed awake thinking about than the whole event, especially since, as a direct result of my staying awake on the train, there was nothing that could have stopped me from going to sleep when I finally hit my own bed at around 1am the following morning.

Samuel Constable, Sgt – 1st Redruth Company

Medals for Michael

Michael Lavin, one of our senior Boys, joined the Anchor Boys aged five years, following his two older brothers into the 5th Swindon Company. He recently took part in the Disability Sports event, which was held at Stoke Mandeville, home of the Paralympics. He was in the Upland School and Brimble Hill team, that represented Wiltshire.

The team did really well and they won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. Events included; boccia bowls, table cricket, polybat, long jump, shot put and bean bag target throw.

Michael came back with three medals, and a tee shirt to remember a special day.

Well done Michael.

Teresa Daglish, Company Captain

2nd Camborne Boys' Brigade Summer Trip

Members of the Company and Senior sections of 2nd Camborne Boys' Brigade have recently returned from a very memorable weekend trip to London.

We set off at Lunchtime on Saturday 3rd August and, after taking just under three hours to get past Bodmin, arrived at Wesleys’ Chapel in London, our accommodation for the night, shortly after 7pm

On our arrival we were greeted by The Boys' Brigade President, Lord Griffiths of Burry Port. This was an unexpected pleasure as he happened to be at the church we were staying at. An honour nevertheless and he spent some time talking with the boys about our company and what they get from being BB members. After this meeting we changed into our uniforms and walked the mile and a half through the City to The Tower of London.

That evening we had been invited as VIP guests, to attend the Ceremony of the Keys. This ceremony dates back over 900 years and is quite a spectacle. We really were given a fantastic evening, very special treatment, and were delighted to also note that many of the Yeomen at The Tower recognised our uniforms and came forward as ex BB members themselves.

We then returned to Wesley’s chapel and settled down for the night.

On the Sunday morning after breakfast we got changed into our new shirt and tie uniforms. Looking ‘mega-smart’, we took The Tube into Westminster arriving just in time for The Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards Parade. If only we could do drill like that!

Following on, we then attended Westminster Abbey where we were once again VIP guests. Canon Macey met us at the door and gave us a tour of the Abbey before showing us to our seats at the High Altar for the communion service. I think it can be said with some honesty that this is the only time that not one single boy has moaned or groaned about going to church on holiday! It was an awe inspiring occasion, very far removed from our usual parade services at Camborne Church.

After lunch, and taking in the cycle race that was whizzing through Westminster at the time, we then had an extremely privileged visit to No.10 Downing Street. This is not something that can be requested or arranged externally and we are very proud that we were personally invited to step behind the famous door. It really was a once in a lifetime event that I’m sure none of us will ever forget.

After leaving No.10, we boarded The Tube once again, got back to our cars and returned to Cornwall – getting back at 2.30 a.m. on the Monday morning, tired but very happy.

If you would like to know a bit more about the trip, please contact us at contact2cbb@gmail.com or follow us on Twitter @2ndCamborneBB

Andrew Howell

2nd Camborne Boys' Brigade

Dorchester Boys' Brigade Parade and 120th Anniversary

Being the oldest uniformed organisation for Boys in the United Kingdom, the Dorchester Boys’ Brigade was very pleased to celebrate its 120th Anniversary this April. It was delighted, further, for the Anniversary to be marked with an annual parade involving members of neighbouring Companies from as far afield as Bath, all joining us for a commemorative service at St Peter’s Church, presided over by our Chaplin, Reverend Vicky Thurtell.

Today we are pleased to welcome girls into the Company, and the Dorchester contingent continues to thrive, its service unbroken since its foundation, even during the two World Wars. It is perhaps remarkable that the object of the Brigade, laid down by its founder Sir William Alexander Smith in 1883 in Glasgow, has remained unchanged to this day. ‘The advancement of Christ’s kingdom among boys and the promotion of habits of obedience, reverence, discipline, self-respect and all that tends towards true Christian manliness’ is still pursued throughout the Brigade in the United Kingdom, across much of the globe, and very much in Dorchester, with ardour today.

Tony Day

2nd Dorchester Company