News
Anchor Boys Fun Day at Pollok Park
March 2010
On Saturday 6th March around 140 Anchor Boys from 13 Glasgow Companies descended on the Riverside Field at Pollok Country Park (Europe's Best Park 2008) for what was to be a day packed full of fun. From 10am till 3pm the Boys took part in Bug Hunting (provided by the Park Rangers service); a treasure hunt; a Welly throwing competition; face painting; obstacle course; sports day (which included an egg and spoon race, sack and beanbag race; and football. Even the weather was kind to us. A passer-by was heard to say "The BB didn't do this when I was that age!" We couldn't have asked for more when Jim McVean, Battalion Secretary and Bill Stevenson, Director for Scotland turned up and gave their thumbs up! A great day was had by all. Special thanks to everyone who helped organise this great event especially those at the Anchor Boy Committee and Glasgow City Council Parks Dept.
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Seniors White Water Rafting
March 2010
21 hardy Seniors and Leaders from Glasgow Battalion braved a very cold February morning to go White Water Rafting on the river Tay. The event nearly had to be postponed due the adverse weather conditions in the days leading up to Saturday 27th. After several calls to the orgainisers and Central Scotland and Fife Constabulary police forces it was decided the event could take place. We arrived in plenty of time to be kitted out for what was going to be an exciting day. Kitted out meant wetsuit, jacket, helmet and paddle. A bus took us from Grandtully to Aberfeldy some five miles up the road to the starting point. At Aberfeldy we were met with lying snow. This made our descent down stairs to our waiting rafts a tricky adventure. Once on our rafts we set out on the Tay for our 6 mile floating experience!! From rapids to still quiet waters the Boys' Brigade ruled the icy waves...
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BB Scotland Seniors Activities
February 2010
BB Scotland are organising three exciting activities for Seniors and Young Staff, aged 16-22, this summer. The first is an adventure weekend at Craggan Outdoor Centre on Loch Tay from 21st - 23rd May. There is a two day trip to Brussels 29th-30th June which will include a visit to the European Parliament. And for the more adventurous an Adventure at Sea in partnership with the Ocean Youth Trust from 19th - 25th July.
KGVI New Entrants Course - 31st July - 7th August
The course is challenging but hugely rewarding. It is perfect for those who have just completed Queen’s Badge and wish to take their BB leadership further. For more details, please contact Alan Hunter at Carronvale on 01324 562008 or by email alan.hunter@boys-brigade.org.uk.
Keep up to date with activities organised by BB Scotland on their facebook page, visit www.facebook.com and search for Boys' Brigade Scotland
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Equipment available
February 2010
A company in East Kilbride has a vaulting box and springboard which they no longer use and are looking to pass on to another company which could make use of them. If you are interested in these items please contact the Battalion Office and we'll put you in touch.
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Blood Donations
January 2010
A number of officers and helpers within the Battalion will remember our 125th Anniversary appeal to give blood. New donors took the opportunity to enrol with the Blood Transfusion Service and many continue to donate regularly.
We have been asked to publicise the need for donors, both existing and new to donate at this time of the year. The details of the Local Glasgow Centre are shown below.
Glasgow Blood Donor Centre
8 Nelson Mandela Place
Glasgow
G2 1BT
Opening times:
Mon, Tues: 11am-4.30pm
Wed, Thu: 11am-7pm
Fri: 9.30am-4.30pm
Sat: 9.30am-2.30pm
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Battalion Carol Service
December 2009
We held our third annual Carol Service on Sunday 6th December at Shettleston Old Parish Church. Sixteen companies from around the Battalion were represented at the service and we welcomed many family and friends as well as representatives from other Battalions and local politicians.
Our special thanks go to Rev Adah Younger, locum at Shettleston Old for conducting the service, William Heenan, associate minister at Hillington Park for sharing his experience of the BB in New Zealand and to the 94th Glasgow and congregation at Shettleston Old for making us most welcome.
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Anchor Boys Theatre Trip
December 2009
We took over the Tron Theatre for the afternoon performance of 'Ya Beauty and the Beast' on Saturday 5th December.
More than 200 Anchor Boys and Leaders from across the Battalion enjoyed the performance, special thanks to all at the Tron for making us most welcome, incorporating us into the script and allowing a couple of boys from each company on to the stage for the photograph above.
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Battalion items on eBay
December 2009
We have been selling our items of merchandise on eBay - ties, cufflinks, shoppers and (before Christmas) christmas cards. We will have these items and perhaps a few other things on sale in the new year, visit us on eBay.co.uk to see if we have anything listed at the moment.
As well as selling our own merchandise we are registered as an eBay charity and if you are selling items yourself on eBay you can support the Battalion by donating a percentage (10% - 100%, minimum £1) of the final sale value to us, when listing an item you can search for us in the charity index. When doing this you'll receive a refund on your basic eBay listing fees of the same percentage you donate.
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Youth Leader Training
November 2009
On Sunday 22 November a total of 50 candidates from Glasgow and the surrounding area completed the last part of their Youth Leader Training Course at Springfield Cambridge Church in Bishopbriggs. The picture shows the candidates on the final day of the course. The course finished with a dedication service with the proceeds of the offering going to the local Marie Curie Hospice.
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Display Boards at Dennistoun Library
November 2009
The display boards which were the central feature of our 125 Anniversary Exhibition in the Mitchell in April 2009 were on display in Dennistoun Library from 17th November through to 31st December. The boards have previously been on display in Hillhead Library and will be moving to other community libraries around the city during 2010.
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Junior Section 7-a-side Football
October 2009
Boys from nine Companies took part in the Junior Section 7-a-side football at South Lanarkshire Lifestyle complex, Rutherglen on Saturday 3rd October.
The weather was wet and windy but this did not dampen the spirits of the boys. And after the success of this years event we hope to have a greater number of companies take part next year. Thanks to everyone who helped on the morning.
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Battalion Merchandise
August 2009
You may have seen the items we had made to mark the Brigade's 125th Anniversary which were available last session, we have some stock remaining. Click on a picture below to see a larger image. Items are available from the Battalion Office and are now available on eBay.
125th Anniversary Cufflinks
Featuring the Battalion's 125th Anniversary Logo pressed into the metal. A pair of cufflinks in presentation box costs £10.
125th Anniversary Ties
A dark blue tie with the Battalion's 125 Anniversary logo in relief. Priced £10 each.
125th Anniversary Shoppers
100% Recycled PP shopper with the BB's Celebrating 125 logo on one side, what better way to carry your shopping home, environmentally friendly and publicising the Boys’ Brigade 125th Anniversary at the same time. Available in Blue or Red. Priced £3 each.
Battalion Bugs
An ideal gift for boys in your Company, these Glasgow Battalion Bugs have a blue Pom-pon with a tail which has the Anchor and text The Boys’ Brigade, Glasgow Battalion. Priced 50p each.
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Glasgow Community Champion Awards
July 2009
Congratulations to the 200th Glasgow on winning the Young Community Champion Award for the North East of the City. The award goes to people aged 17 and under who have shown inspirational behaviour within their communities.
In receiving the award Jim McVean, Company Captain, said
"It's a great honour for the organisation but it's really an award for all the boys and the staff who take part."
The award recognises the valuable work that goes on within the 200th and the part that BB Companies across the city play in their local communities.
For the purpose of the awards the city was divided into ten areas and having won the local round the 200th now go forward for a city-wide award. Other companies have been nominated in different parts of the city including the 1st Glasgow, shortlisted for an award in the Maryhill area.
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Kilbryde Hike - 40th Anniversary Hike
June 2009
The Hike, inaugurated by Willie Brownlie in 1969 is still seen as a challenge today. The 2009 hike was one of the longest in recent years, approximately 32miles, and has now established itself as the largest event of its type for youth organisations. The 2009 hike followed, as far as possible, the original 1969 route with minor alterations allowed for the new Whitelees wind farm.
A total of 47 teams (151 Boys and Girls) between the ages of 12 to 18 gathered at the start in Darvel Church Hall to have their kit checked before setting off to start day one.
A steep climb up onto the hills south of Chanque Farm near Darvel soon sorted the teams out, followed by a walk east across moorland to Watstone Hill. This then prepared them for a tough climb up Cairnsaigh and north to a checkpoint near Allenton farm. A long drag along minor roads to Fore Hareshaw farm followed but not before the faster teams had to tackle the formidable Loudoun Hill to attain vital additional points.
At almost every checkpoint the teams had to attempt either a physical or mental challenge to test their physical prowess and mental agility. A water incident sited along the Calder river south of West Browncastle farm set teams up nicely to head for the campsite at South Fieldhead farm overnight for a well earned rest.
At 8am on Sunday the hike resumed and the youngsters were joined by the first ever winners who looked their age but did not shirk the task in hand to prove that age is no barrier. A route through Whitelees forest via Logoch farm to Ardochrig started day two leading the teams down to Auldhouse, with a via to Laigh Huntlawrig farm for fitter teams, finishing with a late Sunday lunch at the South Parish Church in the Murray.
East Kilbride Athletic Club managed to retain their grip in the Main Hike trophy but had to settle for second place in the Junior event to a strong team from 25th Stirling BB Company.
Hike positions were as follows:
- Winners Main Hike, Fastest Team, Highest Incident Points –
EKAC "H" John Fergusson, Paul Brooks, Adam Gatens
- Winners Junior Hike
25th Stirling BB "E" - David McKinney, Andrew Pacitti, Greig Downs
- Winners Ladies Hike
EKAC "D" - Rachael Thompson, Jacqueline Fergusson, Olivia Steven
- Highest Placed Expedition Team
EKAC "G" - Ralph Riach, Kyle Johnston, Luke Kirwan
The hike was well supported from past and present members and will always be grateful for assistance from farmers and landowners, with sponsorship and support from Robert Wiseman’s Dairies, David Urquart Travel, Paul Revill –Gas-Elec, Campbell ‘O’ Benlair, Rolls-Royce PLC, South Lanarkshire Council, B&S Colour Labs, AG Barr Group, 52 Signals Squadron TA and Greggs the Bakers.
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Glasgow Stedfast Association
June 2009
Our inaugural session has now ended, with a membership, of some 58, and still growing, naturally we want many more members to share our meetings.
Apart from our inaugural meeting, on two further occasions The Association enjoyed fellowship together. At our first main meeting we enjoyed the memories of Centenary weekend in 1983, with the viewing of two DVD's of important events of the weekend.
Our A.G.M., held in April, saw the existing Office Bearers continue for a further year. We later were hugely entertained by Mr Bill Simpson, a long serving Officer of the 13th Motherwell Company, and an elder of that Kirk for many years. Bill's contribution, included a serious talk in pointing The Association forwards, perhaps with more focus, and consideration on support in looking more outwards to The Brigade. His further contribution entertained us greatly with musical ditties and some magic. Indeed a man of many talents, I'm sure he will be back to visit us in future.
Our plans for the new session are well in hand and include a Dinner evening at The Glasgow Thistle Hotel on 17th October. Members and partners and indeed all other supporters will be made welcome at the dinner. Details will be sent out to members before the end of June, and will appear on the website soon after.
Three further meetings are planned for the new session, details of dates, venues and speakers will be on the web site when finalised.
A further item of interest is a Historic BB Walk, round Glasgow's West end, conducted by John Cooper, perhaps one of our most knowledgeable Battalion Officers on BB history. This walk will take place on the morning of Saturday 22nd August. Members are being contacted directly, but any non members interested should contact John Cooper.
Bill Livingston
President
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Mitchell Exhibition
June 2009
We are very pleased that the Mitchell Library hosted a BB exhibition in honour of our 125 years of service in the City. The Exhibition took place on the 5th Floor display area, from 6th April through to the 30th May. Thereafter the boards will be displayed in a number of District Libraries. After use, the Mitchell have kindly agreed to pass the display boards to us for further use and this may facilitate the hosting of exhibitions on a wider geographical area. We are very grateful for this help and support provided by the City and the importance they give to the historic place of The Boys’ Brigade in Glasgow.
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Queen's Badge Certificate Presentation 2009
May 2009
52 seniors were presented with their Queen's Badge Certificates at the Annual Ceremony in Glasgow City Chambers on Thursday 21st May.
The guest of honour was Mr John Young MBE, Honourary Vice-President, The Boys' Brigade. Mr Young inspected the Queen's Men, and spoke with many of them, outside the City Chambers before presenting the certificates and giving an encouraging address inside in the Banqueting Hall.
Bailie Dr Nina Baker extended a welcome from the City and spoke of recent initiatives that have brought the uniformed youth organisations within the city together. Rev Tom Nelson, Moderator of Glasgow Presbytery, led the devotions.
As well as receiving their Queen's Badge certificates, the Queen's Men received Millenium Volunteers certificates in recognition of the many hours of service they have given in their communities while working towards the award, and having completed an emergency first aid course as part of the Queen's Badge completion weekend the Queen's Men received Heartstart certificates.
One of the highlights of the evening was the "Profile of the Queen's Badge", written and presented by two of the Queen's Men on the work which they had done in gaining the award.
The Queen's Men receiving their certificates were from across Glasgow and East Kilbride with others from Bearsden, Stirling and Vale of Leven, all of whom had taken part in Glasgow's completion course.
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Mitchell Exhibition Launch
April 2009
The 125th Anniversary Exhibition at the Mitchell Library, was formally launched on 8 April. Karen Cunningham, head of Library Services, spoke warmly of the links between the Mitchell Library and the BB, both formed around the same period of history by men of vision achieving remarkable progress and impact throughout the world. Sir Kenneth Calman also noted the close geographic links between the BB and the Mitchell with the 1st Glasgow founded less than a mile from the Mitchell Library.
Sir Kenneth and Lady Ann Calman, Lord and Lady Macfarlane, Bailie Margot Clark and other invited guests from the City and funding supporters and, not least, representatives from the young people we serve joined together for the evening launch.
The exhibition was on at the Mitchell from 6 April to 30 May. Following this the display boards will be touring around some of the community libraries in Glasgow, dates will be advised.
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Seniors Go-Karting
April 2009
29 Seniors from 8 Companies put their skills to the test in a Go-Karting evening on 5 April and the event proved so popular that it will almost certainly be repeated.
The activity also provided an opportunity for the Seniors from across the city to meet together and share their interests which will aid the planning of future activities, catering for events that might be difficult for one company alone.
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Company Section Athletics
April 2009
The Battalion's Athletics Championships took place on 30 March at the Kelvin Hall International Sports Arena. Around 100 Boys from 16 Companies took part in the event at Scotland's premier indoor athletics arena.
Depending on their age group boys had the opportunity to take part in some of 60m, 400m, 800m, Long Jump, High Jump and Shot Putt events. A range of abilities were on show, from the boy out to enjoy taking part, to those who are members of athletics clubs and take part in serious competition elsewhere, but whatever level the event was enjoyed by all.
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Anchor Boy Fun Run
April 2009
The Battalion's Anchor Boy Fun Run took place in Kelvingrove Park on 28 March. Having been scheduled last October and postponed due to bad weather, it was fortunate that for the morning of the run it was clear and bright.
120 Boys took part but when adding in leaders, parents, brothers, sisters, other family members and pets that number was easily doubled.
The route may have been amended a little as the run went on and the planned 10 laps were perhaps not done but it was a good morning enjoyed by those taking part. All the participants received a medal and many were giving something back as they were sponsored either to raise funds for their own section or for CHAS.
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Brigade President's Commendation
April 2009
Staff Sergeant Scott Laidlaw of the 229th Glasgow Company was presented with the President's Commendation Certificate by the Brigade President Sir Kenneth Calman on 22 March during the morning service at Cambuslang Parish church.
Scott has been a member of the 229th Glasgow for nine years, during this time Scott has undergone a great many operations. Most of the time Scott has been confined to his wheelchair but this in no way deterred him from participation in as many activities as practically possible. Scott joined the Drill squad, marching in a wheelchair is not easy but with his determination and enthusiasm he was part of the squad for District Drill competitions.
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Heartstart Youth Glasgow
March 2009
Following very successful discussions with the Scouts and Guides the partnership possibilities of the Heartstart programme were progressed through a combined training on Sunday 8th March. Members of the Boys' Brigade and the Scouts joined together for this instructors training and it is planned that future courses will involve the Guides and Girls' Brigade.
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Carol Service
December 2008
A good number of Boys and Officers gathered for the Battalion's Carol Service on Sunday 7th December. The location for this celebratory service in the 125th Anniversary Year was Kelvin Stevenson Memorial Church, home of the 1st Glasgow.
The service was conducted by Rev Gordon Kirkwood, chaplain to both the 1st Glasgow and 143rd Glasgow Companies. With an enjoyable and meaningful main address from Rev Jack Graham of Parkhead Congregational Church.
Our thanks to both ministers for their contribution to the service, the 125th Anniversary Committee for their organisation, the boys and officers reading the lessons and the congregation of Kelvin Stevenson Memorial for their catering and hospitality.
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Glasgow Stedfast Association
November 2008
Glasgow Battalion is pleased to note that at a meeting of interested people on Tuesday 25 November it was agreed to establish a Glasgow Stedfast Association. This is a social and supportive network for ex-members and supporters of the movement. The Association is run independent of The Boys' Brigade and the Battalion, but will maintain links with Glasgow Battalion.
To see the work progressed the following appointments were made:
- Bill Livingston - President
- Ian Christie - Vice President
- Alistair McLellan - Treasurer
- Rev Douglas Scrimgeour - Chaplain
- Ian Ritchie - Secretary
- John Cooper - Membership Secretary
John Neil OBE was invited to be Patron.
The Association now welcomes new members. An application form can be downloaded here, 39kb PDF file.
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Annual Report
November 2008
Our Annual Report is now being distributed and we hope that you find it of interest. Having completed one, it is never too soon to start thinking about the next, as one of the biggest difficulties in compiling it is having sufficient information and photographs, covering the full range of activities in the Battalion. Remember that the Annual Report should be a report of all the work handled throughout the Battalion – not just central events – and including Company Camps, projects, events at Districts, football, special activities and so on. When it comes to photographs, often captains and officers who know and work with the boys are in a best position to be able to take action photos of activities. Copies of the report are provided to church denominations, leaders in local authorities, as well as to Trust Funds and others who support our work each year and relieve the need to direct Company support. It is in everyone’s interest to make sure the report is positive and that it portrays the breadth of work undertaken across the city and beyond. Please pass in information as soon as it is to hand.
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National 125 Anniversary Service
October 2008
The Boys' Brigade celebrated the 125th Anniversary of the organisation with a National Service of Thanksgiving in Glasgow Cathedral on Saturday 4th October 2008.
700 leaders, boys and friends from across the UK gathered for the service, which was conducted by Rev Dr Laurence Whitley minister of Glasgow Cathedral with the address from the Right Revd David Lunan, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
At the conclusion of the service two boys from the 1st Glasgow led by the Glasgow Battalion President's Piper laid a wreath at the Memorial Plaque to Sir William Smith in the nave of the Cathedral.
As the congregation arrived for the service they were entertained by the 3rd Johnstone Flute Band and by Anchor Boys from across Glasgow playing parachute games and singing. Steve Dickinson, Brigade Secretary, took time to thank the Anchor Boys for their contribution to the occasion. And as fellowship was shared afterwards there was further entertainment from the 231st Glasgow Pipe Band, Junior Section Boys from 268th Glasgow playing games and a drill display with Boys from several companies in Glasgow Battalion.
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Kilbryde Hike
June 2008
The Hike took place on 7th and 8th June in the hills around Leadhills and Crawfordjohn. At times the weather was almost too hot, however, there was the chance to "cool down" in the water based incidents at some of the various checkpoints along the route.
Some 150 young people took part in this annual event making up more than 40 teams, BB Companies from Central Scotland and the North of England, along with Scouts and EK Athletics Club. Well done to East Kilbride Athletics Club for winning the Expedition and Senior competitions and the 25th Stirling BB Company the Junior class, and special mention to the 1st Vale of Leven for winning the Sore Foot trophy again.
Whilst there is the element of competition, the real joy is found in taking part and meeting with friends each year for what is an enjoyable and fun-filled activity. The reception in the packed hall at the close of the event says much for the fellowship that is established and credit goes to all the volunteers who put in hours of organisation year after year.
Visit the Kilbryde Hike Page where we also have some photographs from the weekend.
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Guard of Honour for the Lord High Commissioner
May 2008
15 Seniors from 7 Glasgow Companies travelled through to Edinburgh on Sunday 18th May to be part of the Guard of Honour for the Lord High Commissioner at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
A total guard of around 40 Boys assembled in the Castle esplanade, and marched down to St Giles Cathedral, accompanied by the Colours, a pipe band from Musselburgh and the 'Stedfast' Silver Band from Greenock.
Once the Guard of Honour had been inspected and the dignitaries had made their way into the Cathedral the Guard of Honour marched down to St Andrew's and St George's Church where they participated in an enjoyable Service.
After the Service, the Guard of Honour and Bands paraded, marched past and were dismissed. Then it was back to the Church Hall for a late breakfast.
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Evening Times BB Supplement
February 2008
We were delighted that the Evening Times published a special BB Supplement on Wednesday 27 February to mark the Brigade's 125th Anniversary this year. The 24 page colour special featured photographs from 60 of the companies within the Battalion.
If you missed the Evening Times that evening or are visiting from outwith the circulation area you can view the supplement as a pdf on the Evening Times website at www.eveningtimes.co.uk
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Parents Directory
September 2007
The Battalion has taken an advert in the Parents Directory for Scotland.
Twice a year 12,000 copies of the directory are distributed to schools and libraries across the West of Scotland for parents to pick up for free.
The Directory contains details of activities for children and young people.
Our advert, above, was in the 16th Edition of the Glasgow & West of Scotland directory.
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Brigade President's Commendation
June 2007
Ian Wilson, a member for 25th Glasgow Junior Section, was presented with the Brigade President's Commendation by House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin.
The award, presented at Springburn Parish Church, recognises the courage Ian has shown, despite several major heart operations – the first when he was only two days old. Ian still gets involved in the full range of activities at the Boys' Brigade including swimming and football with determination, commitment and enthusiasm.
Mr Martin, MP for Glasgow North East, said: "It was an honour to meet such a brave young man. He is a credit to himself, his family and the Boys' Brigade".
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Adventure Race 2
April 2007
Two teams from the Battalion entered the second Adventure Race at Pollok Park on Sunday 25th March. The teams of 3 boys aged 14-16 had to find 30 check points around the park during the 3 hour race. At some of these points challenges had to be undertaken. These included the Mountain Biking Circuit, kayaking across the pond and river crossing.
The boys all had a great day out - with the 119th Glasgow coming third in the race with 345 points and the 83rd Glasgow winning with 380 points.
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Carol Singing at Pollok House
December 2006
Early in December, members of the 9th Glasgow Company Section were invited by the National Trust for Scotland to provide entertainment at Pollok House, the Boys sang a number of Christmas Carols as guests arrived for Dinner.
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Brigade President's Commendation
December 2006
We are pleased to announce that Graeme Tannahill of the 72nd Glasgow Company, Dennistoun, who gained his Queen's Badge in April 2006, has been awarded the Brigade President's Commendation in recognition of the additional work, commitment and effort against a background of long-term health difficulties. Graeme's family have been deeply involved with the BB and GB for generations. Graeme was determined to fulfil every aspect of the programme just as any other member, despite the challenges that he faced. He is now helping with the Junior Section and Anchor Boys.
The commendation reads:-
Graeme has shown great determination and commitment to achieve his Queen’s Badge and his character and perseverance is an inspiration to us all. Graeme is a credit to himself and his family and the Brigade is proud to have him as a member.
Signed: The Very Reverend Alan Main, Brigade President
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119 Glasgow visit Soccer Circus
November 2006
Members of the 119th Glasgow got a surprise when they visited Soccer Circus at the Xscape Centre at Braehead for a football training evening. Their coach was none other than Kevin Keegan, former England internationalist and Premiership Manager.
There he was taking the boys, aged 8 to 16, through the sprints, dribbling and team events as a few of the fathers stood in awe as an icon of football took their sons through their paces.
Despite the training, experience won the day as the team of leaders and parents, triumphed against the team of boys in the final penalty shoot out.
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Youth Adventure Race
October 2006
Three teams from Glasgow Battalion took part in the first Youth Adventure Race to be held in Glasgow. The race took place in Pollok Park on 22 October and involved mountain biking, orienteering, canoeing and climbing, with teams of four competing together.
The 119th came in 2nd place, the 9th and the 83rd also took part and everyone had a great time and went away having enjoyed the experience and with a goody bag courtesy of the event sponsors.
The event was the idea of Rob Sanderson an Adventure racer from Glasgow and was organised by Phil Robinson from Glasgow City Council.
More information on adventure racing can be found at www.sleepmonsters.co.uk
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Blink (& u won't miss it)
March 2006
Blink is a new magazine for young people (YP) by YP in the BB aged between 16 and 25 from all over the UK. It’s going to be fun, inspiring, and be all about YP. Blink is going to tell you about opportunities in the BB, allow you to shape its future and contribute your ideas, and give you a chance to share what is going on in your own area with others. Click the logo to visit Blink online.
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Dave Bilbrough in Concert
February 2006
Dave Bilbrough and his Band led an evening of praise and worship on February 4th at Springfield Cambridge Church, in celebration of 120 years of the Battalion's work with young people in the city.
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45th Glasgow win World Mission Fund Trophy
November 2005
The Rt Rev David Lacy presented the 45th Glasgow with the trophy for the highest amount raised by a Company Section at the World Mission Evening in Bearsden on 18 November. It is good that companies in Glasgow are taking an active part in this Church of Scotland appeal. Funds raised during the current session will go towards the establishment of mobile skills training for young people in Bangladesh where the Church reaches out to some of the most needy sections in society and is achieving remarkable results.
For more information on this visit the World Mission Fund web site.
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Anchor Boys raise money for BBC Children in Need
November 2005
Anchor Boy Sections from across the Battalion held a series of 'Pudsey Parties' and theme nights to raise money for this years BBC Children in Need Appeal.
Well done to all who took part in the fundraising. A snippet of the activity at one Pudsey Party was shown and it looked like a lot of fun for those involved.
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Battalion Strategic Plan
June 2005
Following feedback from companies the Battalion Strategic Plan has been added to the Useful Information page, along with the minutes from the March 2003 Battalion Council at which the plan was endorsed unanimously.
The plan was distributed to Captains in both February and June 2003 and is featured in the Annual Review of Session 2002/03 which also remains available for download.
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Glasgow Kidz Cards and Young Scot Cards
October 2004
Of interest to all Companies based within the Glasgow City boundary, Glasgow City Council is advancing a scheme where voluntary groups within the city can apply for a Group Card, with many of the benefits of the individual Kidz Cards and Young Scot Cards. This is certainly an advantage and could benefit your programme, we hope that many Companies will apply for a Group Card and benefit from the scheme.
Further information is available in the Officers Resources Area.
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World Mission Fund - Block Making Project
September 2004
Gordon Grant of the 205 Glasgow Company visited BB Ghana this summer from 24-31 July to see how progress was going on the Block Making Project which had been the focus of the World Mission Fund appeal 2001-2003. The visit was made possible through the Church of Scotland World Mission Department.
He visited the project centre in Accra, located next to the national office, where work was already well under way and students would be given instruction on the manufacture of concrete blocks. The idea is that, once trained, these young people return to their own village areas and are able to start up their own production ventures, providing much needed income to families, local villagers and even BB companies.
Whilst the centre in Accra has an electric press to help with production, the instruction covers how to make blocks without this facility, as, in the villages, there may be no electrical supply.
Gordon also saw the tailoring project, also based at the national headquarters and set up a few years ago, where similar skills instruction was being carried out and local uniform items produced. This again provides employment and income as well as local sustainable resources for BB Ghana.
Gordon was able to sample local cuisine – which was quite adventurous and visited several churches, schools and BB companies as well as an officer training course, travelling up the coast to Sekondi and Takoradi. He visited Almira Castle where which was one of the many centres for the slave trade in past centuries and reminded all of the impact of history and some of the less welcome aspects of human existence.
The warmth, Christian commitment and welcome of the Ghana people will be remembered as well as gratitude for what was made possible through the support raised by BB Companies here in Scotland.
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Paisley & District Battalion Supplies Shop
August 2004
Paisley is the closest BB Supplies Shop to Glasgow, you may wish to phone first to check that the items you require are in stock. You can also order online from the BBUK Website.
The Boys' Brigade
Paisley & District Battalion
North Croft Street
Paisley
PA3 4AD
Opening hours: Monday - Friday, 10am - 1pm; Saturday, 10am - 12noon.
Tel: 0141 887 3942
Find the location of Paisley & District Battalion on the map
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Miles for Malawi
October 2003
Over £3,500 was raised through this years Miles for Malawi cycle run around Arran, which brings our total for the two years to over £11,000. In terms of Malawi this is transmitted into a huge amount of practical and life-saving benefit. Thanks to all boys and officers who took part.
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