THE BOYS ’BRIGADE NORTHERN IRElAND

COMPANYCIRCUl AR

Brigade Council, an annual conference for leaders and members of The Boys’ Brigade, has taken place in Armagh (3rd

to 5th September 2010). Council moves around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland and Armagh was selected by the planning team, on behalf of the NI Regional Committee.

The weekend got underway with a civic reception on the Friday evening, hosted by Cllr Jim Speers, Mayor of Armagh City & District. This provided the delegates with an opportunity to meet informally and renew friendships. The Annual Council Meeting took place on the Saturday in the Fisher Suite of Armagh City Hotel. For those not attending the Council Meeting

there was an opportunity to participate in a tour of local attractions and enjoy a relaxing lunch, along with some time set aside for shopping. On Saturday evening a gala dinner and entertainment was held in the hotel, when we were once again joined by the Mayor and Mrs Speers. Worship on Sunday morning was in the nearby Mall Presbyterian Church, with which 1st Armagh Boys’ Brigade Company is connected, following a short parade which involved members of Mid Ulster and Portadown Battalions.

Responsibility now passes to Wales Region, which plans to host Council 2011 in Cardiff.

(Photos on page 3)

Armagh Passes The Baton To Cardiff

November/December 2010

BB CONNECTTHe first of a series of roadshows was held in Antrim on 5 October 2010 – further events are planned for Portadown (November) and the Central Area (subject to interest). The roadshow format is informal and allows for the promotion of KGVI, India 2011, accredited training opportunities and other relevant areas of interest. Igymstar (www.igymstar.com) is booked for each of the stops on the roadshow.

PRAYER POINTSPleASe continue to remember the ongoing work of the District and the wider BB family in your prayers. Below are specific requests for the next couple of months ...n Company Captains and leadersn Vision and direction for those that lead

the BB at National, Regional, Battalion and Company levels

n The Crozier/Douglas familyn Battalion Focus: Belfast

NEW ACCESS NI FORMIN JUly, Access NI issued a new form which must be completed for leaders who require a disclosure check. Access NI will no longer accept the old form and it will therefore be returned, by them, unprocessed.

Session led by Walter Lambe

Ready for the new sessionON Saturday 25 September 2010 approximately 40 officers gathered in Templepatrick for the annual Northern Ireland District Anchor Boy Conference.

Once again, much of the programme was workshop based – with the intention being that skills and ideas could be taken away for immediate introduction in the respective Companies. Specialised training was offered in relation to challenging behaviour and NI Headquarters Staff provided updates and facilitated question and answer sessions. Hospitality was provided by Templepatrick Presbyterian Women.

ON Saturday 11 September 2010, londonderry Battalion acknowledged the service, dedication and commitment of Mr Don McClay.

Mr McClay has long been associated with The Boys’ Brigade – in addition to his time in 6th londonderry Company (Waterside Presbyterian Church), he served as President of the londonderry Battalion for 36 years (1974-2010), as a Northern Ireland District Vice President for 15 years (1991-2006) and more recently as an Honorary District Vice President (2006 to date). Sterling service indeed!

Mr Jonathan Gracey, Director of BBNI, extended thanks on behalf of NI District and brought greetings from Mr Steve Dickinson, Brigade Secretary.

Mr Glen Miller has succeeded Mr McClay as Battalion President.

A Lifetime’s Service

Don and Heather McClay with Glen Miller

JUNIOR SECTION CONFERENCEThe annual Junior Section Officers’ Conference will take place on Saturday 13 November 2010 in Rathmore House, larne. Full details have been circulated to all JS Officers-in-charge and leaders should have registered with Northern Ireland Headquarters by Monday 25 October 2010.

COMPANY SECTION: BB’S GOT TALENTHave you boys who are hooked on the X Factor? Do they sing, dance or even think they are funny? If your Company has an act that entertains, then BB’s Got Talent is the new competition for you (Saturday 4 December 2010 at 7pm in Templepatrick).

All entries should be with NIHQ before 5pm on Monday 22 November 2010, which gives them time to warm up their vocal chords, learn those new moves or get their BB mates together in a garage to form a new group and then complete entry form (available at www.bbni.org).

The Boys’ Brigade (NI), in partnership with Youthnet and other organisations, will deliver a training programme with young leaders to explore diversity and develop leadership skills.

The training will involve an OCN level One accredited programme delivered by external facilitators (youthlink). The programme will involve a residential programme, social activities, debates, workshops, educational site visits and will explore the practical application of the principles learned.

The programme will aim to involve twelve BB leaders (or aspiring BB leaders) between the ages of 16 and 25 who will participate in the training and design a short term peer lead project to share their learning.

The cost of the project will be Peace III sponsored, so participants will not have to pay the course or accreditation fees. The dates for the training are Friday 26 to Sunday 28 November 2010 (at Rathmore House) and 29 January 2011 (full

day programme away from NIHQ, probably in the Belfast area).

There may be the opportunity for participants to progress their learning by undertaking an OCN level Two in a similar subject.

Contact NI Headquarters for further information (contact details are listed on the back cover of this publication). Places will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

Accredited Training

HEARTSTART

Would you know what to do in a life-threatening emergency?

learning emergency life support skills can help you to keep someone alive until professional help arrives. The Boys’ Brigade can help you to learn these skills through the Heartstart initiative.

The Heartstart programme includes skills such as:n assessing an unconscious patient;n perform resuscitation;n dealing with choking;n serious bleeding;n helping someone that may be having a heart attack.

This Course is ideal for Company Section and Senior Section Boys – so if you are interested in having a trainer attend, please contact Mrs Janice McAllister at NI Headquarters (nitraining@boys-brigade.org.uk). Whilst trainers are available throughout the Province, specific dates and requirements will require co-ordination by staff at NI Headquarters.

This session’s NI District Company Section Christian Education syllabus is entitled ‘Dead or Alive?’

It has been prepared by members of the Christian education & Church Relations Committee and provides leader’s notes and teaching material that we hope you will find helpful in preparing the talks for your Company. Initial feedback has been extremely positive.

Memory verses are included and should be known for the purpose of the Scripture exam. The examination will also require members to have a good knowledge of the lesson contents, which are based on the passages for each.

The material is free of charge and can be downloaded from www.bbni.org.uk

ChristianEducation Material

BRAVe THe NeWPORT GWeNT DRAGONS on Friday 3 December 2010 at 7.30pm with UlSTeR RUGBy. It’s more than just rugby at Ravenhill: a great group night out and perfect for your Christmas outing! Great discounts are available for Boys’ Brigade groups – they’re available by calling (028) 9049 3222, option 2.

KGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIKGVIWhat is the King George VI Course?

It is a training scheme that prepares young men and women for leadership in The Boys’ Brigade. It consists of two residential weeks, separated by one year’s service in a BB Company. In reality, it’s a lot more than that – it’s a challenge, it’s an experience, it’s great craic and it’s an opportunity to make friendships that can last a lifetime.

Captains ... have you any candidates that you should be encouraging to attend? Next year’s course runs from Saturday 23 to Friday 29 July 2011.

If you would like to receive further details or have a candidate/s for registration, contact Mr Kenneth Mclaughlin, Training & Development Support Officer, at kenneth.mclaughlin@boys-brigade.org.uk or on (028) 2827 2794.

DISABILITY AWARENESS ROAD ShOWADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, Asthma, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Diabetes, Down’s Syndrome, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, epilepsy, expressive language Difficulties, Hearing Impairment, Moderate learning Difficulties, Muscular Dystrophy, Poor listening Skills, Receptive language Difficulties, Visual Impairment and Wheelchair users.

Are boys in your Company any different to those in companies around the country?

We are holding three conferences in different parts of Northern Ireland to answer this very question.

Keep an eye on www.bbni.org to see which venue is closest to you and plan to attend.

BRIGADE TRAINING OFFICERSFURTHeR to the introduction of fourteen new Brigade Training Officers in June 2010, we are pleased to announce that four others, Mr Colin Bell, Miss Naomi Davidson, Mr Angus McBride and Mr Tom McCormick have now completed this course. Brigade Training Officers are involved in all aspects of training throughout Northern Ireland.

COURSE FOR DRILL INSTRUCTORSTHOSe interested in learning basic drill techniques or reviewing the movements for the NI District Drill Competition have the opportunity to attend a course for Drill Instructors on Monday 8 November 2010 at 7.30pm in First Antrim Presbyterian Church.

The same hall will host the competition on Saturday 5 February 2011.

Registration must be completed by 5pm on Wednesday 3 November 2010 by contacting Mrs Janice McAllister at nitraining@boys-brigade.org.uk or on (028) 2827 2794.

QUEEN’S BADGE COURSESAll those who have young Men attending a Queen’s Badge Course this year should complete the NeW registration form that can be downloaded from www.bbni.orgRemaining Queen’s Badge courses at Rathmore house, unless otherwise stated:• Skills For Queen’s Badge:

19-21 November 2010; 21-23 January 2011; 4-6 February 2011; 17-19 June 2011.

• Queen’s Badge Residential: 18-20 February 2011; 4-6 March 2011; 18-20 March 2011 (Ganaway); 1-3 April 2011.

VAULTING & GYMNASTICSPleASe note that the Vaulting & Gymnastics Course running from 3-4 December 2010 cannot accept further registrations, due to the places on the course being fully allocated. Anyone interested in attending next year’s course should register their interest by emailing Mrs Janice McAllister at nitraining@boys-brigade.org.uk

Many people say that they aren’t looking forward to a weekend YlT residential training. Here is what they say after the course ...

“Many thanks to everyone who organised and took part in this weekend – greatly enjoyed it!”

“A great group – made to feel very comfortable.”

“Relaxed, informal teaching method meant I felt free to contribute and ask questions.”

“Great to hear the experiences of other Companies.”

“loved the Mickey Mouse Aerobics.” “Prayers & Devotions were excellent and very

relevant.”“lovely attitude from all the leaders, who

were all very easy to listen to.” Do you want to become an officer or just

extend your skills and knowledge in working with children and young people? ... then ylT is the course you require.

log on to the BBNI website to find out more or complete the application form. The next ylT is 14-16 January 2011.

Youth leader Training

Leader RegistrationCaptains and Section leaders are reminded of the Brigade requirement that all leaders are registered prior to commencing work with The Boys’ Brigade.

The range of lReG forms have been updated and can be downloaded from www.boys-brigade.org.uk (log in required). Alternatively, you can request copies from Northern Ireland Headquarters.

Leader Registration

Global FellowshipBrigade Headquarters has requested that each Region nominates 1-2 young people (aged 18-25) to become involved with the Caribbean Project.

This will involve promotional work in the Province and being part of the UK/Ireland-wide steering group. Nominations should be forwarded to NI Headquarters, for the attention of the Director, by Wednesday 17 November 2010.

If your Company or Battalion is celebrating a significant anniversary during the 2010/11 session, then we would like to hear from you. Anniversaries will continue to be listed in future editions of the Company Circular. email the details to jonathan.gracey@boys-brigade.org.uk

Anniversaries

DesigneD anD printeD by

NExT EDITIONThe next Company Circular is scheduled for January / February 2011. Material to be considered for inclusion in or with this circular must be submitted to Northern Ireland Headquarters by 14 December 2010.

OBJECT OF ThE BOYS’ BRIGADE: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.

The Boys’ Brigade(NORThERN IRELAND):

The Boys’ Brigade (Northern Ireland)NI Headquarters & National Training Centre

RATHMORE HOUSE126 Glenarm Road,larne, Co. Antrim

BT40 1DZ

Tel: 028 2827 2794Fax: 028 2827 5150email: larne@boys-brigade.org.uk

CAlENDAR OF EVENTS / MEETING DATESNovember 2010 2 entries due: CS Tenpin Bowling 5 entries due: AB Card Competition (Battalion entry) 8 Drill Instructors’ Course 13 JS Officers’ Conference 16 entries due: CS Inter-Company 7-a-side Football & Volleyball 16 CS Tenpin Bowling 19-21 Skills for Queen’s Badge 20-21 Brigade executive 22 entries dues: CS BB’s Got Talent 23 NID Administration Committee 27 National Competition: Masterteam: Round 1

December 2010 3-4 Vaulting & Gymnastics Course: Part 1 4 CS BB’s Got Talent 6 entries due: JS Musician of the year 24-3 Jan NI Headquarters Closed: Christmas and New year Holidays

January 2011 11 NID Company Section Committee 11 NID Christian education & Church Relations Committee 12 NID Administration Committee 12 NID Training Committee 14-16 youth leader Training

January cont’d. 15 JS Musician of the year 15 National Competition: Masterteam: Round 2 18 entries due: CS Inter-Battalion Football (U18, U16 & U14) 19 NID Junior Section Committee 21 entries due: AB Fun & Games (Battalion entry) 21-23 Skills for Queen’s Badge 28-30 youth leader Training (Ganaway) 29 AB Fun & Games 31 NI Regional Committee 31 entries due: CS Squad Drill

TO eNABle Northern Ireland Headquarters to communicate more

effectively and regularly, without incurring additional costs, please

contact Mr Jonathan Gracey, Director for Northern Ireland, with email

addresses for your Company or Battalion (jonathan.gracey@boys-brigade.org.uk).

EMAIL SIGN UP

ChANGE OF DETAILSPlease notify Northern Ireland Headquarters of all changes of personnel and contact details as soon as possible.

Notification can be made by post, fax or email. NIHQ contact details are listed on this page.

BookingRathmore

Are you looking for a venue for your next Company or Battalion residential? Then read on ...

Rathmore House is situated in larne and serves as a Training & Conference Centre as well as the Northern Ireland Headquarters of The Boys’ Brigade. The facilities include residential accommodation and training/conference rooms, as well a recreation hall, games room, outdoor games area and chapel.

There are many local low-cost and no-cost programme opportunities such as nearby coastal walks, lawn tennis and bowling, an outdoor gym, a synthetic football pitch and all-weather sports pitch. Carnfurnock Country Park is located 3.5 miles away and many groups avail of the wide range of activities available there.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Have you members or leaders who have moved away to study or work during the 2010/11 session?

NI Headquarters could play a role in helping them link up with a Company in the area where they move to and thereby allow them to stay involved with the Brigade.

If this would be of interest to anyone connected with your Company, please contact NI Headquarters for further information.

young People On The Move

BB GAZETTEBB GAZETTEBB GAZETTEBB GAZETTEBB GAZETTEBB GAZETTEBB GAZETTEBB GAZETTEBB GAZETTEBB GAZETTEBB GAZETTEIf you have articles or

photographs suitable for inclusion in a future edition of the Gazette,

please forward them to gazette@boys-brigade.org.uk

BB GAZETTE