7th July 2008
Our company moves to its Annual Summer Camp on Monday 14th July at Ballyhome, Portrush.
On Sunday afternoon a small advance party will depart to erect the tents and set up the camp.
A total party of 30 drawn from our GB company and our BB company will be involved in a varierty of activities for 5 days. Thanks to the 100th Belfast Company for the loan of thier minibus and to Mr Leslie Millar for a loan of a van to transport our tents and stores.
24th May 2008
On Saturday 10th May 22 Anchor Boys, 7 staff along with our company president and his wife set off to Lisburn for our annual outing.
A good friend of our company Mr Leslie Millar organised an afternoon of activities at his small farm.
This year our weekend location was The Boys’ Brigade Residential Centre at Ganaway, Millisle, when we joined with 6 boys and 2 officers from the 76th Belfast Company attached to Cregagh Congregational Church.
23rd May 2008
Hillsborough beating of retreat
Our Our pipe band took part in the Beating of the Retreat at Hillsborough Castle on the 22nd May 2008.
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This was organised by the Belfast Battalion and included massed bugle and flute bands. Special congratulations to our drum major Philip Patterson who helped lead the massed bands.
14th April 2008
Recent events
On Friday 18th April we are going to Lisburn Swimming Complex, boys to meet at the church at 7.15pm we will be leaving sharp at 7.30pm. Please bring £3.00 plus 20p for your locker. We are due back to the church at 10.00pm.
As for Friday 25th April and 9th May we will meet at the usual time 7.30pm; our activity will depend on the weather! The 9th May is our last night.
On Friday 2nd May we will not be meeting as this is our GB Display – boys are encouraged to attend the display
Band
On Thursday 22nd May our band, along with other BB bands in Belfast, will be ‘Beating the Retreat’ at Hillsborough Castle. There will be no band practices until Monday 19th May.
Camp
Arrangements are well in hand for camp at Ballyhome, Portrush from the 14-18th July. To date we have 19 boys and 14 staff attending - the final cut off date for camp is Friday 9th May.
Parents please note the date of the camp meeting, Tuesday 24th June, at 7.30pm in the large hall. At this meeting the full cost of the camp should be paid. The cost of the camp is £60.00.
Activities which have been booked are rock climbing and canoeing in Portrush and banana boating and tubing on the River Bann outside Coleraine. At this meeting the camp booklet will be issued giving more details ie. what to bring etc.
7th April 2008
Belfast Battalion Annual Parade
Our band was on parade at the Belfast Battalion Annual Parade Services on Sunday 6th April 2008.
The service was held in the Spires Centre and the minister was an old boy of the 25th - Rev. Brian Anderson.
Congratulations to all band members on an excellent turn out, helping to raise the profile around Boys Brigade circles of our company.
3rd April 2008
Update on Camp 2008
Approximately 14 weeks to camp, it won't be long running round. Dates 14 to 18th July - Monday to Friday.
There is canoeing, rock climbing and absailing booked for Tuesday afternoon in Portrush.
Also banana boating and tubing booked for Wednesday afternoon on the river Bann outside Coleraine - each person will be issued with a wet suit!!!!
To date 19 boys have paid deposits (we are expecting at least one more) with 14 staff indicating their intention to attend.
Within the next couple of weeks our Captain will be calling a short staff meeting to go over the arrangements.
Next big event is the Anchor boys outing on the 10th May.
31st March 2008
Anchor Boys Evening & Display 2008
On Friday 14th March 2008 we held our Annual Parents and Friends evening.
This was our yearly opportunity to give a demonstration of what happens on an average Friday night at the Anchor boys.
As our special guest – all the way from Disney Land was …TIGER!!!
We held the Junior and Company Sections Annual Inspection and Display on Saturday 15th March.
It was an honour and privilege to welcome to our Annual Inspection and Display this year Lieutenant Colonel Chris Broddle – Senior Army Chaplain N.I., 39th Infantry Brigade.
27th February 2008
Notes
Anchor Boys Parents and Friends evening starting at 7.30pm on Friday 14th March.
Junior and Company Sections Annual Inspection and Display on Saturday 15th March starting at 7.30pm. Inspecting Officer Lieutenant Colonel C. Broddle, Senior Army Chaplain N.I., 39th Infantry Brigade.
15th February 2008
Sponsored "Bounce"
On 15th February, 25 Anchor Boys took part in a "Sponsored Bounce" to raise money to cover Anchor Boy capitation fees to Boys' Brigade Headquarters and also to support the chrity "Autism N.I."
While some boys were bouncing, the others were entertained by a juggler and a fun evening was had by all. A total of £570 has been raised from this event. Well done to everyone involved.
7th January 2008
Camp 2008 - Portrush
Details: Camp 2008 will be held at Ballyhome Residential Centre which is 3 miles outside Portrush and is owned by the NEELB. It has sleeping facilities for 32, showers & toilets plus a well equipped kitchen. Boys will be sleeping under canvas in the field at the rear of the centre. We will be leaving on Monday 14th July and returning on Friday 18th July: the cost will be approximately £60.00. Activities planned include: canoeing, rock climbing, hill walking on the Antrim Plateau and a trip to Coleraine Swimming Pool plus the usual football and volleyball.
A £10.00 non returnable deposit is required by the start of February.
1st January 2008
Happy New year
Over the next couple of months we will be receiving details of events due to happen over 2008- 2009 as The Boys' Brigade celebrates its 125th Anniversary since its formation in Glasgow, 1883.
So far our band has been asked to help Beat Retreat in Hillsborough Castle grounds, along with other Battalion bands on Thursday night 22nd May.Company starts back on Friday 11th January and the Pipe Band resumes on Monday 14th January.
Please continue to remember the individual boys in your prayers.
16th July 2007
Southport Camp 2007 Flooded!
Now I've just heard from a Southport source, that Camp Southport '07 has been flooded. If you are like myself and didn't actually get to camp this year, keep a close eye on this site for full reports and hopefully pictures from Southport.
A huge debt is owed to the Officers and Staff who did give up their time and holidays to ensure our lads had a summer camp once again.
16th July 2007
Summer Camp 2007
Not only is this American Independence day, but also the day that the 25th BB company sets off for Camp '07.
An update as to the arrangements made to date. Its hard to believe that another year has turned round - it won't be long before the smell of the canvas, the hiss from the Tilley lamps and the Chicken pie at dinner will be a reality once again!! We are in line from a big grant this year from the BELB for their Youth Intervention Programme, this may help pay for most of the trips, plus the standard camp grant.
Two trips have been organised to Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Camelot Theme Park, outside Preston with good reduction for party rates. We will be returning to the outdoor pursuits centre near Preston for canoeing and rifle shooting. Word is due soon from the Southport Police and Fire Brigade for a visit to both stations - you will remember they are side by side on the Manchester Road at the town centre.
The President of the Southport Battalion BB is in the process of organising a local challenge of BB lads for football and volleyball at the campsite, plus we will be attending the Methodist church service at Birkdale - which is at the far side of Southport.
Splash World will be opening soon in Southport which provides high rides, fast flumes and water cannons all at 85 degrees fahrenheit - an afternoon is planned there.
I have received a set of camp talks recommended by Perry Donaldson Captain 43rd Belfast which we intend using...it takes the theme of the parts of a tent and relates them to the Christian life, this should help to hold the boys attention during devotions.
Now with the temperatures forecast to be in the mid 20s in England whilst at camp..what more could you ask for?
September 2006
BB is back
All sections successfully started back with excellent attendances and turnout. Congratulations to the boys and their parents for this.
