Boys Brigade sure and steadfast for 125 years

Jan 23 2009 by Edwin Lawrence

IT WAS a momentous year for the Boys’ Brigade, celebrating 125 years in existence.

But the world’s oldest uniformed youth organisation is not resting on its laurels.

And although 2008 has gone, the BB has much to look forward to.

William Smith famously launched the BB in Glasgow in 1883.

The movement quickly grew, and by 1886 there were 44 companies and almost 2000 boys.

Ayrshire had seven companies – three in Beith, two in Kilmarnock and two in Ayr.

The Ayr Battalion is the movement’s third oldest in the movement, and will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2011.

There are presently 14 companies in South Ayrshire, with the battalion there to lend support.

The local companies marked the movement’s 125th anniversary with a Thanksgiving Service in Ayr St Columba Church in November.

Over 300 boys, leaders, former members and friends attended.

The address was given by the Very Rev Sandy MacDonald, former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Mr MacDonald issued a challenge for the battalion to compose a new BB song for the future, perhaps to coincide with the battalion's own 125th anniversary in 2011.

Junior and company sections in the battalion regularly compete in events including a Bible quiz, swimming, drill, cross country, mime and drama, basketball, volleyball, and football.

Although there are no competitions for Anchor Boys, there is a games afternoon in the Citadel Leisure Centre every year, which is always an enjoyable event.

There is a church parade every spring, and the battalion actively participates in Remembrance Day parades and services.

Battalion HQ is in Ayr’s Limekiln Road, and the building includes a supplies depot, meeting rooms and a resource centre, available for all the companies.

There is a also a Friends of Ayr Battalion open to all former members, friends and current members. Regular newsletters are published, and anyone interested in joining should contact the battalion secretary.

Similarly, if you are interested in your son joining the Boys' Brigade, contact battalion secretary Stuart Hyslop, 4 Ward Court, Ayr KA8 9DZ. Email stuarthyslop@btinternet.com or telephone 01292 269803.