2nd Forres Boys’ Brigade Company to celebrate 10 year anniversary in St Leonard’s Church hall on Tuesday, February 6
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THE LOCAL branch of a national youth organisation is celebrating its 10-year anniversary next month.
Captain designate Ian Adams and then-trainee officer Graeme Ferguson launched 2nd Forres Boys’ Brigade (BB) Company on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at Forres Town Hall with with just eight recruits - these days membership across four sections, currently ranging from five to 18-years-old, numbers 30, with five leaders plus a company Chaplain and parent helpers.
See https://www.forres-gazette.co.uk/news/return-of-the-forres-boys-brigade-101848/ and https://www.forres-gazette.co.uk/news/return-of-the-forres-boys-brigade-101848/
Graeme said: “Reaching 10 years is a fantastic achievement. I’m very proud that we’ve followed in the footsteps of the 1st Forres Company, establishing ourselves as an important part of the Christian community in the area. We’ve been so well supported, helping 300 boys to pass through the company. Hopefully, during that time, we’ve positively influenced their lives.”
Founded in Glasgow in 1883, the Boys’ Brigade is the largest Christian uniformed youth organisation in Britain. Today the BB has around 50,000 boys involved in nearly 1400 companies.
The object of the BB is “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”.
1st Forres Boys’ Brigade ran for decades until 2001 and is fondly remembered by many former members in the area.
2nd Forres Boys’ Brigade meets on Tuesdays in St Leonard’s Church hall from 5.30-8.30pm. A typical evening entails crafts, bible work, drills and sport.
“The aim is for the boys to learn and develop,” said Graeme, “as well as have fun together. It was a risk to re-establish a company here, but we were encouraged by the community and are well supported by St Leonard’s and St John’s churches in the town.
“We’ve earned a reputation as a forward looking, progressive organisation, whose key focus is to help young people reach their full potential in a safe, Christian environment. Our small group of adult leaders and helpers give up their time voluntarily and with great enthusiasm. They’ve helped us to fully embed the BB in the community once again.”
He added: “Two boys who started with us back in 2014 are still with us now! They’re studying for their President’s Badge: there is no bigger commitment than this.”
The President’s Badge is the second highest award which can be gained by a young person in The Boys’ Brigade.
The 2nd Forres Boys’ Brigade’s 10th anniversary event is being held at 6.30pm in St Leonard’s Church hall on Tuesday, February 6. Vice Lord Lieutenant of Moray, Nancy Robson is attending with other local dignitaries and members from the past and present.
“It will be an evening of celebration and reflection on our achievements and successes,” said Graeme. “It will include personal contributions from our senior boys, the Chaplain and myself, as well as activities for the younger boys. We invite anyone previously involved with Forres BBs to attend.”
For more information, visit https://forres-boysbrigade.com/ or call Mr Ferguson on 07379793823.
