Historic BB Baton arrives in Antrim
ANTRIM and District Battalion of the Boys’ Brigade have celebrated the arrival of the historic BB Baton.
Much like the Olympic Torch Relay, there was great excitement last Wednesday evening surrounding the arrival of the BB Baton in Antrim.
Boys and leaders from the various Companies within the Antrim and District Battalion of the Boys’ Brigade met together in Antrim Castle Grounds to be part of the once in a lifetime experience when the baton containing the Queen’s response to the message sent to her by the Boys’ Brigade on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee landed on Antrim soil.
The evening started with a formal reception in the Parterre Gardens.
Battalion President, Mr. Sam Hyde, welcomed those present, including guest of honour, Alderman Mervyn Rea MBE, and then received the Baton from Mr Jonathan Gracey, Regional Director for the Boys’ Brigade in Northern Ireland.
Alderman Rea, a former Captain and Officer Bearer in the Battalion, said: “The Boys’ Brigade is and will always be ‘First for Boys’, and as members remember to continue to carry the baton for the Boys’ Brigade throughout your lives.”
Following this, Mr James Hyde, member of 1st Killead Boys’ Brigade Company, read the message sent to The Queen, Patron of The Boys’ Brigade, on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee.
Her response was received by representatives from all four regions of The Brigade in Balmoral Castle, and is travelling across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom to arrive at Brigade Council in London on September 15, when it will be shared.
A fun-filled evening of activities including a treasure hunt around the Castle Grounds and a BBQ was organised for the members of the Battalion and supported by Antrim Borough Council through the provision of Cage Football and Recycling Van.
Mr Sam Hyde said: “This is a great evening for the boys and leaders of the Battalion, a time to celebrate and have fun before the new session begins. All the efforts and support of Antrim Borough Council are greatly appreciated and have made the evening special for us all.”
Antrim and District Battalion of the Boys’ Brigade has 10 Companies in the local area that meet weekly to promote The Object through a range of activities such as Bible teaching, sports and games, music and crafts, challenges and projects to help the boys develop fully as individuals.
Boys aged four to 19 years are welcome to attend.
For further information on your local Company, visit www.antrimbb.co.uk or find us on Facebook or Twitter under Antrim District Battalion.
The Object of The Boys’ Brigade 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”,
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Weather for Antrim
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 5 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North
