Civic reception honours Queen’s Badge winners
Hard-working members of the Boys’ Brigade were honoured with a civic reception.
The achievements of 21 senior members of the Paisley and District Battalion Boys’ Brigade were celebrated at the Renfrewshire Council- hosted event at Paisley Abbey.
They were given the highest award possible within The Boys’ Brigade, the Queen’s Badge.
Boys were presented their awards by Provost Lorraine Cameron, with delighted parents and friends looking on.
A spokesman for Paisley and District Battalion said: “We are delighted that Renfrewshire Council hosted a civic reception to celebrate the achievements of our young people.
“The Queen’s Badge requires commitment and each young award winner requires to overcome a number of challenges.
“Young people have improved their confidence and skills while also helping to support their local community and other voluntary groups.”
Described as a “re a l opportunity”, the Queen’s Badge aims to challenge and equip the individual, provide new opportunities and expand horizons, while remaining accessible to young people of all abilities.
In order to achieve the Queen’s Badge, young people must complete a number of challenges, including completing skills-based training; take responsibility within The Boys’ Brigade, with many boys volunteering at Anchor Boys and Junior Section; provide voluntary service within their community; develop interests, including skills, physical activities and expedition and take part in a residential training course.
Entertainment on the evening was provided by the 3rd Johnstone Brigade Band, who themselves were award winners back in March when they won in the Marching Bands Development Category at The Boys’ Brigade Scottish Band Contest.
Paisley and District Battalion consists of 24 companies serving communities across Renfrewshire and parts of East Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire.
Companies can be found in Paisley, Barrhead, Bishopton, Beith, Bridge of Weir, Elderslie, Erskine, Houston, Inchinnan, Johnstone, Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch, Neilston and Renfrew.
Each company consists of three sections — Anchor Boys (P1-P3), Junior Section (P4-P6), and Company Section ( P7- 18 years).
New members are always welcome at each of the companies.
Email headquarters@bbpaisley.org or visit www.bbpaisley.co.uk for meeting times and locations of companies.