Boys’ Brigade on lookout for more local volunteers
The first-ever Boys’ Brigade Company was founded by Sir William Alexander Smith as far back as 1883.
Obedience, reverence, discipline and self-respect were described as being among the Christian values at the heart of the organisation, four pillars that remain integral to the global movement today.
At the time, Sir William said the object of the original Glasgow-based Company was: “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.”
Locally, members of 2nd Blairgowrie Boys’ Brigade will take part in their annual enrolment service at Blairgowrie Parish Church on Sunday, October 2.
The busy group is on the lookout for people to assist and support its growth, particularly former boys, officers of the Boys’ Brigade or anyone over the age of 18 seeking experience in the voluntary sector.
All the relevant background checks are carried out and training in the likes of safeguarding and risk assessments is provided.
There will also be the opportunity to take part in officers’ training and learn various skills while volunteering with the members of the Anchor, Junior or Company sections.
The 2nd Blairgowrie Boys’ Brigade’s Anchor section is for those aged six to eight years old, while the Junior section is for boys aged eight to 11 and Company attendees are aged 11 or older.
Members are currently all meeting from 6pm to 7.30pm on Fridays in Blairgowrie Parish Church Hall.
Carol Annand is officer-in-charge of the Junior section and 1st Correspondent of the wider group.
She said: “Spending many years volunteering in the Boys’ Brigade has enriched my life and those of my sons,
who were all active members.
“I feel like I’ve either improved or gained additional skills in communication, administration and leadership over the
years.
“It is a wonderful organisation that has motivated me to be active and has enriched my life spiritually, encouraging more work to help others.
“My former boss revealed that it was my work with the Boys’ Brigade that played a part in me getting my job working with others as a tenancy officer.
“Watching boys grow up and work their way through the sections is a great feeling and seeing them turn out to be responsible young men going on to university or college makes it all worthwhile.
“We always hope that the ‘BB seed’ has been planted and that one day they will return as officers, helpers and/or bring along their children.
“I love seeing boys running out of the hall on a Friday night laughing and greeting their families with great enthusiasm after having a fun night.
“It’s the best advert we could have for joining us.”
Carol concluded: “We now have three boys who have moved up from the Juniors last session and we hope to grow the Company section again if we can increase our officers and helpers.
“We will be looking in the future at running each section independently, with a leader in charge for each section, which may require us to use another evening and different times.”
To get involved, send an email to 2blairbb@gmail.com or head along to one of the meetings.
It is a wonderful organisation that has motivated me to be active and has enriched my life spiritually
Carol Annand