The Boys’ Brigade East Antrim Battalion Executive Meeting Held on Monday 15th February 2016 at 8.00p.m. in Ballylinney Church Halls. (1st Ballylinney) Present: - Mr Drew Buchanan MBE, Reverend Alan McCann, Mr David Hoy, Mrs Margaret McAdoo Mrs Clare Hull and Mr Alan Miles. Apologies: - Dr John Cathcart, Mrs Lorraine Bell, Mr Colin Bell, Mr Andrew Wilson and Mr Philip Ross. Opening & Devotions: - Battalion President opened the meeting and welcomed everyone to Ballylinney. The opening Devotions were conducted by Reverend Alan McCann, Battalion Chaplain who read from Psalms Chapter 40 Verses 8-10. Minutes: - The minutes of the previous meeting of 2nd September 2015 had been circulated prior to the meeting via e-mail. These were agreed and proposed as accurate by Mrs Margaret McAdoo and seconded by Mr David Hoy. CONCERT Mr Drew Buchanan informed the Executive that to date 170 tickets had been sold for the forthcoming concert on Saturday 27th February 2016, involving Ballyclare Male Voice Choir and Major Sinclair Pipe Band. It was hoped that this would reach the 200 mark. It was agreed that the Executive would provide the supper, which would be sold on the evening. The Secretary is to send out an email requesting each Executive Member supply a minimum of four dozen tray bakes. EVERY DOOR CHALLENGE Mr Drew Buchanan gave an update on this venture, which was to visit every B.B. Company in Northern Ireland and have representatives from that Company meet the visitors, have a photograph taken and then hand over a cheque to the visitors. The Company was to carry out find raising activities in advance or on the day e.g. a coffee morning, so that a cheque could be presented from the proceeds raised. East Antrim Battalion had agreed to participate in this fund raising event by having a team of twenty cyclists, of which six would complete the full route, cycling round each Company within the Battalion. David Hoy would be in charge of the cyclists. Tom McFadden would be following with a sponsorship trailer. There would be a half hour window of opportunity at each location. Mobile numbers from Captains would be required, so as to update everyone with progress. It was hoped to stop for lunch at Gardenmore Church, Larne and finish at Greenisland. OUTSTANDING DUES The Secretary informed the Executive that he had received notification from NI District of Companies who had not paid their dues or sent statistical returns. The Companies in question were:- 1st Larne – This is possibly due to the fact that no Captain has been appointed and may have been missed. 2nd Ballyclare – Dues and statistical returns have been outstanding for two years. 8th Carrickfergus – This again may have been overlooked. The Secretary is to issue an email to those Companies who have outstanding debts/statistical returns. Mr Drew Buchanan informed the Executive of the position at 5th Carrickfergus, in that they have only one officer registered and they are to participate in a GB competition. Having spoken to the Captain, other officers are to be registered and trained. Section Matters: - ANCHORS:- It was reported that the Anchor Games night held on 15th January 2016 in Ballylinney was won by 2nd Carrick with 2nd Larne coming second. Thank you goes to Clare Hull and her family for all the work put into this year’s Messy Christmas held in Gardenmore Church on the 29th November 2015. It was agreed that the Junior/Anchor Councils look at organising next year’s event with some refinements. JUNIORS: - Figure Marching – This is scheduled to take place on 4th March 2016 in 1st Raloo and to date only three Companies had entered. The 5-aside football competition had been held and was won by 1st Greenisland. 3rd Carrickfergus had organised a stool ball competition, which was successful and was won by 1st Ballylinney, 2nd was 2nd Larne and 3rd was 3rd Carrickfergus. COMPANY: - Mr Drew Buchanan reported that with the exception of the football and bowls, all other competitions had taken place. The forthcoming Scripture exam will take place on the 1st Sunday in March 2016. NEWPORT UPDATE Mr Drew Buchanan gave an update on what further events were being considered to raise funds for Newport. One possible suggestion was to invite Sir Alex Ferguson to a talk and dinner. TRAINING UPDATE In the absence of Dr John Cathcart, it was reported that the Grade 3 Leadership course had taken place at 1st Whitehead in November 2015 and was very successful. A further course is scheduled to be run at 1st Ballyclare in mid to late February 2016. A request is to be sent out to all Company Captains to see if there is a need to hold a Holiday Leadership Course. After attending a training night at Headquarters there are thoughts a foot to consolidate training between Battalions and avail of training in each Battalion if the internal numbers do not fill the course. A request will be sent to Company Captains to see if a skills course is needed in June. This will only run if boys are unable to attend NID training. It is meant to supplement the training provided by Headquarters and not replace it. 50th ANNIVERSARY Discussion took place regarding the 50th Anniversary. Mr Drew Buchanan stated that Mr Donald Blair had agreed to write a history of the Battalion. Each Company will be asked to provide historical details including photographs and pass these to Mr Donald Blair before the end of June 2016. Mr Blair will then produce a booklet with photographs and have an exhibition in all three towns, which will hopefully act as a recruiting campaign. EXECUTIVE DATES & VENUES Discussion took place on dates and venues for next season’s Executive and Council meetings and the following was suggested:- 07/09/2016 – Executive Meeting 2nd Larne 12/10/2016 – Council Meeting 5th Carrickfergus 08/02/2017 – Executive Meeting 1st Kilbride 27/04/2017 – Council Dinner Meeting (AGM) 1st Ballylinney ANY OTHER BUSINESS Mr Drew Buchanan informed the Executive that he had received £400.00 from Saint Anne’s Christmas Sit-Out Appeal and he had also applied to TBF Thompson for a donation, which would go towards subsidising the Battalion’s Anniversary Dinner in 1st Ballylinney on 27 April 2017. Mr Drew Buchanan advised the Executive that while the Reverend Doctor Alan McCann had agreed to be Battalion Chaplain for the 2015/2016 Session. A new Battalion Chaplain would be required for the 2016/2017 session and that he had someone else in mind for Battalion Chaplain for the 2017/2018 session. Mr Drew Buchanan presented the projected Accounts up to 28th February 2016. Members were content with the information presented. There being no other business the meeting was closed with the Grace. Thanks to Mrs Margaret McAdoo, 1st Ballylinney for the use of the room and for providing supper. Signed ___________________________________ Date _____________________________ .