Boys Brigade members earn prestigious awards

Jul 28 2012 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express

IT was party time for scores of youngsters as the Paisley and District Battalion of the Boys’ Brigade staged its annual Presentation Day.

Oakshaw Trinity Church, in Paisley, was the venue for the event, with Paisley MSP George Adam, who is Honorary Vice-President of the Battalion, invited along to present the awards.

There were smiles all round as Mr Adam handed the boys their hard-earned President’s Badge certificates and Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme certificates.

Ronald Leitch, from Glasgow Airport, was also on hand to present the BAA Junior Section Championship Trophy to members of the 22nd Paisley Company.

Meanwhile, the Braehead Company Section Championship Trophy went to the 15th Paisley Company.

Mr Adam congratulated all of the boys on their achievements and thanked the staff of each BB Company represented for their hard work.

Parents were also given a pat on the back for their continued encouragement.

Mr Adam told the Paisley Daily Express: “The boys who have been presented with their certificates are the future of our town.

“Through their hard work and dedication, they have shown they are leaders in the making and I hope they go on to gain their Queen’s Badge.

“Who knows, maybe some of them might even become an MSP one day?

Proud

“I am honoured and proud to hold such a lofty position within the Battalion.

“The Boys’ Brigade has my full support for the excellent work it does in Renfrewshire and all over the country.”

Music was provided by the Renfrew North Church Praise Band, which was led by Rhona McNeil. And the Reverend Douglas Hamilton, Chaplain of the 14th Paisley Company, led the service.

A Battalion spokesman said: “Almost 50 boys from Paisley and District Battalion gained their President’s Badge certificates and will now work towards the Queen’s Badge.

“A further 19 boys were presented with the bronze or silver stages of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which is quite an achievement.

“We feel privileged that Mr Adam took time out of his busy schedule to make our presentations.

“We also congratulate the boys on their achievements and thank the staff for their dedication, which is very much appreciated.”

The BB Companies which were represented at the presentation day were 1st Barrhead, 2nd Barrhead, 1st Elderslie, 1st Erskine, 1st Houston, 2nd Johnstone, 3rd Johnstone, 1st Kilbarchan, 1st Neilston, 8th Paisley, 11th Paisley, 14th Paisley, 15th Paisley, 16th Paisley, 22nd Paisley and 24th Paisley.

Any parent or boy wishing to find out more about the BB and its activities can visit the website at www.paisley.boys-brigade.org.uk. Alternatively, call the BB headquarters in North Croft Street, Paisley, on 0141 887 3942.