Another busy year has passed by and once again we have had many notable highlights, a few of which I would like to look back on.
On 23rd April, the Boys’ Brigade had the largest attendance at the raising of the new Aberdeenshire flag in Fraserburgh. Despite the weather, it was great to see the BB colours lined up along with BB members of all ages. It was also great to see members and leaders from the Battalion volunteering at another community event; the Blue Light Festival in Fraserburgh. Being present at events like this help to raise our profile and are potential fundraisers, which we will rely on more, going forward.
In June, we held our first ever Queen’s Badge and President’s Badge Awards Event. This was hosted by 1st Fraserburgh Boys Brigade and was an excellent evening bringing all Companies in the Battalion together to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our young people who achieved higher awards within the BB. The Andrew West Memorial Trophy, for the Queen’s Man who goes above and beyond, was awarded for the first time to Andrew Strachan – well done Andrew!
In addition to these awards, a member of the Battalion – Noah Duncan (1st Rosehearty Boys’ Brigade) also received the President’s Commendation for his quick thinking and actions which helped to save his mother’s life when she fell unwell at home. Well done Noah!
On 2nd September, I was delighted to attend the Braemar Gathering, along with several leaders and members from Buchan. The day was extra special with the 140 Baton being handed over by H.M. The King. Three young members from our Battalion got to meet The King & Queen, a moment I’m sure they’ll never forget.
Buchan’s Baton – now called the #140Baton or King’s Baton – has been touring the NSA as part of our 140 celebrations. The Baton arrived in Buchan in November and stayed with us until January. During that time, it was great to see all the locations the baton travelled to and all the people who got to hold the baton and hear the messages from The King and NSA President. I must thank all leaders for their very imaginative ideas for getting the baton to as many places and into as many hands as possible while it was in our Battalion.
Companies in Buchan have also attended a number of 140 events and competitions. Well done to the team from 1st Rosehearty who won the Monopoly Challenge in Aberdeen. Well done also to all Companies who took part in the Juniors Sleepover. It looked like everyone had a great time, although I’m not sure how much sleep was involved!
Along with the conference in Inverness, the North Scottish Area Boys’ Brigade held four Executive Meetings. A lot of work went into celebrating our 140th Anniversary. It’s great to see the North Scottish putting so much effort into events like this. Buchan Battalion was well represented at the NSA Conference in Inverness at the beginning of October. The activities, presentation, Civic Reception & service along with the company were all excellent. We look forward to this year’s NSA Conference in Lossiemouth on the 4th-6th October.
In November, it was great to see such a large turnout once again from the Boys’ Brigade at the Remembrance Parade in Fraserburgh.
I attended 1st Rosehearty Parent’s Evening on the occasion of their centenary and was delighted to meet the Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire, Sandy Manson, who was the Inspecting Officer. My congratulations once again to 1st Rosehearty on reaching their Centenary.
I attended a service in Peterhead to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of 4th Peterhead. It was great to hear from former members and how much the BB had impacted positively on their lives. My congratulations once again to 4th Peterhead on reaching this milestone. In a year of anniversaries, I also congratulate 1st New Pitsligo Boys Brigade – Public page on reaching 75 years and 5th Fraserburgh on reaching 70 years. Both great achievements.
Well done to Martin Dunbar who was invited to attend the House of Commons to help celebrate the Boys’ Brigade’s 140th Anniversary. A great experience I’m sure for Martin!
We were all saddened to hear of the passing of our long-standing Honorary Vice-President, Tommy Whyte, in December at the age of 89. Tommy gave so much of his life to the Boys’ Brigade in Fraserburgh and Buchan and we thank his family for their kind donation to the Battalion from Tommy’s funeral.
I once again send my congratulations to Life Member and Honorary President, Jimmy Muirhead and his wife Patty on their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.
I was delighted to attend a Burns Supper at 1st Strichen which was an event for the whole Company. It was great for everyone to hear the pipes and drums, listen to the Address to a Haggis and then enjoy an excellent Burns meal, prepared by the leaders from 1st Strichen. I was also very pleased to present 2 President’s Badges that evening. My thanks to Stevie Wilson for inviting me to this event.
On the 24th of March, the Battalion Parade was held in St. Combs, with the Service held in Lonmay Kirk. I was delighted with the large turnout and to see lots of spectators line the streets to see the BB march through St. Combs. My thanks to the flute band for leading the parade and to our Chaplain, Rev Colin Strong, for conducting an excellent service.
My congratulations to Kyle Strachan for completing his DofE Silver award and to Ruary McDonald for completing his DofE Gold award, both a brilliant achievement. Well done also to Marcus Stuart who completed the Gold hike and will complete the award soon. Thanks to Stevie Wilson and all leaders who assist with the preparation, training and assessing.
Congratulations to the 3 young men who have achieved the highest award in the BB this session. Their hard work and dedication have paid off and I have been interested to learn of all the volunteering and skills they have been working on over the last 2 years. Thanks to Michael Strachan, Queen’s Badge Advisor, for ensuring the Battalion’s QB record books are being kept to a high standard. Our newest Queen’s Men include: Bailey Lynch (4th Peterhead), Jon Anderson (1st Fraserburgh) & Brody Tocher (1st Fraserburgh).
Well done to 1st Rosehearty and 1st Fraserburgh for taking part in the Escape Room Challenge, achieving 2nd, 3rd, 9th & 10th for the whole of the UK is a great achievement.Unfortunately, the Scottish Cross Country Championships were cancelled this year, but it was great to see we had 10 members who had entered and were ready to take part. It is very encouraging to see members of our Battalion taking part in nationwide events.
I am delighted that Michael Strachan has been appointed as the Rep for North Scottish Area on the Scotland Committee. I’m sure Michael will do a great job – well done and congratulations!
I was thrilled to present long service awards to 3 stalwarts within Buchan. Captain Sandy Gavryluk of 1st St Combs Boys Brigade received his Bronze award, Captain Andrew McLeman of 1st Sandhaven received his Silver award and Captain Elaine Michie of 1st New Pitsligo received her Gold award. They all put a huge amount of work into their Companies and thoroughly deserve their awards – well done all!
I wish Kenny a happy retirement and thank him for his 14 year’s service as a leader with the 4th Fraserburgh Anchors – well done!
In ending my report, I would like to thank all who have advised and supported me over the last year and to all for the huge amount of hard work you put into our Battalion. I would particularly like to thank our Battalion Secretary, Yvonne Duthie, for the great amount of time and work she puts into the Battalion. Yvonne has now been Secretary for 11 consecutive years, a record!
Marc Thomson
President
Boys’ Brigade Buchan Battalion
