Welcome to Holy Trinity Church for our 19th Annual Display. I would like to say welcome and thank you for coming to Mr and Mrs Joe Lowry our guests for this evening. Joe and Janine were both Lieutenants in our Company.

This year has been difficult due to the number of boys in Company section and the limited space available to us and tonight’s display reflects that.

Our numbers this year are 45 Anchors, 21 Juniors and 53 Company and Seniors. We have approximately10 boys missing tonight due to sports trips with school and family holidays.

Officers

I would like once again to thank my Officers for their dedication, commitment and support throughout this year. I wish to welcome Lisa McIlwaine back to Anchors. I am also pleased to report that Kurtis Macartney a boy in the Company last year, has survived his first year as a Warrant Officer.

Battalion

In November last year we again won the McCune Cup awarded by the Battalion, for the third year in a row . This trophy is based on results in the previous session for increased membership, taking part in competitions, attending events and services. I would like to place on record the work of Gillian Armstrong who is secretary to the Battalion Junior Section Council.

Seniors/ Company

I am delighted that two Queen’s Badges and eight President’s Badges will be awarded this evening. I want to publicly congratulate Peter Brown and John Fittis on receiving their Queens Badges. Both boys have worked hard within the Company and the community, doing at least 30 hours service, an expedition in the Mournes and taking part in a leg of last years Belfast Marathon relay. They also attended two weekend courses at Rathmore House in Larne. Well-done Boys!

I would also like to thank Derek Burnside our Company Queens’ Badge Officer, who guides and advises the boys during their two year course.

All Company section boys passed this years Battalion Christian Faith exam and we were awarded the Battalion trophy for best exam results. Several boys won individual awards which were presented at the Church parade. Thank you to Rev. McCann for taking the Bible classes.

This year we entered the golf, table tennis, badminton, volleyball, joga bonito, 4 aside, 5 aside and 7 aside football. A big thank you to Kenny Cameron, our Company Sports Officer, who took the lead on all the competitions we entered.

Juniors

We entered the 5 aside football, quiz kids, uni-hoc and figure marching competition. Full details are on our website

Anchors

Another successful year of fun, crafts, games, cooking and spiritual activities. We attended the Battalion Carol Service and entered the Battalion Fun and Games and Colouring Competition.

Next Session

We will recommence next session on Monday 12th September. As our numbers continue to grow please pray that our Officers will remain committed and the Boys will be safe as we strive to advance His Kingdom.

I hope you enjoy our Display. A special word of thanks to Moyra Cameron for helping the boys with the musical item.

Parents, thank you once again for your prayerful and financial support. please keep it up.

Drew Buchanan MBE

Captain