WINDSOR BOUNDGeoff Smale, President East Lancashire Battalion and District Honorary Vice-President and his wife Irene have been invited to witness the Wedding of HRH Prince Henry of Wales to Ms Meghan Merkel from the grounds of Windsor Castle on the 19th May 2018 they will be part of 150 people representing Community Organisations in Lancashire.

13th May QB Presentation Ceremony Leyland

26th/28th May Unite Camp* Felden Lodge

3rd June District Executive Treales

16th June Family Fun Day Treales

28th July/3rd Aug KGVI* Felden Lodge

31st Aug/2nd Sept Brigade Council* Edinburgh

21st/23rd Sept District Camp Treales

6th Oct 104th Annual Meeting Leyland

13th Oct Anchor Party Treales

19th/21st Oct Juniors Adventure Camp* Kingswood

* NATIONAL OR REGIONAL EVENTS

The Digest is a quarterly newsletter of The Boys’ Brigade, North West District, Carr Lane, Treales, Kirkham PR4 3SSTel: 01772 685000 Email: office@bb-northwest.org.uk Web: www.bb-northwest.org.uk Registered Charity No. 520143

DIGESTSPRING 2018NEWS FROM THE BOYS’ BRIGADE IN THE NORTH WEST

OBITUARIES

Designed and Printed by Riverside Printing, Cambridge - riversideprinting@me.com

DISTRICT CALENDAR 2018

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE Thanks to the generosity of the Windmill Community Benefit Trust Lytham, it has been possible to replace the wooden fencing around the Adventure Playground and undertake refurbishments to conform with Health and Safety requirements. A £5,000 donation from the Liverpool Stedfast Association has enabled us to introduce a new all age challenge designed by Jeff Roberts, President of Oldham Battalion who acted as Clerk of Works for the total project.

The Trustees have been pleased to authorise the following improvements at the Centre, Introduction of LED Lighting in Centenary Hall and replacement Roof Light Windows in the Sports Hall. At a further cost of £10,000.

WILLIAM G EDWARDS (AGE 90)Bill enrolled as a Boy in the 23rd Liverpool Company (Holy Trinity Walton Breck) and became an Officer. Deputy Head Teacher at Gateacre Comprehensive School in charge of PE he was a legendary figure in Battalion Gymnastics. In later years he was a dedicated member of All Saints Parish Church, Childwall and closely associated with the 35th Company. An Honorary Vice-President of the Liverpool Stedfast Association. He was pre-deceased by his wife Irene, we extend our sympathy to Bill’s son and daughter and family circle.

LESLIE HALLIDAY (AGE 85)Les served in the ranks of the 15th Wigan (St John the Evangelist Parish Church Abram) as a Boy serving then as a Officer becoming Captain, a position he held from 1968 to 1994. He was very proud of being a member of the Wigan Battalion contingent attending The Brigade Centenary Celebrations in Glasgow 1983. A regular member of his Parish Church, he was well respected for his work in the community.

SUZANNE MITCHELL (AGE 74)Sue was a member of the 1st Moreton Company and Girl’s Union (Methodist Church). In 1997 Sue was appointed Treasurer of the Wirral & West Cheshire Battalion a position she held until the time of her passing. Sue was well known throughout the District and will be sadly missed not least by David her husband an Officer in the 1st and their children Liza, Louise and James.

JOHN WILLIAMSON (AGE 83)John was associated with the following Preston Companies during a lifetime of service to the Brigade, 5th Preston (Moorpark Methodist), 2nd Preston (Carey Baptist Church), 5th Preston (Tanterton Christian Fellowship), 4th Preston (Brookfield Methodist). He was also President of the Central Lancashire Battalion. Throughout his lifetime of Service he was ably supported by his wife Shiela, siblings Paul, Bryan, Beverley, Debra and Sarah to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.

DAVID GRIFFITHS (AGE 74)David served as Captain of the 18th Wigan Company (St. Paul’s Goose Green from 1981 until it’s closure in 2012. David was a Queen’s Badge advisor for Wigan Battalion.David was meticulous in everything he undertook The Wigan and District Battalion Colours were the result of his needle craft. He was a dedicated Captain most ably assisted by his wife Sonia and eldest son Lee to whom with all the family circle extend our deepest sympathy.

FAMILY FUN DAY SATURDAY 16TH JUNE 2018

BB CHRISTMAS TREE

The 1st Rishton (Methodist) had a tree in the Parish Church of St Peter and St Pauls

Rishton Christmas Tree Festival

FAMILYFUN DAY

THE BOYS’ BRIGADE NORTH WEST A CHRONOLOGY 1914 -2014

Shortly to be published, a history of the District seen through the pages of the BB Gazette and other publications. Over 100 pages including a full catalogue of the District Archives held at the Training centre.

This will be limited publication each book individually numbered therefore it is essential that advance orders are placed by not later than, 31st May 2018.

The cost is £10 inc. p&p Order form with this mailing.

This years Fun Day is open to parents, grandparents and members of the family and friends

Saturday 16th June 201811.00am - 4.00pm

Including: Spider Mountain Slide - Zorbs - Circuit and all the usual activities

Entry £2.00 on the gate

The 1st Oswaldtwistle (Rhydings Methodist) proved worthy winners of the District Ten Pin Bowling Competition held at the MFA Bowling Alley Burnley on Saturday 21st January 2018. Six teams participated, the highest individual scorer was Joshua Hancock of the 1st Denton ‘A’.

TEAM RESULTS: 1st Oswaldtwistle 650 points, 1st Denton ‘A’ 584 points, 1st Morecambe & Heysham 568 points, 1st Rishton & 7th Southport eliminated in the qualifying rounds.

The organisers found the venue most useful and look forward to increased participation next year.

Photos:Carl Fairclough, David Barnes, Rob Henderson, Liverpool City Council, Mick Southern,

Thirteen Young People from 8 Companies in 4 Battalions successfully completed the course held at the Activity Centre. During the weekend the Guest Speaker at the formal dinner was Mr David Aubrey QC, National Vice-President of the Brigade.

JUNIOR SECTION COMPETITION DAY

Six Companies from Six Battalions participated in the competitions held at the District Activity Centre on Saturday 24th February.

RESULTSGold Medals: McKenzie Bright, Owen Parker, Tyler Farrell 1st Morecambe & HeyshamSilver Medals: Sam Cook, Oliver Livesey, Christopher Cooper 1st LeylandA new competition the Badmington Challenge proved very popular by both Juniors and Leaders!!

RESULTS:

Gold Medals:McKenzie Bright,Owen Parker,Tyler Farrell1st Morecambe & Heysham

Silver Medals:Sam Cook,Oliver Livesey,Christopher Cooper1st Leyland

Bronze Medals:Aidan Duffy,Joshua Morris10th Liverpool

Winners:1st Leyland:Sam Cooke,Oliver Livesey,Christopher Cooper

Second:24th Oldham:Caitlin Cameron,Joshua Oakes,Liam Brown

Third:10th Liverpool:Aiden Dufry,Joshua Morris

SWIMMING GALAThe District Swimming Gala was hosted by the Southport and District Battalion and held at the Dunes Southport. Some thirty Young People took part representing seven Companies representing three Battalions.

RESULTS:JUNIOR TROPHY: 1st 1st Bretherton (Congregational)2nd 1st Ormskirk (Emmanuel Methodist/URC)3rd 7th Southport (Birkdale Methodist)

COMPANY SECTION TROPHY:1st 49th Liverpool (St Christopher/St Mary’s Parish)2nd 1st Leyland (Methodist)

SENIOR SECTION TROPHY:1st 1st Ormskirk (Emmanuel Methodist/URC)2nd 1st Leyland (Methodist)3rd 9th Southport (Aimsdale Methodist)

Photos:Ian Millichamp, Margaret Battrick, Geoff Smale, Phillip Lancaster.

NEW LEADERSQUEENS BADGE COMPLETION COURSETOP TEN PIN

WORLD OF GLASS

Some 16 Leaders from 11 Companies representing six Battalions attended the District Residential Youth Leadership Training Course held over the weekend in February 2018. Subject to the approval of their respective Churches they may be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and we trust this will be commencement of a long period of service.

The Anchors and Juniors from the Wirral and West Cheshire Battalion recently had a great day out at the World of Glass in St Helens, we travelled by train which was an adventure in itself for the boys. We took part in several pre arranged activities including making a Kaleidoscope, Gallery Trails and a glass blowing demonstration, we had pre arranged 6 workshops which were from 10.00am to 2.20pm.

THE MISSING LINKWhen Roger Franklin The President of The Lytham St Annes Lions Club visited the District Centre he brought with him a copy of the District Display Programme for 1966 which as a member of the former 4th Blackpool Company was responsible for distributing. Remarkably this was the only year missing from the collection in the District Archive. Proving The Lions slogan “Where there’s a need there’s a Lion”

FREEDOM OF THE CITY

At a ceremony held in the Town Hall, Liverpool on Tuesday 7th December 2017, The Liverpool and District Battalion received the scroll to mark the honour, the Battalion Secretary signed the Council’s Freedom Roll on behalf of the Battalion and other office-bearers, the Chaplain spoke in response to The Lord Mayors Commendation.

70 YEARS ON!

There was a capacity audience of 180 people including 30 Old Boys for the 70th Anniversary Display of the 1st Rainford Company (All Saints Parish Church) held in the Village Hall, on Wednesday 14th March 2018. There was a special room dedicated to a collection of memorabilia showing the activities of 70 years. District Vice-President and St Helens Battalion President Bill Clarey accompanied by his wife Helen were included in the honoured guests.

NORTH WEST DISTRICT BOYS’ BRIGADETRAINING AND ACTIVITY CENTRE

- RELIEF WARDENS -The District Training Centre require Relief Wardens to cover weekends when the Warden is on leave.

This is a paid positionInterested........further details from

m.heywood254@btinternet.com

Michael Allender - 1st Ashton-in-MakerfieldJordan Archer - 10th LiverpoolRowan Cleet - 1st Morecambe & HeyshamAdrian Perron - 1st Morecambe & HeyshamOliver Fairclough - 1st OswaldtwistleJack Shuttleworth - 1st OswaldtwistleJames Myres - 1st RishtonAndrew Norcross - 4th Southport

Lorna Norcross - 4th SouthportMatthew Wilcox - 9th SouthportDaniel Harding - 9th WidnesAndrew Isherwood - 9th WidnesOlivia Johnson - 9th WidnesDavid Brown - 2nd WiganAbigail Longworth - 8th WiganAaron Starkey - 14th Wigan

The 1st Oswaldtwistle (Rhydings Methodist) proved worthy winners of the District Ten Pin Bowling Competition held at the MFA Bowling Alley Burnley on Saturday 21st January 2018. Six teams participated, the highest individual scorer was Joshua Hancock of the 1st Denton ‘A’.

TEAM RESULTS: 1st Oswaldtwistle 650 points, 1st Denton ‘A’ 584 points, 1st Morecambe & Heysham 568 points, 1st Rishton & 7th Southport eliminated in the qualifying rounds.

The organisers found the venue most useful and look forward to increased participation next year.

Photos:Carl Fairclough, David Barnes, Rob Henderson, Liverpool City Council, Mick Southern,

Thirteen Young People from 8 Companies in 4 Battalions successfully completed the course held at the Activity Centre. During the weekend the Guest Speaker at the formal dinner was Mr David Aubrey QC, National Vice-President of the Brigade.

JUNIOR SECTION COMPETITION DAY

Six Companies from Six Battalions participated in the competitions held at the District Activity Centre on Saturday 24th February.

RESULTSGold Medals: McKenzie Bright, Owen Parker, Tyler Farrell 1st Morecambe & HeyshamSilver Medals: Sam Cook, Oliver Livesey, Christopher Cooper 1st LeylandA new competition the Badmington Challenge proved very popular by both Juniors and Leaders!!

RESULTS:

Gold Medals:McKenzie Bright,Owen Parker,Tyler Farrell1st Morecambe & Heysham

Silver Medals:Sam Cook,Oliver Livesey,Christopher Cooper1st Leyland

Bronze Medals:Aidan Duffy,Joshua Morris10th Liverpool

Winners:1st Leyland:Sam Cooke,Oliver Livesey,Christopher Cooper

Second:24th Oldham:Caitlin Cameron,Joshua Oakes,Liam Brown

Third:10th Liverpool:Aiden Dufry,Joshua Morris

SWIMMING GALAThe District Swimming Gala was hosted by the Southport and District Battalion and held at the Dunes Southport. Some thirty Young People took part representing seven Companies representing three Battalions.

RESULTS:JUNIOR TROPHY: 1st 1st Bretherton (Congregational)2nd 1st Ormskirk (Emmanuel Methodist/URC)3rd 7th Southport (Birkdale Methodist)

COMPANY SECTION TROPHY:1st 49th Liverpool (St Christopher/St Mary’s Parish)2nd 1st Leyland (Methodist)

SENIOR SECTION TROPHY:1st 1st Ormskirk (Emmanuel Methodist/URC)2nd 1st Leyland (Methodist)3rd 9th Southport (Aimsdale Methodist)

Photos:Ian Millichamp, Margaret Battrick, Geoff Smale, Phillip Lancaster.

NEW LEADERSQUEENS BADGE COMPLETION COURSETOP TEN PIN

WORLD OF GLASS

Some 16 Leaders from 11 Companies representing six Battalions attended the District Residential Youth Leadership Training Course held over the weekend in February 2018. Subject to the approval of their respective Churches they may be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and we trust this will be commencement of a long period of service.

The Anchors and Juniors from the Wirral and West Cheshire Battalion recently had a great day out at the World of Glass in St Helens, we travelled by train which was an adventure in itself for the boys. We took part in several pre arranged activities including making a Kaleidoscope, Gallery Trails and a glass blowing demonstration, we had pre arranged 6 workshops which were from 10.00am to 2.20pm.

THE MISSING LINKWhen Roger Franklin The President of The Lytham St Annes Lions Club visited the District Centre he brought with him a copy of the District Display Programme for 1966 which as a member of the former 4th Blackpool Company was responsible for distributing. Remarkably this was the only year missing from the collection in the District Archive. Proving The Lions slogan “Where there’s a need there’s a Lion”

FREEDOM OF THE CITY

At a ceremony held in the Town Hall, Liverpool on Tuesday 7th December 2017, The Liverpool and District Battalion received the scroll to mark the honour, the Battalion Secretary signed the Council’s Freedom Roll on behalf of the Battalion and other office-bearers, the Chaplain spoke in response to The Lord Mayors Commendation.

70 YEARS ON!

There was a capacity audience of 180 people including 30 Old Boys for the 70th Anniversary Display of the 1st Rainford Company (All Saints Parish Church) held in the Village Hall, on Wednesday 14th March 2018. There was a special room dedicated to a collection of memorabilia showing the activities of 70 years. District Vice-President and St Helens Battalion President Bill Clarey accompanied by his wife Helen were included in the honoured guests.

NORTH WEST DISTRICT BOYS’ BRIGADETRAINING AND ACTIVITY CENTRE

- RELIEF WARDENS -The District Training Centre require Relief Wardens to cover weekends when the Warden is on leave.

This is a paid positionInterested........further details from

m.heywood254@btinternet.com

Michael Allender - 1st Ashton-in-MakerfieldJordan Archer - 10th LiverpoolRowan Cleet - 1st Morecambe & HeyshamAdrian Perron - 1st Morecambe & HeyshamOliver Fairclough - 1st OswaldtwistleJack Shuttleworth - 1st OswaldtwistleJames Myres - 1st RishtonAndrew Norcross - 4th Southport

Lorna Norcross - 4th SouthportMatthew Wilcox - 9th SouthportDaniel Harding - 9th WidnesAndrew Isherwood - 9th WidnesOlivia Johnson - 9th WidnesDavid Brown - 2nd WiganAbigail Longworth - 8th WiganAaron Starkey - 14th Wigan

WINDSOR BOUNDGeoff Smale, President East Lancashire Battalion and District Honorary Vice-President and his wife Irene have been invited to witness the Wedding of HRH Prince Henry of Wales to Ms Meghan Merkel from the grounds of Windsor Castle on the 19th May 2018 they will be part of 150 people representing Community Organisations in Lancashire.

13th May QB Presentation Ceremony Leyland

26th/28th May Unite Camp* Felden Lodge

3rd June District Executive Treales

16th June Family Fun Day Treales

28th July/3rd Aug KGVI* Felden Lodge

31st Aug/2nd Sept Brigade Council* Edinburgh

21st/23rd Sept District Camp Treales

6th Oct 104th Annual Meeting Leyland

13th Oct Anchor Party Treales

19th/21st Oct Juniors Adventure Camp* Kingswood

* NATIONAL OR REGIONAL EVENTS

The Digest is a quarterly newsletter of The Boys’ Brigade, North West District, Carr Lane, Treales, Kirkham PR4 3SSTel: 01772 685000 Email: office@bb-northwest.org.uk Web: www.bb-northwest.org.uk Registered Charity No. 520143

DIGESTSPRING 2018NEWS FROM THE BOYS’ BRIGADE IN THE NORTH WEST

OBITUARIES

Designed and Printed by Riverside Printing, Cambridge - riversideprinting@me.com

DISTRICT CALENDAR 2018

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE Thanks to the generosity of the Windmill Community Benefit Trust Lytham, it has been possible to replace the wooden fencing around the Adventure Playground and undertake refurbishments to conform with Health and Safety requirements. A £5,000 donation from the Liverpool Stedfast Association has enabled us to introduce a new all age challenge designed by Jeff Roberts, President of Oldham Battalion who acted as Clerk of Works for the total project.

The Trustees have been pleased to authorise the following improvements at the Centre, Introduction of LED Lighting in Centenary Hall and replacement Roof Light Windows in the Sports Hall. At a further cost of £10,000.

WILLIAM G EDWARDS (AGE 90)Bill enrolled as a Boy in the 23rd Liverpool Company (Holy Trinity Walton Breck) and became an Officer. Deputy Head Teacher at Gateacre Comprehensive School in charge of PE he was a legendary figure in Battalion Gymnastics. In later years he was a dedicated member of All Saints Parish Church, Childwall and closely associated with the 35th Company. An Honorary Vice-President of the Liverpool Stedfast Association. He was pre-deceased by his wife Irene, we extend our sympathy to Bill’s son and daughter and family circle.

LESLIE HALLIDAY (AGE 85)Les served in the ranks of the 15th Wigan (St John the Evangelist Parish Church Abram) as a Boy serving then as a Officer becoming Captain, a position he held from 1968 to 1994. He was very proud of being a member of the Wigan Battalion contingent attending The Brigade Centenary Celebrations in Glasgow 1983. A regular member of his Parish Church, he was well respected for his work in the community.

SUZANNE MITCHELL (AGE 74)Sue was a member of the 1st Moreton Company and Girl’s Union (Methodist Church). In 1997 Sue was appointed Treasurer of the Wirral & West Cheshire Battalion a position she held until the time of her passing. Sue was well known throughout the District and will be sadly missed not least by David her husband an Officer in the 1st and their children Liza, Louise and James.

JOHN WILLIAMSON (AGE 83)John was associated with the following Preston Companies during a lifetime of service to the Brigade, 5th Preston (Moorpark Methodist), 2nd Preston (Carey Baptist Church), 5th Preston (Tanterton Christian Fellowship), 4th Preston (Brookfield Methodist). He was also President of the Central Lancashire Battalion. Throughout his lifetime of Service he was ably supported by his wife Shiela, siblings Paul, Bryan, Beverley, Debra and Sarah to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.

DAVID GRIFFITHS (AGE 74)David served as Captain of the 18th Wigan Company (St. Paul’s Goose Green from 1981 until it’s closure in 2012. David was a Queen’s Badge advisor for Wigan Battalion.David was meticulous in everything he undertook The Wigan and District Battalion Colours were the result of his needle craft. He was a dedicated Captain most ably assisted by his wife Sonia and eldest son Lee to whom with all the family circle extend our deepest sympathy.

FAMILY FUN DAY SATURDAY 16TH JUNE 2018

BB CHRISTMAS TREE

The 1st Rishton (Methodist) had a tree in the Parish Church of St Peter and St Pauls

Rishton Christmas Tree Festival

FAMILYFUN DAY

THE BOYS’ BRIGADE NORTH WEST A CHRONOLOGY 1914 -2014

Shortly to be published, a history of the District seen through the pages of the BB Gazette and other publications. Over 100 pages including a full catalogue of the District Archives held at the Training centre.

This will be limited publication each book individually numbered therefore it is essential that advance orders are placed by not later than, 31st May 2018.

The cost is £10 inc. p&p Order form with this mailing.

This years Fun Day is open to parents, grandparents and members of the family and friends

Saturday 16th June 201811.00am - 4.00pm

Including: Spider Mountain Slide - Zorbs - Circuit and all the usual activities

Entry £2.00 on the gate