Battalion Blog

Tall Ship Voyage with Sail Training Ireland

2013-06-14T10:46:00.002+01:00

David Gilmore (1st Kilrea Company) recently participated in a ‘Youth Exchange’ project, which included a tall ship voyage, organised by Sail Training Ireland.

The week began with a weekend spent in the Mourne Mountains, mainly just to get to know one another. This was good, as it meant we already knew each other before setting sail. On Monday afternoon, we boarded the Gulden Leeuw (Golden Lion), and set sail in the evening. The group, 44 in total, were split into watches of 11. Each watch was on for four hours, and was responsible for navigation and steering, along with setting the sails for the duration of their watch, under the supervision of a crew member.

When not on watch, time was spent cleaning, cooking, sleeping, socialising and learning about the different sails and practising various knots. Not one for sitting around for too long, I got stuck into it outside of my watch hours, helping out around the ship with sails (they’re very heavy, it can take up to 20 people to raise one sail, depending on weather conditions).

Teamwork was vital to the safe running of the ship, as individuals performing the various duties have to communicate with the other groups to ensure the sails are set correctly, or that the wind isn’t about to change. Thankfully, my watch were good at communicating and by the end of the week we were able run the ship independently for the duration of our watch.

We finished the week by arriving at Dublin Port River Festival, greeted on the banks of the Liffey by by-standers and parents. This was a truly unforgettable experience, from which I’ve made some great friends, and learnt the basics of sailing. If I got the opportunity to do it again, I certainly would.

Sail Training Ireland focuses on education through challenge and results include confidence, respect, leadership, teamwork, a sense of adventure and new horizons. For more information, please visit www.irishsailtraining.com

Boys' Brigade National Badminton Champions 2013

2013-04-28T14:57:00.002+01:00

The University of Ulster Jordanstown was the venue for the 2013 Boys’ Brigade National Badminton Finals hosted by the Northern Ireland District.

David, Michael, Paul and Jamie of 1^st Garvagh with
NI District President Professor Norman C. Nevin OBE

Those earning the right to contest for the title of BB National Champions were 1^st Barnet and 4^th Hartlepool from England, 16^th Newtownabbey and 1^stGarvagh from Northern Ireland with 1^st Largs and 65^th Edinburgh representing Scotland. These 4 man teams, playing 6 boys’ doubles games in each match, were drawn into two mini leagues playing round robin matches to establish the 4 teams that would go through to the semi-finals.

This was the 3^rd British Championship in a row that the 1st Garvagh Boys had contested, losing out in last year’s final to 1^st Largs in a play-off after an initial 3-3 draw.

The team of Paul Moore, David Moore, Michael Torrens and Jamie Cunningham were determined to go one step further this year and claim the British title for the first time. 1^st Garvagh started well with a convincing 6-0 win over 1^st Barnet and then won a hard fought victory 4-2 over last year’s winners 1^st Largs.

With 16^th Newtownabbey and 1^st Garvagh winning their respective mini leagues, the semi-final pairing were 1^st Garvagh vs 65^th Edinburgh and 16^th Newtownabbey vs 1st Largs.

Both semi-finals were very even matches with Garvagh falling behind 3-1 in their match with Edinburgh only to stage a last ditch recovery to even the match at 3-3, and then claim the final spot with a one set play-off victory. The second semi-final was every bit as close with Newtownabbey winning the play-off set 15-14 against Largs, after a 3-3 draw in the main match.

So the Final was to be between the Irish teams, 1^st Garvagh against 16^th Newtownabbey. In a hard fought match 1^st Garvagh’s experience from last year showed and they took a early lead 2-0 in the first round of matches, they maintained their hold on the match and eventually ran out deserved winners 5-1.

The trophy was presented to the 1^st Garvagh’s team captain Paul Moore by the Northern Ireland Brigade President Professor Norman C. Nevin OBE. Much to the delight of the Garvagh Officers, families and friends who had supported the Boys throughout the day, the Trophy and British Championship were Garvagh’s for the first time in their history.

Masterteams Competition 2013

2013-03-15T17:22:00.002+00:00

15 Teams from 6 different Companies took part in the Annual Master teams Competition held in the Terrace Row Presbyterian Church Hall on the 28th February 2013 at 7.30pm. Fergus Thompson was our Quiz Master and questions were answered in the following categories; Geography, General Knowledge, Picture, History, Music, Scripture, Sport and Current Affairs.

The eventual winners were 1st Limavady with a Total of 83 points, runners up 2nd Limavady had a score of 82.

Also taking part in the Competition was a team of Officers drawn from the Various companies in the Battalion. Age and experience proved to be invaluable and the Officers managed a Score 82.5, which was only 0.5points behind the winning score.

Our thanks to all the teams who took part and thanks to 5th Coleraine who hosted the event.

Battalion 5-a-side Football 2012

2013-03-13T11:05:00.000+00:00

The Battalion annual 5-a-side Football Competition took place in December at the University of Ulster at Coleraine.

The Junior competition on Monday 17th December with 15 teams from 11 companies. The two semi finals were 1st Macosquin vs 1st Portrush, with the Portrush team winning 1-0, and 1st Limavady vs 1st Kilrea with the Kilrea team winning 2-1. The then took place between 1st Kilrea and 1st Limavady, the Kilrea took the junior competition title on penalties 2-0 over Portrush.

The Senior competition on Tuesday 18th December with a total of 11 teams from 9 companies. The two semifinals were 1st Coleraine vs Limavady (0-2) and 5th Coleraine B vs 1st Garvagh (1-0). 2nd Limavady and 5th Coleraine made it through to the final with 2nd Limavady winning by 2 goals to 1 over the 5th Coleraine Team.

More Photos on Facebook...

Volleyball Competition 2012

2013-03-11T10:16:00.000+00:00

The annual Battalion Volleyball Competition was held between Thursday 22nd (Junior competition) and Friday 23rd (Senior competition) November 2012 at St Patrick's Church of Ireland Halls, Coleraine.

Photos from the competition

Junior Competition Result

8 teams from 6 companies were represented on the Thursday night. The semi-final matches were 2nd Coleraine vs 1st Ballywatt and 1st Portrush vs 1st Garvagh.

2ND Coleraine A ran out comfortable winners against 1st Ballywatt, winning by 2 sets to 0, 15-2 and 15-5. The second semi-final was slightly closer with 1st Portrush beating 1st Garvagh by 2 sets to 0, 15-10 and 15-10.

The Final between 1st Portrush and 2nd Coleraine A was an evenly contested match, with 2nd Coleraine running out eventual winners by two sets to one, but only by the narrowest of margins , 16-14, 10-15 and 15-6.

Senior Competition Result

10 teams from 8 companies were represented on the Friday night. The Semi-final matches were paired as follows; 1st Garvagh A Vs 1st Tamlaght and 1st Portrush Vs 1st Kilrea

1ST Tamlaght ran out comfortable winners against 1st Garvagh, winning by 2 sets to 0, 15-6 and 15-11. The second semi-final was a much closer match, with 1st Portrush coming from behind to beat 1st Kilrea by 2 sets to 1, 11-15, 15- 7 and 15-12.

The Final between 1st Portrush and 1st Tamlaght was an evenly contested match, with 1st Portrush coming from behind again to win by two sets to one, 9-15, 15-9 and 15-8.

Thanks to William Martin and the 1st Coleraine Boys Brigade who hosted the event in St Patricks Church Hall.

Badminton 2012/13: Division 1

2013-03-11T10:05:00.000+00:00

The Coleraine & District Battalion Division 1 Badminton competition was held at the Jim Watt Centre in Garvagh on 4th March 2013 with 11 teams from 8 companies in the battalion.

Winner: 1st Garvagh A (24 Points)
Runner-up: 2nd Limavady (16 Points)

1st Garvagh A

2nd Limavady

1st Garvagh B

2nd Coleraine

5th Coleraine

2nd Coleraine have been relegated to Division 2.

Northern Ireland Junior Section Quiz Winners

2012-10-31T12:35:00.000+00:00

Congratulations to 1st Drumachose Juniors won the Northern Ireland District Junior Section Quiz in Newtownards on Saturday 27th October, just 1 point ahead of Ballyclare. Charlemont BB came 3rd. The team consisted of Adam, Kain, John & Sam.

Well done boys!

Macosquin Company Halloween Barn Party

2012-10-10T15:33:00.000+01:00

The 1st Macosquin Company are holding a Hallowe'en Barn Part in aid of BB Funds and a Kenyan Orphanage. Music by Eternity Socials

Location: Macosquin Presbyterian Church
Date/Time: Friday 26th October 2012
Junior Section: 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Company Section: 9.30pm to late

Junior Section Calendar 2012/2013

2012-09-14T08:28:00.002+01:00

Officers’ Dedication Service
30/09/12 7:30 pm 1st Macosquin

Quiz Kids
12/10/12 7:30 pm 5th Coleraine Closing Date for entries 24/09/12

Quiz Kids N.I.D.Final
22/10/12 2:30pm Movilla Abbey Church, N’Ards

Junior Section Officers’ Conference
10/11/12 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Rathmore House Larne Closing date for Registrations is Monday 22nd October 2012.

Figure Marching Officers Demonstration
14/11/12 7:30 pm 1st Portrush

Carol Service
2/12/12 3:30 pm 1st Ballywatt Joint with Anchor Boys Meet at 3:00pm

Musician Of The Year
12/1/13 1:45pm Templepatrick Presbyterian Church Closing Date for entries 17/12/12

Indoor 5-a-side
15/1/13 7:00 pm U.U.C.Sports Hall 1 team per Company Squad of 7 boys maximum

Indoor Games
5/2/13 7:00pm 1st Garvagh Squads may be up to 12 boys with any 6 in each game

Swimming Gala
23/02/13 1:45pm. Orchard Leisure Centre, Armagh Spring Competition 2/03/13 3:30pm 1st Portrush Figure Marching

Spring Competition N.I.D. Final
23/03/13 T.B.A. , Londonderry Kilfennan, Londonderry

Parade Service
24/03/13 3:30 pm 1st /3rd P’stewart Joint with Company Section Meet at 3:00 pm

Junior Section Big Day Out
11/5/13 T.B.A. Carnfunnock Country Park, Larne.

Outdoor 5-A-Sides
1/06/13 1:30 pm Rugby Avenue Closing Date for entries 27/05/13

Queen's Badge Candidates Meeting

2012-09-14T08:25:00.001+01:00

There will be a Queen's Badge Candidates Meeting at Drumachose Presbyterian Church Hall, Limavady on Tuesday 25th September 2012, at 7:30pm. The meeting will last approximately an hour.

All boys starting their Queen's Badge this session should attend. Boys cannot embark on their badge or attend the Skills for Queen's Badge Training Course unless they have met with me and agreed their Action Plan, and have it signed off.

Boys attending this meeting must:

bring along their Queen's Badge Book
have an Action Plan in mind, based on the guidance in the book.

Please discuss this with your Boys before they attend.

Also, please bring along a filled out copy of the Registration Form - Skills for Queens Badge and I can sign this at the same time. This form can be downloaded or obtained from BBNI [pdf].

Please forward number of boys from your company planning to attend this meeting to coleraine@boys-brigade.org.uk

Start Dates 2012: 1st Garvagh Company

2012-09-12T15:26:00.001+01:00

1st Garvagh BB will be will be starting again for a new year next week.

Anchor Boys (School year P2-P4) 20th September 6:30-7:45pm
Junior Section (School year P5-P7) 21st September 6:00-7:30pm
Company Section (School year 8+) 21st September 7:30-10:00pm

All sections meet in Main Street Church Hall.

Start Dates 2012: 1st Coleraine Company

2012-09-07T10:18:00.002+01:00

The 1st Coleraine Company Boys' Brigade will begin with a registration night on Thursday 13th September from 6.15pm to 8.30pm at St Patrick's Parish Centre. Sections will begin to meet from Thursday 20th September...

Anchor Boys 6.15pm to 7.15pm. Arriving via Minor Hall side door (Circular Road) and leaving via Main Hall front door (Brook Street)
Junior Section 6.45pm – 8.00pm Arrive and Leave via Main Hall front door (Brook Street)
Company Section Arrive via Minor Hall side door (Circular Road) and leaving via Main Hall front door (Brook Street)

http://www.stpats.co.uk/

Start Dates 2012: 1st Kilrea Company

2012-09-06T09:33:00.002+01:00

1st Kilrea Company will commence on Friday (Anchors, Company and Seniors) 7th September and Monday (Juniors) 10th September 2012. All sections meet at 1st Kilrea Presbyterian Church Hall.

Anchors: Fridays 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Juniors: Mondays 7.30 to 8.30pm
Company: Fridays 7.30 to 10.00pm
Seniors: Fridays 7.30 to 10.30pm

Start Dates 2012: 1st Ballywillan Company

2012-09-06T08:44:00.002+01:00

1st Ballywillan Company will be starting back on the following dates in September meeting at Ballywillan Presbyterian Church halls.

Anchors: Monday 17th September 6.15pm to 7.30pm
Juniors: Thursday 20th September 7.00pm to 8.30pm

http://www.ballywillanpci.org/

Start Dates 2012: 2nd Coleraine Company

2012-09-06T08:41:00.002+01:00

The 2nd Coleraine Company will restart on Friday 14th September 2012 in either 1st Coleraine Presbyterian Church hall or New Row Presbyterian Church hall.

Anchors 6.30pm to 7.30pm in 1st Coleraine PC
Juniors 7.30pm to 9pm in New Row PC
Company Section: 7.30 to 10pm in 1st Coleraine PC

Special Company Section Events in September:

14 Sept: 7.00pm-9.00pm (watching Ulster on Bug Screen in 1st Coleraine)
21 Sept: Orienteering in Downhill 6.30pm-8.00pm
28 Sept: 7.30pm-9.00pm in 1st Coleraine.

http://firstcoleraine.com/

http://www.newrowpc.org/

Start Dates 2012: 1st Dunboe Company

2012-09-06T08:37:00.001+01:00

1st Dunboe Company will be starting back on Thursday 6th September 2012 meeting at the1st Dunboe Presbyterian Church Hall in Articlave.

Anchors 6.30 to 7.30pm
Juniors 7.17pm to 8.30pm

Start Dates 2012: 1st Portrush Company

2012-09-05T19:52:00.000+01:00

The 1st Portrush Company returns on Friday 7th September for all sections meeting in Mark Street Halls in Portrush.

Anchors 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Juniors 7.00pm to 8.00pm
Company Section 8.00pm to 10.00pm

http://www.portrushpresbyterian.org

Start Dates 2012: 1st Drumachose Company

2012-09-05T15:56:00.003+01:00

1st Drumachose Company will be starting back on Friday 14th September in Drumachose Church Hall, Church Road, Limavady.

Anchor Boys: 6.00pm to 7.15pm
Junior Section: 7.00pm to 8.15pm
Company/Seniors: 8.00pm to 9.30pm

http://www.drumachose.org.uk/

Start Dates 2012: 1st Dunluce Company

2012-09-05T15:17:00.000+01:00

The 1st Dunluce company in Bushmills will be holding a registration night on the 12th and 13th September.

Anchor Boys: Evening of Thursday 4th October
Rest of Company: Evening of Friday 5th October

Start Dates 2012: 5th Coleraine Company

2012-09-05T12:53:00.002+01:00

The 5th Coleraine Company will be starting back on Thursday 13th September at Terrace Row Presbyterian Church Halls. The various sections will be meeting at the following times:

Anchor Boys 6.30pm to 7.45pm
Junior Section 7pm to 8.30pm
Company/Seniors 8pm to 10pm.

http://www.terracerow.org.uk/

Start Dates 2012: 1st Macosquin Company

2012-09-05T12:50:00.004+01:00

1st Macosquin Company will be holding a registration night on Friday 7th September at Macosquin Presbyterian Church Hall. The various sections will start back as follows:

Anchor Boys on Monday Evenings, from 6.30-7.30pm (beginning from Mon 10th Sept 2012).
Junior Section on Friday Evenings, from 6.30-7.45pm, (beginning from Fri 14th Sept 2012).
Company Section on Friday Evenings, from 8.00-10.00pm, (beginning from Fri 14th Sept 2012).

http://www.macosquinpresbyterianchurch.com/

Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee and The Boys’ Brigade

2012-08-27T12:14:00.000+01:00

The Boys’ Brigade has been privileged to have Her Majesty as our Patron throughout her reign and in celebration of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee four young men, representing the four nations of the United Kingdom, have conveyed the loyal greetings of The Brigade to Her Majesty at Balmoral Castle.

Her Majesty’s reply was sealed in a Baton and carried by BB members throughout the British Isles using a variety of means to reach London for the annual Council Meetings of the Brigade on 15th September. The Baton was first used in 1935 when the Brigade conveyed a message to Her Majesty’s grandfather King George V on the occasion of his Silver Jubilee and later in 1951 to King George VI in celebration of the “Festival of Britain”.

The Baton has travelled through Scotland before being conveyed by Ferry to Northern Ireland and will then cross into the Republic of Ireland and then fly to Newcastle to begin its journey through England and Wales.

The Royal Message was brought to The Town Hall, Coleraine by a group of Queensmen from the Coleraine and District Battalion and the Battalion’s Football Team who won the Northern Ireland District Shield in June.

David Gilmore, a Queensman from 1st Kilrea Company arrived on bicycle with the baton, in recognition of The Mayor’s past membership of 1st Kilrea Company and his late father’s cycle business in the town.

Battalion President, Rev Trevor McCormick introduced the Queensmen to The Mayor, and spoke of the contribution they had made to both The Brigade and Community while achieving the highest award in BB. Mr Jonathan Gracey, Director of BBNI, and James Scott from 1st Boardmills Company who had been the BBNI representative at Balmoral Castle to receive the Baton from Her Majesty were also introduced.

Mr John McFadden who had managed the football team gave a brief summary of the origin of the team and their success in the past season. David Gilmore read the Message of Loyal Greeting to Her Majesty before presenting The Baton to the Mayor.

In response, The Mayor, said that he was honoured and thrilled to be part of such an historic occasion, and he spoke of his appreciation and respect of the work done through The Boys’ Brigade. He encouraged all present to remember the fun and experiences had in the wide variety of activities but particularly the clear teaching of Christian principles and values which would be a compass for life.

The Mayor was presented with an engraved paperweight to mark the occasion and The Baton continued on its journey to an event in Cookstown.

Match Report: Northern Ireland District u14 Shield Final

2012-06-12T10:33:00.001+01:00

Coleraine District Boys Brigade U-14 team football team has won the Northern Ireland District Shield. The team consists of BB members from local companies in Coleraine, Garvagh, Kilrea, and Limavady and under the guidance of Norman Edgar they have won the Competition for the first time ever.
In the earlier round the boys qualified for the Semi Finals by beating the Portadown Battalion 9-3. This was followed by a 3-2 win Semi-Final win over a tough East Antrim side.

The final was played at the Antrim forum on Friday the 8th of June 2012 against a strong Lurgan Battalion team. In the early stages of the final Coleraine took control and were rewarded with a goal, Adam Rowe chased down a through ball and slotted in under the hesitant keeper. In the following period of play Coleraine hit the post and had a header cleared off the line. However Lurgan gradually started to get a hold of the midfield and stunned Coleraine with two goals in quick succession, both fine long range efforts which gave Jamie Cunningham in the Coleraine goal no chance whatsoever. Coleraine were only too happy to hear the half time whistle and get the chance to regroup.
Half Time Coleraine 1 Lurgan 2

The second half was an end to end encounter with neither team able to add to their goal tally. Coleraine made a few positional changes midway through the second half and this paid dividends when Gavin Scott cut a low ball across the six yard box which Adam Rowe tucked neatly into the corner of the net for his second goal of the game.

Both defences were showing signs of nerves, Coleraine hit the woodwork again and Craig Witherow the Coleraine captain hit a fine 20 yard shot which the Keeper turned round the post. At the other end two top saves from Jamie Cunningham kept Coleraine in the game. With time running out and extra time looking likely Coleraine pushed forward for one last attack. The ball was played into the right hand side of the box, the Lurgan keeper dived at the feet of the incoming Coleraine player and the ball broke loose on the six yard box, in the resulting melee Adam Hutton managed to get a toe to the ball to divert it over the line. 3-2 to Coleraine and with barely enough time left the take Kick-Off, it was game over and the trophy was Coleraine’s, much to the delight of the boys,the Officers and parents on the sidelines.

The Shield and medals were presented to the Coleraine boys by the match Referee, Mr Colin Platt.

Full Time Coleraine 3 Lurgan 2

Referee Mr Colin Platt Garvagh

Coleraine Battalion u14 Team Reach Northern Irish Finals!

2012-05-09T11:42:00.002+01:00

Coleraine District Boys Brigade U-14 team football team has reached the Final of the Northern Ireland District Shield. The team consists of BB members from local companies in Coleraine, Garvagh, Kilrea, and Limavady and under the guidance of Norman Edgar they have made the Final of the Competition for the first time ever.

In the Semi Finals played at Clyde Park Garvagh, they met a strong East Antrim Battalion side. In a very close encounter Coleraine took an early lead when Jonathan Lever forced the ball home from close range. The strong Coleraine forward line were forcing the East Antrim defensive line into errors and one such error resulted in a penalty for Coleraine. The Antrim keeper however made a fine save from the resulting spot kick .

Boasted by this the Antrim boys got back into the game a short time later when their Centre forward followed in on the rebound after a fine save from Jamie Cunningham in the Coleraine goal. Coleraine took the lead again 10 minutes before half time, Ryan Hargy whipped in a fine free kick, which Coleraine Captain Craig Witherow headed powerfully into the roof of the net.

Antrim continued to pressure the Coleraine Defence and were rewarded with an equaliser early in the Second Half, 2-2. The game ebbed and flowed with good chances at both ends of the pitch, however with 12 minutes remaining, Coleraine’s Adam Hutton powered down the right wing and whipped in a low cross which Josh Greene slotted into the bottom corner of the net to make the score 3-2 to Coleraine. A thrilling last 10 minutes saw the Coleraine defence under immense pressure but they held out to seal a memorable victory.

-- John McFadden Recreation Convener

Battalion Under 14 Football Team Progress to Semi Finals

2012-05-02T14:24:00.003+01:00

The Coleraine & District Battalion Under 14 Football team have successfully made it through to the semi finals of the Northern Ireland Competition after defeating Portadown Battalion 8-3. The semi-final will be played next Tuesday (8th May) against the East Antrim Battalion.

Many congratulations to the team, coaches and organisers!