August 2009

Dear Fellow Officers,

It is with sadness that we record the passing of Eleanor Simms. Eleanor was an officer in 1st Larne Anchor Boys and was very active at Battalion and District level. On behalf of the Battalion we extend our sympathy to the family circle.

I am delighted to be the new President of the Battalion. I trust that we can move the Battalion forward together.

My vision for the battalion is as follows:-

1. We reach more boys with the gospel message.
2. We encourage each other in the work we do by praying for one company each day.
3. To encourage a least one officer from each company to attend our meetings.
4. We review everything we do as a Battalion to make sure it's relevant starting by looking again at the answers to the questionnaire of June 2008.

A I will ask the executive to look at how best we can co-ordinate a recruiting drive.
B I have produced a prayer diary to encourage us to pray daily for a different company, its Captain, Officers and Boys.
C The executive will encourage all companies to attend meetings and fully participate in all events.
D I would like to review the Battalion's relationship with each Church.

Please don't forget our Officers' Dedication Service to be held in 2nd Ballyclare on Sunday 4th October 2009. I look forward to seeing you there.

I pray that you would be encouraged as you strive to advance his kingdom with everything you do in Boys' Brigade.

God bless.

Yours sincerely

Drew Buchanan MBE

Battalion President