In presenting the report of the Executive for the session 2007/8 it is with a joyful heart we give thanks to our Lord and great Captain for all the blessings that He has bestowed upon us.

We would like to thank all those Officers, Helpers and N.C.O.'s who have served on each Company's staff over the past session. While we know that many will feel it is a privilege to serve our Lord and Master by seeking to advance His Kingdom amongst the Boys entrusted to our care we, as your Executive, acknowledge all the hard work and devotion that has gone into the work of each Company in our Battalion. We would also thank all those who have taken on responsibility at Battalion or NID level. Your extra work ensures that our Battalion Sections run smoothly and that we also have a voice at NID level.

Our numbers have remained steady with an overall increase in 3 of our previous year (2005-1805; 2006- 1800 and 2007-1803). It is good that we seem to be managing to hold on to our Boys despite the ever increasing demands being made upon them by increased schoolwork, part-time jobs and social activities.

We congratulate 2nd Carrickfergus Company on winning the McCune Cup and the 1st Kilbride Company on winning the Fitzell Cup. These were keenly contested with a number of Companies very close behind the 2 winners. Our Christian Education Exam showed a sharp drop in numbers again this year, down from 250 to 220. This is the second year we have seen a number of Companies using their own Bible Class programme and not following the NID programme. This appears to come from two problem areas. Over the past few years the NID programme has not been available before the session starts to allow Officers to plan and prepare their classes in advance. The other is the inappropriateness of the Exam and this year especially we had a number of Companies complaining about the content of the paper and one Company Chaplain not allowing the Boys in his Company to sit the exam. Our marks were lower than usual and for the first time in many years we did not have one Boy with full marks. We feel this was due to the paper rather than the Boys' abilities or the Officers preparation. The inclusion of a spiritual aspect within each area of our Company Section badgework will bring further pressure on our Bible Classes and the Battalion C.E. exam. We would encourage all Captains and Chaplains to continue with Bible Class, an aspect which sets us apart from many youth organisations.

Our sections continue to organise and run their own events and reports on many of these can be seen on the Battalion website at www.boysbrigadeni.org.uk/eastantrim. The Executive would congratulate 2nd Carrickfergus on winning the Anchor Boys Fun & Games competition and in the NID competition for Anchor Boys 2nd Carrickfergus was successful in the P1/P2 age group and 1st Mullaghadubh was successful in the P3/P4 age group. Special mention must be made of Ben Brown of 2nd Carrickfergus who won the NID competition. At Junior Section level congratulations are due to the following companies; 1st Larne who were successful in the Quiz Kids competition and the UniHoc competition, 1st Raloo who won the Five-a-side football competition, to 8th Carrickfergus who won the Figure Marching competition, which was also the NID Spring competition. In Company Section activities 3rd Carrickfergus won the Battalion Drill competition and represented the Battalion in the NID Finals. A number of Companies have entered the various NID competitions and we can congratulate 1st Ballyclare Company in winning the Brigade Final of the Masterteam Quiz competition, Our Battalion Junior football team was successful in winning the inter battalion competition while our Intermediate and Senior teams were knocked out at the group stages.

The Executive has continued its programme of visiting Companies this year and were very impressed at the variety of activities being undertaken at all section levels and by the devotion and energy shown by the staff. It was pleasing to see a number of NCOs being actively involved in work with the younger Boys as part of their Company Leadership. The Executive see this aspect of their work as a means to stay in touch with the Companies in our Battalion and to be able to encourage and support the Officers of a Company. It is in no way to be taken as an inspection. We are all doing God's work and we have to encourage each other in this task. In all cases we received a warm welcome, were able to speak to the Boys and even join in some activities. We intend to continue this programme of visits and hope that in a period of 5 years we will be able to visit each Company in our Battalion.

In September we had the first event in our 40th Anniversary year when nearly 100 Officers attended a Dedication Service in Holy Trinity Church in Carrickfergus. After the service many said they felt blessed and would like this to be an annual event. It is hoped to arrange a service in the Larne area for the last Sunday in September 2008. Our Mission to Boys event in Ballyclare in November was not as well attended as promised but those who were there were greatly encouraged by the singing and the atmosphere of worship created in the Leisure Centre. The Anchor Boys and Junior Sections had a visit to the cinema in April. Our Battalion Church Parade enjoyed some lovely sunshine for a change and with 3 bands in the Parade we looked really well as we marched through Carrickfergus. Our speaker gave a very thought provoking address which challenged boys of all ages and it was reported that many boys talked about it on their way home. Our Battalion Dinner was the last celebratory event and after all the support promised at the Council meetings at the start of the session the number attending was disappointing. We had hoped to be able to use this event to establish a regular Battalion Dinner but we need much more support for events organised at Battalion level.

On the NID front we have a number of Officers representing the Battalion on NID committees. The future of Rathmore House is still undecided. It has been proposed to put the property on the market with outline planning permission to test the waters. However any decision can only be taken by the NID Council either at their AGM or at an extra-ordinary meeting specially called. You are encouraged to attend the NID AGM in June.

Can we finally wish you all a pleasant break from B.B. activities and trust and pray that you will find renewal of spirit and endeavour to serve our Master in this work to which He has called us.

On behalf of the Executive,

Frank Picton

Battalion Secretary