27th February 2008 in 1st Ballyclare C Church Halls

1. Opening. Mr. Alan Miles, Battalion Vice President, occupied the chair and opened with prayer.

2. Attendance and Apologies. 13 Officers representing 8 Companies were present. Apologies were recorded in the attendance book.

3. Minute of previous meeting. The Minute of the previous meeting was read, confirmed and signed.

4. Drill Committee. Only 3rd Carrickfergus Co had entered the Squad Drill competition and the Secretary, after consultation with the Convenor conducted the competition in their hall. The Drill Squad was properly attired in the shirt and tie uniform.

5. Training Committee. The 2 courses were running in Larne and Ballyclare with 51 Boys enrolled.

6. Recreation Committee. There has been no Senior League in football as Companies cannot field teams and in the Junior League only 7th Carrick, 1st Ballyclare and 5th Carrick are playing. It appears to be getting more difficult to get senior boys out on a Saturday afternoon. The 5-a-sides had 6 senior, 5 intermediate and 18 junior teams competing. It is pleasing to note that several new companies have offered to host events. The committee will meet at the end of the session to review the programme, especially the football. It was reported that the variety of programme and the nature of the competitions are greatly appreciated by those who enter.

7. 40th Anniversary Celebrations. There are 3 bands organised for the Church Parade and in order to give length to the parade we should include a directive to march in 2 columns rather than in 3s. There has been a poor response for the Battalion Dinner and all officers present were asked to encourage everyone in their company to attend.

8. C.E.Exam. There were a number of comments regarding the syllabus for the CE. Exam. 10 memory verses were felt to be too many. Several passages were very obscure and difficult. Officers were struggling to get boys to understand and therefore even listen. This applies specially to our younger boys. This should be one of the ways we can challenge our boys. It is important that the syllabus is out in August to allow planning for the session ahead. These comments would be relayed to the Chairman of the CE&CR committee.

9. Programme for next session Following discussion at the Executive the following programme of meetings for 2008/9 is proposed. Last Sunday in Sept. Officers' Dedication Service; Oct - Executive meeting; Nov - Joint council with a training aspect to the night; Mar - Executive meeting; May - celebratory meal with Battalion AGM.

10. Election of Office Bearers 2008-9 The President occupied the chair and conducted the election of Office Bearers for next session.

Chairman Colin Bell
Vice Chair Jim Brown
Secretary Frank Picton
Training Officer Stephen Lindsay
Executive Rep Ken Hogg
Q.B. Advisors Walter Lambe Andrew Dodds Frank Picton
Dof E Advisors Alastair McGrugan Nicholas Irwin Gregory Lorimer Frank Picton
Drill Committee John Cathcart William Doherty
Recreation Cmtte Neil McAllister (con) Ricky Pollock Alastair McGrugan Ken Hogg David Braden
All posts were filled by unanimous agreement.
11. Benediction There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting with prayer and we returned to the Joint Meeting.