24th October in 8th Carrickfergus Church Halls

1. Welcome Mr D. Buchanan occupied the chair, welcomed all to the meeting especially our new members. He invited our new Battalion Chaplain to conduct our opening devotions.

2. Attendance. Also in attendance were Rev. C. McClure, G. Armstrong, D. Hoy, M. McAdoo, A. Miles, Ken Hogg, A. McDowell, A. Hamilton and F. Picton. An apology was received from Brian Smyth.

3. Minute. The minute of the previous meeting which had already been circulated was confirmed and signed by the chairman.

4. Matters Arising (a) Secretary had received a phone call from Susan Featherstone thanking us for the gift towards her trip to India with a group from the Boys' Brigade.

5. Section Matters

[a] Company Section No Company Section Matters.

[b] Junior Section No Junior Section matters

[c] Anchor Boys No Anchor Boy matters.

6. Company Visitations There was nothing to report as yet.

7. Training Committee Some of the Stage 3 Leadership material would need to be revised to deal with aspects of the new Discover programme. It is hoped that courses would take place in Ballylinney in Nov/Dec and in Carrick during February.

8. 40th Anniversary Celebrations The Officers Dedication Service had taken place with an attendance of 80 Officers. Thanks were expressed to the Chaplain and Officers from 8th Carrick for hosting this special event. Quite a number of those present felt that this service should be an annual event. The retiring collection raised £100. Details of the Outreach had been circulated to Company Captains and as yet there had been only 1 reply. D. Buchanan, A. Hamilton and F. Picton undertook to contact all Captains by phone to encourage them to attend. The Carrickfergus community event arranged for 16th Nov had 4 companies expressing interest. Juice and crisps would be supplied with leaflets showing Company meeting times. No rep from Larne, Ballyclare would work in with Christmas celebrations in the town. Church Parade had 2 more bands, Jordan Memorial Accordian and Ballyduff Bands had agreed to take part. Rev. McClure had spoken with 1st Larne Old Boys but they are in a state of change at present and are not sure if they could produce a band for this occasion. Officers Dinner, at present 20 people had indicated that they would be attending. A max of 100 reaffirmed. M.McAdoo reported that a band for a square dance had been costed at £800 and she would ask her family to play. Overseas Project had 6 Boys and 3 Officers interested so far. There was the possibility of joining up with a local church group. The cost would be around £500 with fund raising.

9. Review of Council meetings Numbers had not increased following the new format for Council meeting. After discussion the following was suggested as a format for next session. A Sunday at end of September for a Dedication Service. First week in December a Joint Council Training evening and after Easter a night of celebration and the AGM. The Executive would meet in November and February and a special area of the Battalion website could be set up to allow discussion by email if any problems arise. It was also felt that we should have a prayer time during Executive meetings.

10. Next meeting 12th February 2008 in 1st Ballylinney

11. Benediction There being no further business the Battalion Chaplain closed the meeting in prayer.