28th April 2008 in 4th Carrickfergus Church Halls

1. Welcome The Battalion President Mr B. Smyth occupied the chair, welcomed all to the meeting and conducted our opening devotions.

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

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

4. Section Matters

[a] Company Section The Secretary up dated the Executive on a reply from the Chairman fo the Christian Education and Church Relations Committee regarding some aspects of the C.E. syllabus and exam. The President reported on the success of 1st Ballyclare Company in winning the Brigade Final of the Masterteam Quiz.

[b] Junior Section The combined Junior Section and Anchor Boy outing to the cinema had a disappointing turnout with only 5 companies represented.

[c] Anchor Boys No Anchor Boy matters.

5. Company Visitations.

No reports.

6. Training Committee.

There was no report

7. 40th Anniversary Celebrations.

The Church Parade had taken place in Carrickfergus on a lovely sunny day. We had a good service which held the Boys' attention and which some commented upon the talk on the way home. It was disappointing not to fill the church. Unfortunately the Anchor Boys were not fully able to participate in the March Past due to Police instructions.

Even though we have only 30 acceptances for the Battalion Dinner it was decided to go ahead with this event on Saturday 10th May.

These reports generated discussion regarding the poor response we had received regarding a number of activities organised by the various Sections as well as Battalion events. This was especially highlighted in regard to the response to emails which had asked for a reply. It was decided to draft a letter to Company Captains and Officers in Charge of Sections expressing our disappointment regarding attendance at meetings, involvement in competitions and involvement in functions organised by the Battalion. Secretary to have a draft for the AGM for discussion.

8. Finance

The Treasurer presented a draft Final Account which showed an increase in bank account of around £1650. This was due to some budgeted monies not being required. He reported that the Battalion dues would return to 30p per person for the session 2008/9.

9. Executive Report

The Secretary read the draft report for 2007/8 which was received with a couple of updates included.

10. Brigade Matters

(a) The 2 year period for the members of NID committees elected at the Area meeting was up in May. We had nominations on the NID Executive, Anchor Boy Committee, Junior Section Committee and the Training Committee. Following discussion it was agreed that F. Picton would be nominated for the NID Executive on the proposal of K. Hogg, seconded by A. Miles. D. Buchanan/M. McAdoo undertook to check if G. Law was still willing to serve on the Anchor Boy committee and if she was not able then to seek another nomination. Similarly G. Armstrong and D. Hoy undertook to check with K. McKinley. The secretary undertook to speak with A. Dodds regarding the Training Committee.

(b) The secretary reported on the Visions into Reality conference he attended on behalf of the Battalion at Gannaway and circulated a summary of what had been discussed. 2 main areas were the development of a plan for the Battalion over the next few years and the promotion of Company Support Officers to try to help/develop Companies. It was felt that given get Company Captains round the table for discussion; we need to pray about the situation and we need to get the passion back into B.B. work. It was agreed that we should meet after the Battalion AGM to discuss this further.

11. Battalion AGM It was agreed that this should be just a business meeting to allow the Executive time to discuss what we can do regarding the comments in items 7 and 10

12. Executive Meetings for next session

Thursday 16th October 2008 in 8th Carrickfergus and Tuesday 3rd March in 1st Kilbride.

13. Benediction There being no further business the President closed the meeting with the Benediction.

Signed ________________________________ Date _________________________