Tuesday 11th September 2007

Held in Downshire Presbyterian Church, 6th Carrickfergus at 8.00p.m.

A joint meeting of the all the Councils was held at 8.00p.m. The welcome and opening devotions were conducted by Battalion President, Mr Brian Smyth.

After this brief meeting the Councils broke into their relevant sections to discuss further business.

The Junior Section Council meeting was opened by David Hoy who welcomed those present.

PRESENT:-

David Hoy, 1st Kilbride, Gillian Armstrong, 8th Carrickfergus, Jennifer Dickey, 1st Ballyeaston, Maud Weir, 1st Ballyeaston and Kathleen Christian, 6th Carrickfergus

APOLOGIES:-

Greg Moore, 1st Carrickfergus, Neil McAdoo, 1st Ballylinney, Ken McKinley, 1st Larne, Ann Miles, 4th Carrickfergus, Mark Lawther, 6th Carrickfergus, Lorraine Bell, 1st Raloo, Roy Beggs, 1st Raloo

The minutes from the previous meeting of 24th May 2007 were agreed.

MATTERS ARISING:-

Quiz Kids: - David Hoy advised that this year the local heat of the competition was to be held on Friday 2nd November with the Final being held on Saturday 24th November in the Londonderry area. David asked if we had a location for this event. Gillian Armstrong suggested that Ken McKinley, 1st Larne, had offered to host the event. David to contact Ken regarding this matter as the competition will be completed before next council meeting to be held on 12th November.

Young Musician of the Year: - David explained the criteria for this competition which is to be held on Saturday 19th January 2008 in Templepatrick. He suggested that East Antrim Battalion should encourage more boys to enter this competition, although there is generally a poor turn out. Gillian advised that last year there had been a total of 28 boys taking part, but the afternoon had been very enjoyable and worth entering. Swimming Gala: - David advised that there had been a very poor and disappointing turn out of Officers from the Battalion at last year's competition. He also advised that those who would consider entering should ensure that the boys are in fact very competent swimmers. The Gala will be hosted by Belfast Battalion this year and will be held in Bangor Leisure Centre on Saturday 23rd February 2008.

Spring Competition: - The N.I.D competition this year is Figure Marching with the local heats to be held in February/March 2008. The final will be hosted by the Portadown Battalion on Saturday 12th April 2008 at 2.00p.m. A copy of the programme has already been sent to Officers-in-charge and training evenings have been arranged in Lisburn on 24th Sept. and Castledawson 10th Oct. David Hoy advised he would attend and bring the information and further details to the next council meeting on 12th November. A location for the local heat is to be arranged at the next meeting, but it was agreed a Saturday morning would be best. Gillian Armstrong to make enquiries in relation to using 8th Carrickfergus as the venue.

5-a-side Football: - Local heats to be arranged. It was suggested that as in previous years Stephen Mearns would organise the Carrick heat, Ken McKinley would organise the Larne heat and Derek from 1st Ballyeaston will organise the Ballyclare heat. Further details to be brought to the next meeting on 12th November 2007.

Junior Section Annual Conference: - This will be held on Saturday 10th November 2007 in Rathmore. David encouraged all officers to attend as there is generally a poor turn out from East Antrim Battalion.

Dedication Service: - As part of the 40th Anniversary a service of dedication will be held on Sunday 23rd September 2007 in Holy Trinity Church, Prospect Road, Carrickfergus at 7.00p.m. All officers are encouraged to attend in full uniform.

Officers Dinner: - As part of the 4oth anniversary the Battalion have arranged a dinner to be held in 1st Ballylinney on 23rd May 2008, the cost will be £20 and numbers are limited to 100.

Anchor/Junior Fun Day: - As part of the 40th anniversary it had been agreed to organise a joint Fun Day for all the boys and after extensive enquires at Carnfunnock, which had been the suggested venue, it was agreed that this would be too expensive, costs would range from £6 per boy upwards and then there would be parking fees for all the vehicles and we would not have exclusive use of the activities. David suggested as an alternative we attend the 125th Anniversary Fun Day on 31st May 2008 being held at the Dundonald Ice Bowl, after lengthy discussion it was agreed that this would not be practical. It was suggested enquiries be made with local football clubs, David to follow this up with 10th May 2008 being possible date.

Antrim Show: - David had attended the annual show in Antrim and had been asked if Boys Brigade would be interested in helping with the 'clean up' operation after the show next year as part of community outreach. After discussion it was agreed that this would not be suitable for Junior boys.

Carol Service: - A joint service with Anchors is to be held on Sunday 2nd December 2007 in 1st Ballyclare, time to be confirmed at next meeting 12th November.

There being no further business David closed the meeting and advised that he had been disappointed with the lack of attendance, he was also aware that the meeting clashed with first night company nights. David thanked those who were present for their attendance and hoped that there would be a larger number at the next meeting on Monday 12th November at 8.00p.m. in 1st Larne.

*** During supper Margaret McAdoo, David Hoy and Gillian Armstrong were chatting regarding the joint Fun Day for Anchors and Juniors. It was suggested that we make enquiries regarding an outing to the cinema as this would not be dependant on the weather, location would be easily accessible, and cost would probably not be as high as Carnfunnock and could be arranged at any time of the year. Margaret offered to make further enquiries for the next meetings. ***