Monday 27th February 2008

Held in 1st Ballyclare @ 8.00pm

A short meeting of all the councils was opened by Mr Brian Smyth who welcomed everyone. The Battalion Chaplain, Rev. C. McClure then conducted the opening devotions. Mr Brian Smith then advised all present about the 'Hope' Evangelical weekend taking place in April. The Councils then broke into their relevant sections to discuss further business.

PRESENT:-

Gregory Moore, 1st Carrickfergus
Derrick Murphy,1st Ballyeaston
Joanne McAllister 1st Ballyclare
Trevor Mills, 1st Ballyeaston
Ken McKinley, 1st Larne
Thomas Young, 1st Ballyclare
Gillian Armstrong 8th Carrickfergus.
APOLOGIES were received from:- Ann Lafferty, 4th Carrickfergus; Mark Lawther, 6th Carrickfergus; David Hoy, 1st Kilbride; Jennifer Dickey, 1st Ballyeaston; Maud Weir, 1st Ballyeaston; Neill McAdoo, 1st Ballylinney and Roy Beggs 1st Raloo.

Greg Moore opened the meeting and welcomed everyone.

The minutes from the previous meeting of 12th November 2007 were agreed, everyone had received copies via e-mail.

MATTERS ARISING

5-a-side Football; The final was held in Larne Leisure Centre on Friday 4th January 2008 , the winning 6 teams from the area heats took part. The winners were 1st Raloo. Thanks to Ken McKinley for organising the final. After some discussion in relation to the rising costs of using Larne Leisure Centre it was agreed that Battalion should cover the expenses for the Final of this event in future years, as it seems unfair for companies to be paying to take part in the area heats and then the final.

Uni-Hoc Competition; This was held on Saturday 16th February 2008 in 1st Kilbride Church Halls. A total of seven teams took part with 1st Larne the triumphant winners. Thanks to David Hoy for hosting the competition and to Ken McKinley for the scoring. Thanks also to everyone who helped with the refereeing. Everyone agreed that it was a very good competition and all the boys enjoyed the event. It was also agreed that if the number of teams taking part were to increase we may need to consider holding area heats with a final as in the football. It was also agreed that closing/entry dates for any competition should be strictly adhered to by way of general courtesy to the organisers.

Figure Marching; - The Northern Ireland District Spring Competition Final will be held in Portadown on 12th April 2008 at 2.00p.m. in Edenderry Presbyterian Church hall. The East Antrim heat will be held on Saturday 8th March 2008 in 8th Carrickfergus, Holy Trinity Church of Ireland. David Hoy has previously arranged the judge. At present there has been very poor interest in this event with only 3 companies taking part, 1st Kilbride, 1st Raloo and 8th Carrickfergus. Closing date for entry is 1st March 2008.

40th Anniversary Dinner; - those present were reminded of this event and all Officers are encouraged to attend. The event is being held in 1st Ballylinney Presbyterian Church. The date has now been changed to Saturday 10th May 2008. Cost £20 payable to Battalion Treasurer, contact Drew Buchanan via e-mail at office.eab@boysbrigadeni.org.uk OR contact Gillian Armstrong via e-mail for further details.

OTHER BUSINESS

Junior Musician of the Year: - was held on Saturday 19th January 2008 in Templepatrick. There were very few entries from East Antrim Battalion, but all those who were there had a very enjoyable afternoon. Gillian Armstrong encouraged all companies to take part.

Junior Section Challenge 1,2,5,GO!; - Ken McKinley advised that this event was being held at various venues throughout Northern Ireland and would encourage companies to take part.

125th Anniversary Junior Section Big Day Out:- this is being held in Dundonald Ice Bowl on Saturday 31st May 2008, boys can take part in 2 activities £7.50 per boy or 3 activities £10 per boy. Anyone who was interested in taking part should have returned the reply slip in the January Newsletter to Rathmore before 25th February 2008.

Junior Section Boy Activity Weekend 16 - 18 May 2008:- Thomas Young enquired if anyone was taking part in this event. At present no one else had shown an interest. Gillian Armstrong advised she would obtain any relevant details and forward them to Thomas via e-mail. All details and entry forms should be available in the January Newsletter.

Re-election of Office Bearers;-

Mr Brian Smyth took over the meeting and thanked all the present Office Bearers for their work during the previous session. All the seats were declared vacant. Mr Smyth then asked for nominees for the various positions.

Chairperson: - David Hoy was proposed by Ken McKinley and seconded by Gregory Moore. There were no other nominees and no objections and David was re-elected in his absence.

Vice Chairperson: - Gregory Moore was proposed by Derrick Murphy and seconded by Gillian Armstrong. There were no other nominees and no objections.

Secretary: - Gillian Armstrong was proposed by Ken McKinley and seconded by Derrick Murphy. There were no other nominees and no objections.

NI District Rep.; - Ken McKinley was proposed by Derrick Murphy and seconded by Gregory Moore. There were no other nominees and no objections.

Training Officer: - Wesley Magill was proposed by Ken McKinley and seconded by Derrick Murphy. Wesley was elected in his absence.

Rep. to Executive: - Gillian Armstrong was proposed by Trevor Mills and seconded by Derrick Murphy. There were no other nominees and no objections.

All present agreed to accept the election and the re-elected Office Bearers resumed their positions.

Mr Smyth thanked everyone present.

There being no further business Gregory closed the meeting in prayer.

**** After the meeting Gillian Armstrong spoke with Margaret McAdoo in relation to the Junior/Anchor Fun day for 40th Anniversary. A provisional date of Saturday 26th April 2008 was agreed to take boys to the Cinema in Carrickfergus. Further details will be e-mailed to all in due course. *****

REMINDER The East Antrim Battalion Parade will take place on Sunday 13th April 2008 in Carrickfergus in Joymount Presbyterian Church. (2nd Carrickfergus). All companies attending will be asked to meet in the 'old Tesco' car park beside the bowling club off the North Road at 3.00p.m. The service will start at 3.30p.m. Further details will be sent out from the Battalion secretary to company Captains.

*** next meeting Battalion A.G.M Thursday 22nd May 2008 in 3rd Ballyclare. ***

Please also note, on 28th February 2008 David Hoy agreed to accept the position of Chairperson.