Celebrating 70 years of 1st Leckpatrick Boys' Brigade

CURRENT and former members of 1st Leckpatrick Boys’ Brigade came together with family and friends for a celebration event to mark the 70th anniversary of their Company.

1st Leckpatrick Boys Brigade was founded in 1955 by Reverend Hay, John Fulton and John Cummings.

Reverend Orr led the special service and thanked the boys, officers and families for attending.

The service, held in 1st Leckpatrick Presbyterian Church, consisted of all members taking part and featured songs from the Anchor Boys and a poem by the Junior section.

The Company section all played a part within the service aswell.

The event gave those in attendance the chance to view exhibitions of the history of 1st Leckpatrick Boys' Brigade Brigade from uniforms, books and badges to photographs from many families who have grown up with the Boys' Brigade and now have grandchildren in attendance to new families starting out, mixed with an opportunity to catch up with old and new friends with tea and cake in the church hall after the special service.

Amongst those present at the event was Sidney McNeill, a former leader and now Captain of 1st Leckpatrick Boys Brigade, who called upon officer, Janette Witherow, who presented prizes to the Anchor boys and special limited edition 70th anniversary badges to all the boys.

Captain McNeill continued the prizegiving to the Junior and Company sections.

Special guest, David Penney from The Boys' Brigade Northern Ireland (BBNI), helped in presenting prizes and talked to the boys and their families before presenting Reverend Orr and Captain Sidney with a certificate of thanks from BBNI.

A spokesperson for the Company said: "A great night was had by all and Captain Sidney and officers would like to thank the boys, their families and members of the wider community who help out in different areas for their continued support and encouragement.

"Please give Leckpatrick Boys' Brigade strength and listening ears and keep us ‘strong and steadfast’ for another 70 years."