MORE OF WHAT'S ON IN FEBRUARY 2008

Half term week.  No brigade evenings during half term week (11—15th February) however the older lads and Officers will be going to watch the Coventry Blades Ice Hockey team in action at a home match on Wednesday 13th.  There’s an invitation to interested parents and friends to come along.  Tickets are £13 adult, £9 Under 16’s & 60’s+, £35 Family.  Contact David if interested.

Reunited is one of the largest regular Christian youth events in the country and happens every other month in the heart of Birmingham at St. Martins in the Bullring. The event includes worship in a number of different styles ranging from rock to gospel to more alternative creative stuff, a talk of some sort and a performance band.  Now, it’s some time since we last went to Reunited, so we thought we would give it another try.  It’s for 12 to 20 year olds, is free (door collection on the way out), adults stay with the teenagers, and it should be a great night.  The next Reunited event is on Saturday 9th February, it’s from 7 to 9 pm.  More details from David or Christine Harris.  (Reunited is where David was volunteered by the group from the Fellowship to go on stage and eat fire!  And he did!!)

Cycle training.  Last autumn we mentioned the possibility of arranging cycle training for the youngsters and a number indicated they would be interested.  The training can also include parents so that families can practice together.  We are looking to arrange the training starting with classes on cycle maintenance, checking of equipment, etc at Brigade nights in early April followed by cycling practice sessions on Saturdays later in the month. 

The training is undertaken by a qualified instructor who will arrange level one instruction (control of cycle, etc) on a safe car park followed by level two instruction (positioning on the road, approaching junctions) on quiet local roads.  Training is in groups of four to six (maximum of four on the roads), sessions will last one hour.  Over the coming weeks we will be asking for details of who is interested in taking part and the best times for you on Saturdays.  (There will be a small charge for the Saturday sessions.)

Girls’ Brigade Young Leader Training Weekend.  This years training is over the weekend of 23rd and 24th February at the home of the 1st Kingshurst Company in Birmingham.  Heather and Katie are already booked on the training and they will be building on last years training as they complete the Intermediate Course - we wish them every success!

Recognition for David.  At the end of the recent Boys’ Brigade Battalion Dedication Service Ron Vernon, the Battalion President, awarded badges and certificates for long service in Brigade, much to David’s surprise he was presented with a fifteen year badge and certificate for the time he has been our Company’s Chaplain.  Congratulations to David!

FELLOWSHIP NEWS

Sunday lunch at the Appleby Inn last month was thoroughly enjoyed by the party of 38 from the Fellowship; food was good and plentiful, the service was excellent and well organised, and the occasion most enjoyable.  Thanks to Neil for arranging the lunch.

Staying with Neil for a moment, over the last few weeks he has been concentrating on improving the sound equipment we use, buying new mic’s and mixer boxes.  This will be an important enhancement to the facilities currently available.  Then there came the day when it all needed to be tried out and this fell on the day of the parade service in January.  What an occasion - to see David taking on the mantle of Kylie!  What happened was the clip-on mic’s didn’t perform as expected so he had to wear a headset - close up not a pretty sight!  

Two planning meetings are arranged for February.  On Wednesday 6 February at 7.30 pm the Hilltop Management Committee, originally due to be held last month, will take place - would leaders please ensure their activities are represented.  This will also be the AGM for the Hilltop Centre.  Later in the month, on Monday 25th at 7. 30 pm, will be a Fellowship Business Meeting - please let David have items for the agenda by Thursday 21st February.