on Oct 27th, 2006
Boys’ Brigade - 12th Dublin Company
12th Dublin Company - Clontarf Parish
The Boys’ Brigade (BB) is the oldest uniformed youth organisation – founded in Glasgow in 1883. In 1891 the BB came to Dublin and on 4th November 1892 our own company, the 12th Dublin, was enrolled. Since then the 12th Dublin has played an integral role in the life of Clontarf Parish and beyond.
The object of the BB is as follows: The advancement of Christ’s Kingdom among boys and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-Respect and all that tends towards a true Christian Manliness.
The local unit of the BB is called a company – our unit is 12th Dublin Company. The unit structure is Anchor Boys, Junior Section and Company Section. The company is lead by a Captain, and the local church, which appoints the leaders, sponsors the company. The Captain of the 12th Dublin is Alan Ayling and the Chaplain is Rev’d. Derek Sargent.
Despite its age the BB provides much to the modern day boy in his formative years. This is delivered through three sections.
The Anchor Boys on a trip to the Lambert Puppet Theatre.
Anchor Boys is for boys aged from 5 to 8 years. Their programme consists of games, arts & crafts, songs, learning about God, and story telling. Anchor Boys currently meet on a Monday Evening from 6.00pm to 7.00pm.
The leader-in-charge is Heather McCullagh.
Some of the Anchor boys present their gifts at the Giving Tree, in the Parish Church, for the children at the Mead Day Care Centre.
Junior Section caters for boys from 8 years to 11 years. The programme here becomes more structured and covers the areas of Body, Mind, Spirit, Community and Creativity. In addition inter-section competitions may be entered as well as outings to fun-centred events.
The leader-in-charge is Mark Acheson.
Junior Section boys going through their paces at the Annual Display.
Company Section is for boys aged 12 to 18 years. At Company Section the boys and young men develop as individuals within the safe base provided in a context of friendship and fellowship. Sport, activities, outings and an annual Summer ‘Camp’ on the continent form part of the current offering.
The leader-in-charge is Alan Ayling.
A group of Company section lads at their summer base in Switzerland.
BB lads in the Odyssey Belfast at an Ice Hockey Match.