The Boys Brigade in Dreghorn

History of the Boys Brigade:

The Boys Brigade movement was founded in Glasgow in October 1883 by William Alexander Smith.

His vision was to give the boys of the area something to do. The object laid down at the time “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 object is still the same today as it was 130 years ago

The Boy’s Brigade in Dreghorn:

The Boy’s Brigade started in Dreghorn in 1897 with the founding of 1^stDreghorn in Perceton and Dreghorn Parish Church. The 2^ndDreghorn Company started in 1960 in Dreghorn and Pearston Old Parish Church. Both companies came together with the union of the churches in 1994 to form the 1^st/2^ndDreghorn Company of the Boys Brigade, the Church now called Dreghorn & Springside Parish Church.

The company is part of the North Ayrshire Battalion covering the area from Irvine in the south to Largs, Millport and Kilbirnie in the north.

Our Successes:

Over the years Dreghorn companies have had success in:

Drill
Swimming
Chess
Scripture knowledge
General knowledge
Ten Pin Bowling
Figure Marching
Badminton
Football
Hiking

The company has also had many boys represent the battalion at inter-battalion and district competitions.

Highlights include:

Finishing 3^rdin the National 5-a-sides finals held at Milton Keynes in 1983 (centenary year)

Winning the National Chess in 2004 held in Aberdeen at our first attempt.

9 boys achieving the President’s Badge

48 boys from the village attaining the Queen’s Badge (The Highest award)

Camping Traditions:

Both Companies had a great tradition of camping but as numbers declined in the Companies & Battalion it was decided to hold a battalion camp every 2^ndyear.

Dreghorn have supported the camp well. Both boys & staff have attended every camp since they started in 1993.

Useful Information:

The Session runs from September until April

Anchor Boys Meet on a Wednesday 6.00pm – 7.pm ( P2 & 3)

Junior Section Meet on a Wednesday from 7.00pm – 8.30pm (P4 to 7)

Company Section meet on a Monday from 7.00pm – 8.45.pm  (S1 to S6)

The company are looking for help , interested, contact Stuart Neil, Company Captain, 01294211236