2nd Ahoghill Boys' Brigade put on a show as they held their 51st annual display in Brookside Presbyterian Church Hall.
The display commenced as all three sections of the company formed squads in the main hall, followed by a welcome from Rev. William Moody. After singing the opening praise “Will Your Anchor Hold?”, the company were commanded to fall out in preparation for the first item.
Drill Down
The Company Section got the display items underway with their customary drill down. The boys were put through their paces with a series of drill commands in quick succession, to determine which boy would receive the Thomas Bell Memorial Cup during the award distribution later in the night.
On The Farm
The Anchor Boys followed with an exciting agricultural themed item. Two teams dressed as farmers raced pedal tractors and pushed mini silage bails up and down the hall, as they competed to finish in the fastest time. Members of the audience were then invited onto the floor to join the fun and games.
Tiny Dancers
The Junior Section’s first item continued their dancing theme from last year’s display. This time performing as “tiny dancers”, with one boy acting as the dancer’s head and puppeting the feet, and another the controlling the arms. The routine was performed to a medley of songs by Westlife, Taylor Swift, Camila Cabello, The Bee Gees and Pharrell Williams.
A Grand Day Out
The Company Section returned with a drama sketch about their escapades in the great outdoors. Costumes, props and audiovisual elements all told the story of an eventful trip to Newferry. A capsized canoe, a run in with a local duckhunter and a brawl with a giant swan were just a few of the highlights.
Jumping Juniors
The Junior Section’s second item of the night showcased their gymnastic skills as the they performed a series of jumps over the horse. The audience were on the edge of their seats as the boys attempted an ambitious routine, with a few close calls!
Life of Jesus
The Anchor Boys performed the final item of the night, with a creative UV light based narration of Jesus’ life. The hall was plunged into darkness as the main lights were switched off, allowing a series of cardboard silhouettes to be illuminated at key stages of the story. The item concluded with the boys singing “I want to live my life for Jesus”.
Award Distribution
Guest speaker, and former Company Section officer, Gary McLaughlin took to the stage to give his remarks of the night’s display. He shared a short message with the boys, before assisting with the award distribution.
A summary of the Company Section awards can be found below-
Junior P.E.
Winner: Peter Cahoon
Senior P.E.
Winner: Rory McCandless
B.B. Appeal
Winner: Peter Whitmill
Drill (Thomas Bell Memorial Cup)
Winner: John Lyttle
Junior Scripture
Winner: William McCartney
Runner Up: Scott Millar
Senior Scripture
Winner: John Lyttle
Runner Up: Ben Maxwell
Best Recruit (Ian Buick Memorial Cup)
Winner: Daniel Hayburn
Junior Efficiency
Winner: William McCartney
Senior Efficiency (Dunlop Cup)
Winner: John Lyttle
Best Squad
Squad 1 : John Lyttle, Peter Whitmill, Jake Houston, Andrew Gilmore, Harry McKay, Isaac Wylie
Gordon Shield
Winner: Andrew Gilmore
Discover Badge
Harry McKay was awarded his Discovery Badge in recognition of his progress throughout the year.
After the award distribution the display concluded with the singing of the national anthem and a benediction from Rev. Moody.
Thanks
A big thank you to the ladies who organised the refreshments served after the display. Thank you to Hannah Johnston for playing the piano on the night and for her help in the weeks leading up to the display.
