The boys of 2nd Ahoghill Company showcased their talents during an entertaining display in Brookside Presbyterian Church Hall on Friday night.
The display started at 7:30pm as the three sections of the company formed squads in the main hall. Rev. William Moody welcomed those in attendance and called them to sing the opening praise “Will Your Anchor Hold?”, after which the company were commanded to fall out in preparation for the display items ahead.
Drill Down
The Company Section began with their drill down, which would determine which boy would receive the drill cup during the award distribution later in the evening. The level of skill and discipline on full display was high and the leaders were hard pushed to find faults that would eliminate the boys. However, the squad was eventually reduced until only one boy remained to claim the Thomas Bell Memorial Cup.
Signs of the Life of Jesus
The Anchor Boys followed with a memorable performance of “Thank you Jesus“, which they not only sang but signed in sign language. This was an excellent reminder that Jesus went to Calvary, rose up from the grave and is coming back again.
I’m gonna build a wall
The Junior Section’s first item was a sketch giving a modern twist to the story of Nehemiah rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem.
BB Day Landings
The Anchor Boys stormed the figurative beaches of Brookside church hall, as they undertook a daring rescue mission behind enemy lines. The boys donned their camouflage to navigate an army themed obstacle course and neutralize an enemy guard with their bean bag grenades, before stretchering two casualties back to safety.
A Big Night In
The Company Section performed a hilarious sketch themed around a night in watching TV. The boys added their comedic spin to programmes such as The Chase, Countdown, Tipping Point and Match of the Day. There were even appearances from Jeremy Corbyn, Theresa May and Jean-Claude Juncker in a Brexit themed episode of Deal or No Deal.
Junior Gym
The Junior Section closed with an item called Junior Gym, during which the boys showed off their fitness with a series of exercises.
Award Distribution
Guest speaker Sam Donaldson congratulated the boys on an excellent display and gave some insight into his work with the Christian Police Association NI. He then shared a series of verses from Ecclesiastes with the boys, leaders and parents before assisting with the award distribution.
A summary of the Company Section awards can be found below-
Junior P.E.
Winner: Stephen Millar
Senior P.E.
Winner: William McCartney
B.B. Appeal
Winner: John Lyttle
Drill (Thomas Bell Memorial Cup)
Winner: Rory McCandless
Junior Scripture
Winner: Daniel Hayburn
Runner Up: Scott Millar
Senior Scripture
Winner: William McCartney
Runner Up: Peter Cahoon
Best Recruit (Ian Buick Memorial Cup)
Winner: John Watterson & James McFetridge
Junior Efficiency
Winner: Scott Millar
Senior Efficiency (Dunlop Cup)
Winner: Peter Cahoon
Best Squad
Squad 1 : John Lyttle, Peter Cahoon, Daniel Hayburn, Sam Gault, John Watterson
Gordon Shield
Winner: Rory McCandless
The display concluded with the singing of the national anthem and a benediction from Rev. Moody.
Thanks
Thank you to Emily Thompson for playing the piano during the praise and national anthem, and to the ladies who organised and served the refreshments after the display. Special thanks to Gillian McMahon for sharing her time and knowledge of sign language with the Anchor Boys.