Members of The Boys’ Brigade Scotland (BB) have completed the final stage of a three-month recruitment challenge, which required members from companies across Scotland to travel 1000km by any means necessary.
The young members made a final push to take to their bikes and cycle a 10km route around Glasgow.
Members were pictured stopping off at The Riverside Museum for a well-earned rest, before finishing at the Woodside Mission Halls, the birthplace of The Boys’ Brigade 131 years ago.
Collectively, members covered a distance of 1076km, exceeding the 1000km target set by ‘Growing Bigger, Growing Better’.
The challenge aimed to raise awareness of the organisation and to increase membership by 10 per cent, by showcasing the benefits for young people of being part of a youth organisation.
A range of initiatives were undertaken including 267 laps of the James Hamilton Heritage Loch in East Kilbride by young people and leaders of 4th East Kilbride, The Boys’ Brigade; whilst 470 BB members from Airdrie & Coatbridge Battalion ran round the loch at Drumpellier Country Park adding 9km to the national total. Members of the 51st Bonnyrigg Company,
The Boys’ Brigade, completed 28km during a weekend of activities, which included walking, swimming and football. Taking the challenge indoors, the 25th Stirling (Dunblane) Company, The Boys’ Brigade got on their bikes to complete a combined 750 laps of the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.
David Smith (15) from 135th Glasgow, The Boys’ Brigade, said:
“Taking part in the finale of a national BB event was brilliant and I particularly enjoyed meeting members from other Companies. It was such a different, fun and interesting way to see areas of Glasgow.”
Bill Stevenson, Director of The Boys’ Brigade, Scotland, said:
“The ‘Growing Bigger, Growing Better’ campaign has been an outstanding success. We’ve exceeded the initial target of 1000km and already our Companies are reporting an increase in membership. During the course of the campaign, we’ve recruited 410 new members and we hope this momentum will continue over the coming weeks.
“I was really encouraged to see so many of our members take part and this has been a great example of the role our young people play in helping to boost membership. By encouraging them into the local community through fun, outdoor events like this, they have helped to raise awareness of The Boys’ Brigade and the benefits membership can bring.”
‘Growing Bigger, Growing Better’ took place between 20 August and 30 November 2014.
The Boys’ Brigade is reaching out to more young people to be part of one of our 450 groups across Scotland. To find the nearest opportunity or to volunteer, visit http://scotland.boys-brigade.org.uk/join.
Photos by Tony Marsh