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Leeds Battalion Junior/Anchor Boys’ Fun Day 125 Celebrations Sunday 22nd June 2008

After much organisation and some frantic phone calls this event went off without a hitch (well nearly).

The day started with Hilary Sheard, Carol Normanton, Liz Goddard, Jo Wilkinson, Moira Speight and myself arriving at Hunters Greave laden with food, games etc at 8.30am. We set out the equipment for the Junior Section team building event. Hilary and her team got lunch prepared while we were waiting for Gary Lemal to arrive to put up the marquee. The bouncy castle was due to arrive at 10.00am and at 10.15am still no sign, after a bizarre phone call to the man where he thought because of the inclement weather the day before we didn't want it and so had taken it upon himself to cancel, he decided to come and set up. In the meantime Gary and his family had arrived so it was all hands to the deck to put up the marquee, short on muscle but not brains and with Gary's instructions and expertise the marquee was finally erected. Hilary and I think we deserve to get our Camp Craft. The bouncy castle eventually arrived with minutes to spare (ie 10:56am guests arriving at 11.00am).

Guests began to arrive and so the fun began. Junior Section boys were split into teams for the Team Building and myself and Julie (7th Leeds) took a team each. Darren Wilson took charge of the bouncy castle for the anchor boys and various helpers got the craft event set up in the marquee. Jo was the photographer and she got some great pictures of everyone enjoying themselves. Lunch was scheduled for 1.00pm and the cyclists telephoned in to say they were going to be on time. Lunch was fabulous and hot drinks went down a treat as it was a little chilly. The cyclists arrived to a rapturous applause welcomed back by the Battalion President Simon Brocksom and Councillor for Bramley Mrs Denise Atkinson who spoke a few words to say what a great event we had achieved over the two days.

Then came the turn of the Christian worship group Concordia and a short service began. The service was led by Rev Stephen Day Battalion Chaplain and also Rev George Bailey vicar at Farsley Community Church. Many young people also took part in the praise service both saying prayers and a short sketch. The day was rounded off by the boys letting go of 125 red and blue balloons.

Everyone I spoke to enjoyed the day and said what a success it had been. I tried to count how many people were there and I lost count at 175 so I think that speaks for itself and who knows one of those young men who cycled or came to the Fun Day may be organising the Boys' Brigade's next big birthday 150 years what a legacy that would be.

Adele Goddard