BB Notes: 2nd Bo'ness family display success

It was my pleasure on June 6 to be inspecting officer at the parents' night of the 2nd Bo'ness Company (St Andrew's Church).

A good turnout of well-presented boys took me back to when I was a captain sitting in anticipation of boys about to parade, hoping they did themselves justice.

Captain Walter Williamson need have had no qualms as the enthusiasm and pride in their company was evident.

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The Juniors and Anchor Boys illustrated their ‘‘Megazone’’ skills in not quite what William Smith might have regarded as ‘‘rifle drill’’ but along with ‘‘drill with a twist’’ showed an understanding of technology and modern music. Drill, in what is unfortunately seen so often as an outdated skill, was amply displayed by the Company Section, as this particular BB unit is trying to get back to basics and show young men the advantage of practising such skills.

Would that many young people were so disciplined. However this section is in no way lacking in techno-skills for a number of them were the cameramen for big screen projection at the Battalion alternative worship event ‘‘TurnaBBouT’’ earlier this year. Not to be outdone and illustrate also his individual and personal expertise was a young man who overcame the difficulty of doing front-stage magic and escapology, whilst having an all-round audience, all eager to see what he was doing ‘‘behind his back’’.

The company has a wonderful family feel with eight sets of brothers currently serving and many of the boys having fathers and grandfathers as previous members, some of whom were seen in the 1966 video of their Norway camp. This year with a near 100 per cent turn-out, camp will be under canvas at Seahouses in Nortumberland where their passion for sailing can be indulged. All in all a traditional closing display with joy in every face as awards were presented.

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