6th Londonderry Boys Brigade celebrate 75th birthday

Next year, 2016, is a milestone year for the Officers and Boys of 6th Londonderry Boys Brigade.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Dec 2015, 09:30 BST
6th Londonderry Boys Brigade pictured in 1943 at the Presentation of Colours by Lady Anderson.6th Londonderry Boys Brigade pictured in 1943 at the Presentation of Colours by Lady Anderson.
6th Londonderry Boys Brigade pictured in 1943 at the Presentation of Colours by Lady Anderson.

The Company will celebrate their 75th anniversary with a series of events for current as well as past members.

The formal celebrations will take place over the weekend of Friday, March 11, to Sunday, March 13.

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On March 11 6th Londonderry will host their annual Display Night in Lisneal College at 7.30pm. Light refreshments will be served afterwards.

The 6th Lonodnderry Boys pictured at the Waterside and Strathfoyle Boys Brigade Weekend to Portstewart in 1974.The 6th Lonodnderry Boys pictured at the Waterside and Strathfoyle Boys Brigade Weekend to Portstewart in 1974.
The 6th Lonodnderry Boys pictured at the Waterside and Strathfoyle Boys Brigade Weekend to Portstewart in 1974.

The next day, there will be a photographic display in Waterside Presbyterian Church Hall. Past members are invited to attend and bring with them any old photographs and memorabilia. This event will take place between 2pm and 5pm.

On Saturday, March 12, there will be an anniversary dinner in the Waterfoot Hotel. The dress code is smart casual and the event starts at 7pm with dinner at 7.30pm.

A special 75th anniversary cake will be cut at the event and a professional photographer will be present to record the occasion and take group photographs, which will be available at the end of the evening.

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No Boys Brigade event would be complete without a parade and, on Sunday, March 13, that’s exactly what is planned. Current and former members will form up at Tower Hall, Bonds Hill at 5.15pm and will parade to the service in Waterside Presbyterian Hall for a service at 6pm, when the special guest and speaker will be David Blevins, the Sky News Correspondent.

Former members of 6th Londonderry pictured in 1991 at the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the formation of 6th Londonderry Boys Brigade.Former members of 6th Londonderry pictured in 1991 at the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the formation of 6th Londonderry Boys Brigade.
Former members of 6th Londonderry pictured in 1991 at the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the formation of 6th Londonderry Boys Brigade.

The band heading the parade will be The Churchill Flute Band.

After the service a special anniversary photograph will be taken of all those present, both current and former members, which will be made available before the end of the evening. Supper will also be served in the hall below the church.

To mark the anniversary a special 75th anniversary BB badge will be available for purchase, as will a history of the company. A DVD will be made of the display and the church parade and will also be available for order and purchase.

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Those who attend will also be asked to sign a commemorative book.

Old Boys who wish to attend are also encouraged to bring a guest.

Those hoping to take part are urged to have their expression of interest forms returned to Jim McCarter, the Company Administrator before February 21, 2016. Mr McCarter has left his contact details with the Londonderry Sentinel, which can be reached on 02871 341175.