THE MAGAZINE OF BOTHWELL PARISH CHURCH SCOTLAND S OLDEST COLLEGIATE CHURCH Registered Scottish Charity No: SC0 9819

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1 THE MAGAZINE OF BOTHWELL PARISH CHURCH SCOTLAND S OLDEST COLLEGIATE CHURCH Registered Scottish Charity No: SC Minister: The Revd. J. M. Gibson, TD. The Manse of Bothwell, 4 Manse Avenue, Bothwell, G71 8PQ Tel: jamesmgibson@msn.com Church Office Tel: (Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9am-2pm) bothwellparishoffice@btconnect.com h Church Centre: Chapterhouse Café: FROM THE MINISTER. At this time of writing, it is so very difficult to know what to actually write about! Over the period of just a few weeks devastation has been brought by floods to northern Australia and an earthquake to Christchurch, New Zealand. A tsunami has struck northern Japan claiming the lives of as yet unknown thousands of people and could still cause nuclear catastrophe. At the same time, the Presidents of Tunisia and Egypt have been removed by popular uprising, civil war has broken out in Libya and the authorities are trying to contain unrest in Bahrain. At the same time, as well as mobilising its practical response to all the above in care and support, the Christian family begins its journey through the season of Lent towards Holy Week, Good Friday and the eventual triumphant celebration of Easter. Difficult it may be, but here goes... Middle East Conflict The agonising spectacle of civil war in Libya exposes the lack of progress made in international conflict-resolution. Advances in communication technology and t h e b r a v e r y o f w a r correspondents mean that viewers worldwide can watch with horror the unequal fight between those in the pay of the G a d d a f i r e g i m e a n d revolutionary forces seeking liberty for themselves and their country. With America refusing to get involved and Western leaders finding agreement difficult about an appropriate response, we are left feeling the discomfort of impotence. Things might change as the days pass but there seems to be a new collective realisation that with the continuing lack of stability in Iraq and conflict ongoing in Afghanistan, no longer can the West be relied on to send in their gunboats on impulse even when their peoples yearn to prevent death and injury and support others desperate struggle for freedom and justice. Without doubt, the present crisis in Libya ought to make Western Governments think hard and long about the morality or otherwise - of their f o r e i g n p o l i c i e s a n d acknowledge that much of the oppression which many in the Middle East (and elsewhere) have endured for decades has been a direct consequence of our own greed for oil and power. April & May 2011 Minister s Letter Page 1. Minister s Letter cont. 2. Church Register 2. Open church Statement of Purpose 2. Lantern Distribution 3. Holy Communion 3. Coming Soon 3. Living the Questions 4. Red Sea / Noah s Ark Club 4. Allovus Stamp Appeal 5. Carer s Service 6. News from the Guild 6. Holy Week 6. A Short History of Bothwell 7. Rainbow Dyslexia Centre 8. Japan Aid Appeal 8. Calvin Worship Symposium 9. Bothwell Scarecrow Festival 10. BB s 11. Rota Page 12. Lent & Holy Week The weeks prior to Easter are always hard and challenging. The last days of Jesus were full of events and sayings that shone a piercing light onto his personality, relationships and beliefs. If it is the event of Easter that brought the early Christians a new sense of hope for their living, it is Jesus reaction to the events of that first Holy Week which give their hope credibility. We, therefore, cannot expect to enter the full glory of Easter s reality without first coming to an understanding of what lay behind his rejection, suffering and crucifixion. Continued Page 2.. 1

2 As is our custom, on the Monday to Thursday evenings during Holy Week April 18 to 21 a special series of services will be held within the church starting at the slightly earlier time of 7.00pm. Everyone is most welcome to come along. This year s reflections will focus on the re-awakening of common images and themes in the Easter story. We will try to look with new eyes at these crucial events and ask them those questions which world events demand. This ancient and sacred story may yet surprise us, for it has new things to tell if only we are prepared to listen. Wishing you a very Happy Easter! Jim Gibson Minister of Bothwell. Marriages: March 12th Funerals: January February March Whom God has joined Jennifer Heaney and Steven Robertson 4 Burnbank House, Burnpark Avenue, Uddingston confident of Life Everlasting The Minister invites the prayers of the congregation for the family and friends of the following who recently received Christian funeral: Mrs Elizabeth McKay, 19 Old Bothwell Road, Bothwell. John Findlay, 10 Clyde Avenue, Bothwell John Loudon Esq, Clyde Avenue, Bothwell. Ms Margaret Freebairn, 33 Woodlands Crescent, Bothwell New helpers are always welcome to swell the numbers of our volunteers who each summer ensure our Church is open to visitors and for private and quiet prayer.. If you are interested, please contact Ann Walker - telephone: Or alternatively contact the Church Office if you would like to help (details on front of magazine). Statement of Purpose Bothwell Parish Church is a congregation of the Church of Scotland and is part of the worldwide family of people belonging to the Christian Faith, worshipping God through Jesus Christ. In response to the love of God for all, we seek to serve our community through worship, friendship, care and education; and to promote Christian values of concern for others, forgiveness, healing and justice. 2

3 Give With a Will a legacy to the Church Did you realise that Bothwell Parish Church is a registered Scottish Charity? Did you know that giving a LEGACY is one very important way by which you can continue to support the work of Bothwell Parish Church after your death? A LEGACY may be a specific sum of money, a property, share in a company or the residue of your estate. Through a LEGACY you can ensure that funds are available for the Worship Outreach and Service of YOUR Church here at Bothwell. The Lantern Distribution Just a wee reminder to my fellow Officebearers... Further to our discussion at the recent Kirk session regarding the church magazine, Officebearers are being asked to please rationalise the names of recipients of the magazine with those names on Elder s Lists. Should there be recipients not on your list, do continue delivering them with a magazine but would you please also contact Lesley in the church Office and ask her to record their name/address. Magazines on the table at the rear of the Nave are for use by visitors to the church and should not be used for delivery to the congregation. Church Office telephone: bothwellparishoffice@btconnect.com Please Note: Many thanks, Eleanor Terrace Deadline for submission of articles & rotas for the Summer Edition (June, July & August) of the Lantern need to be with the church Office no later than Monday 16th May. Thank you LEGACIES are exempt from Inheritance Tax and may provide vital funds for a particular project of our Church or may be invested to produce annual income for ongoing work. All LEGACIES are only used in accordance with the donor s wishes. So why not speak with your Solicitor and give with a will? SAVE STAMPS PLEASE! Coming IN AUTUMN at Bothwell Parish Church m Church Web Site Have YOU had a look lately? 2011 The Year of the Bible Join us to celebrate the 400th anniversary of God s Holy Word Holy Communion Sunday 8th May 10.30am & 12.30pm 3

4 YEAR 2 GROUP For those that attended the sessions last year, the next stage of LTQ will be on the following dates: 5 th May, 12 th May & 19 th May 2 nd June & 9 th June Living the Questions m Two sessions are arranged for May /June as follows: There was an excellent response last Autumn to the inaugural of Living the Questions. So much so, that those who participated in the introductory group are now progressing to level 2 and a new introductory group is being formed. (Please see below for dates). Living the Questions allows people the opportunity to reflect and explore the relevance of Christian faith for today. We watch a DVD, pausing frequently for discussion. The following is a brief excerpt from the written material issued in advance of each meeting. It gives a flavour of the sort of things we are being asked to talk and think about: for lots of reasons, many people are dissatisfied with the church today and they are voting with their feet. One of the biggest reasons is folk are not stupid. They look at the Bible and ask themselves, why is it that of all the things in my life, I have a whole different category for the Bible? Why am I expected to suspend disbelief and not think through what I hear the way I would with any other object, issue or situation in my life? People today have little patience with platitudes like, God said it, I believe it, that settles it. Theologian, Dr Harrell Beck puts it this way, The Bible is NOT the word of God but the word of God is in the Bible. Challenging? Provocative? If you know someone who has taken part in the introductory course, ask them about it and, then, consider whether this might be something of interest to you. There is still lots of time to enrol for May/June but don t leave it too late! If you are interested, please contact the church Office and let Lesley know. NEW GROUP All meetings within Church Centre, each evening will begin at 7.30pm and will end by 9.30pm at the latest. 4th May, 11th May & 18th May. 1st June & 8th June. Those wishing to take part are asked to commit to the whole series. The programme is expensive to purchase. There will be a charge of 10 per person for the whole course. Red Sea & Noah s Ark Cltb Easter Sunday is the date for our next fundraising event for our friends in the Place of Restoration in South Africa. The children have already made their own Easter cards which will be sent soon. Now they are busy making bookmarks and other things to sell on Easter Day. There will be cake and candy too so please be ready to help make a difference to our friends who have so little in comparison to us. Even if you don t want to buy anything there will be collection buckets for donations, so please give generously. SPILL THE BEANS... is the name given to exciting, new material being produced for use with our Sunday Club children. Written locally, this lectionary-based resource offers material that is contemporary and fresh in presentation and activity. One of the many memorable inventions in JK Rowling s alternative world is Bertie Bott s Every Flavour Beans. You never know what flavour you are going to get from Apple or Chocolate to Worcester Sauce or Parsnip, even Earwax! Based on this theme, SPILL THE BEANS offers our children a range of different ideas that encourage boys and girls, of varying ages, to explore the depth of each week s story/lesson. Since this material is brand new, we are piloting the resource through Lent and Easter. All going well and early signs are certainly encouraging we would wish to continue with this creative and activity-based programme. Anxious to appeal to young minds with material/ activities that stimulate and develop understanding, we are happily working hard to realise our aim. Anne Sharp 4

5 NEWS FROM ALLOVUS A great day was thoroughly enjoyed when members of the Allovus club met to celebrate a late Burn s Lunch in February. Some forty members welcomed Councillor Henry Mitchell and other guests to the event. A glass of sherry ensured a convivial atmosphere in the main hall and traditional Burn s fayre was provided by Craig and the Chapterhouse staff. Special guests were piper, Fiona Dorman, and children from Beckford Primary School in Hamilton led by their Headteacher, Doreen Gibson. From memory and with incomparable style they Addressed the Haggis, proposed the Immortal Memory, toasted the Lassies and made suitable Reply. The school choir then recited some Scottish verse and e n t e r t a i n e d t h e c o m p a n y w i th a n umber of Scottish songs - which encouraged all to join in singing! Committee member Anne McMillan, whose grand-daughter Fiona Dorman piped in the haggis. Since then, the club has been delighted to welcome new members and has enjoyed its ongoing variety of activities. Allovus meets on the first and third Thursday of the month between 11.00am and 2.00pm. Children from Beckford Primary School (photograph by The Hub newspaper) Membership is open to all s e n i o r m e m b e r s o f t h e congregation and friends. Stamp appeal 2011: Mount Olivet Boys' Home The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and the Government of Jamaica have joined forces through the Mount Olivet Boys Home to provide a place of hope for young boys who have been abused or neglected. Located in rural Jamaica, Mount Olivet is home for around 30 boys with an average age of 12 from urban and socially deprived areas of Jamaica. Mount Olivet offers love and support which will enable these boys to lead meaningful and productive lives. Through the Home they have access to spiritual nurture, medical care, emotional support, vocational training and recreation. The Home has a lab with 11 computers and the boys also engage in farming and livestock rearing. Mount Olivet is self-sufficient in egg and chicken meat production. Despite these achievements and local help, it has become increasingly difficult to meet not only routine costs, but to undertake developmental work. You can help our partner church in Jamaica to keep the boys safe, become self-sufficient in agricultural and livestock production, provide them with computer and farming skills, psychological and developmental support and in repairing buildings to required health and safety standards. You can do this by simply collecting your used stamps which are sold to raise money, and handing them into the Church Office. 5

6 Funny Church Announcements Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community. The weight watchers will meet at the First Baptist Gym please use the large double doors. Now ladies, don t forget about the rummage sale. It s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping. Bring your husbands. For those of you who have children and don t know it, we have a nursery downstairs. 8 new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some of the older ones. This afternoon there will be a meeting in the South and North ends of the church children will be baptised at both ends. C A R E R S S E R V I C E will be held on Sunday 22nd May 2011 at 10.30am. Come and join us as we say a special thank you to helping hands in our local community. m HOLY WEEK SERVICES This year, as usual, the Minister will lead Services each evening Monday to Thursday in the Quire at 7.30pm and all are welcome. On Maundy Thursday, Holy Communion is celebrated. On Good Friday, the Church is open from 12 noon until 3pm when the final Address will be given and Communion celebrated in the Quire. 18th to 21st April All welcome. N E W S F R O M T H E G U I L D The AGM to be held on Monday 28th March has now been postponed until Monday 4th April * * * * * Tuesday May 3rd Annual Guild Summer Outing to Keswick. Bus leaves station Road at 9.30am please give your name to Grace Moore if you would like to attend. * * * * * The Aim of the Guild is to invite and encourage men and women to commit their lives to Jesus Christ and enable them to express their faith in worship, prayer and action. 6

7 A Short History of Bothwell The third instalment of the notes prepared by the late Rev. S. J. Hamilton, B.A., on the history of the parish. III. Mediaeval Period (Continued). In the last issue we saw that the lands of Bothwell were granted about the year 1150 by a grateful king to the family of Oliphard or Olifant, one of whom built a wooden palisaded moat-castle on what is now the site of the manse and a Norman church on the site rendered sacred through many centuries of use by St.Bothan and others the site, namely of the present New Church. In the 13 th Century, however, a daughter of Walter Olifard, lord of the barony of Bothwell, married Sir Walter de Moravia (Moray), and thereby the lands passed into the hands of the Morays. Between 1242 and 1278 Bothwell Castle was built by Sir Walter, and it is generally reckoned that it is his tombstone which is preserved in the sacristy in the form of a heavy stone slab ornamented with a foliated cross, a shield shewing three stars or mullets (the Moray coat of arms), and a sword indicating the tomb of a knight. In the following century the estate again changed hands when in 1370 Johanna Moray, the heiress of Bothwell, was married to Archibald, third earl of Douglas and lord of Galloway. He was the most powerful man in Scotland at the time and his coronet would often overpoise the crown. After re-building part of Bothwell Castle, he directed his attention to the church. Some time between 1370 and 1398 he removed the apse of the old Norman church of the Olifards and erected in its place a beautiful Gothic choir, which he dedicated to St.Bride, the patron saint of the Douglas family. His idea apparently was to have a church of cathedral proportions, with the Norman building as nave and the chapel of St.Bride as chancel. On the other hand, it may have been his intention to create the cathedral-like church by demolishing at a later date the remainder of the Norman structure and raising in its stead a nave of Gothic design in keeping with the choir. If such a scheme, it never was carried into effect; for he died in 1400, and his successors never took up the task. The exact date of the completion of St.Bride s is uncertain, but the charter conferring the titles, revenues and church lands of Bothwell was dated at Bothwell Castle, 10 th October This charter was confirmed by one from the King, dated 5 th February The church thus erected was a Collegiate church. Now, what was a Collegiate church? In the simplest language it may be described as a church which had for its governing Prebendaries; in other words, a church with one chief minister and several assistant resident ministers. Obviously, the Collegiate church was no ordinary parish church. As a matter of fact, it had no parish attached to it, but with its college or chapter of priests was regulated very much as a cathedral. The college was formed by grouping together the clergy of neighbouring parishes under a provost or dean. In the case of Bothwell these clergy or Prebendaries, as the members of the chapter were called, - were the priests of Strathaven, Overtoun, Newtoun, Netherfield, Cruikburn, Stonehouse, Hessildene, Kettymuir, and later on 1557 Hawyk (Hawick). In addition to these, there was a vicar who had charge of the parish an ordinary parish minister. In all there were eleven priests serving in the Collegiate church of Bothwell prior to the Reformation. It might further be stated here that there seem to have been five chapels, each of which had at least one chaplain Orbiston, Chapelhall, Bothwellmuir(Shotts), St.Lessart and Uddingston all under the immediate jurisdiction of the Collegiate church. Naturally the question arises, why was it that Collegiate churches came into existence? To answer this question, one must realise that about the middle of the 14 th century the church in Scotland, as elsewhere, began to decay in piety and fervour. The large monasteries and abbeys throughout the land were evincing signs of serious corruption. Abuses crept in everywhere. The lives of many of the parish clergy, as well as of the monks and nuns, became scandalous, services were conducted in a slovenly and sometimes almost irreverent way, and the church was brought into contempt. Several attempts at reform were made. One of the most important of these was the founding and endowing of Collegiate churches by wealthy laymen. Formerly devout land-owners made their gifts to monasteries, but these establishments having belied the purpose for which they were founded, the laity preferred now to concentrate on certain local churches over which they would have some form of control. Almost invariably they retained the patronage in their own hands, and there is no doubt that his element of lay control had, for a time at any rate, beneficial results. The constitutions of some of these churches are still in existence, and they throw a vivid light on the corruptions against which they were intended both as a protest and a safeguard. By the time of the Reformation there were forty Collegiate churches in Scotland, most of them having been created in the 15 th century. Bothwell has the distinction of being the second oldest, its charter dating, as already noted, from Continued over. 7

8 Short History of Bothwell Continued from previous page... The Rev. Dr. Rankin calls these churches one of the very best efforts of the old Church of Scotland and a proof of the internal feeling of the Church that some quickening and change of ecclesiastical life and polity were required; while the Rev. Dr. Butler says, the creation of Collegiate churches was a practical endeavour toward ecclesiastical reform in the 15 th century when the f o u n d a t i o n o f m o n a s t i c establishments ceased. They arose with the purpose of counteracting the evils incidental to the monastic system and were an expression of the zeal and munificence that were displayed in the enlargement and decoration of buildings, when all classes vied with each other in the endowment of chaplainries for the maintenance of daily stated service, always including prayers and singing of masses for the souls of their founders, their relations, and benefactors. In this connexion it may be said, as Bishop Dowden remarks, that generally the collegiate churches aimed at, and in a measure attained, a dignified and stately rendering of the services of divine worship. They gave much attention to the cultivation of high-class music. Among other things they shewed an interest in education by making a school part of their equipment. It may accordingly be presumed that there was a school under the care and direction of Bothwell Collegiate church, though at first it may only have been a sang-schule. Such a school would naturally be close to the church, and it is more than likely that it stood where the Russell Memorial Hall now stands which, as local historians know, occupies a site that has educational associations extending over several centuries. Japan Earthquake / Tsunami Appeals The Red Cross is the key aid organisation collecting donations for relief efforts following Japan's earthquake and tsunami. You can make online donations through the British Red Cross or you can download donation forms to post. Cheques should be made payable to British Red Cross and sent to: British Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal Ref: ON2011 Freepost NAT21787 Paisley PA1 1BR. Save the Children UK is taking online donations and credit and debit card donations over the phone. Call Lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 8

9 Calvin Worship Symposium 2011 Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan At the beginning of this year, I had the privilege of representing the United Kingdom at Calvin College s annual Worship symposium, which hosted over 1,400 delegates from 40 different countries. m With just 48 hours before the deadline, a frantic reached my inbox inviting me to apply for an international student scholarship to attend. As I was about to leave for the airport to fly to London to read at my friends wedding, it was a stroke of luck that I had my passport in my pocket to allow me to complete the form in time! The theme of Calvin s Symposium on Worship this year was We thank God every time we remember you (Phil. 1:3) based in the book of Philippians, with all of the services being based in a section of Philippians. This year the entire Calvin campus is celebrating and exploring the book of Philippians. The project is so exhaustive that a book was published to lead the college in exploring this year s theme! As an international delegate, I was one of 126 ministers, worship leaders and musicians from all over the world who had travelled half way across the globe to learn of new and exciting ways of worship ranging from handbell music and chanted vespers to the latest in presentation technology. The opening worship service for the international delegates was an incredible experience with over 100 people singing the Old 100 th ( All people that on earth do dwell ) in seven languages - French, Dutch, English, German, Hungarian, Indonesian and Spanish! It was amazing to hear everyone in the Seminary chapel singing in joyful song to the glory of God in a language they understood. Reformed Churches was born through a merger of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC). Meeting from June 18-28, WCRC delegates launched a landmark effort to unite Christians for common witness and service to the world. The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) links Christians in 108 countries around the world, bringing together some 80 million Reformed Christians worldwide. Its 230 member churches are Congregational, Presbyterian, Reformed and United churches originating in the 16th-century Reformation led by John Calvin, John Knox and others. From here we were taken to LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church for an organ recital and some lunch. According to their website, the organ is among the most technologically advanced instruments designed and built today and maintains the very highest standards of quality. The melding of pipe and digital voices in an instrument of its size is unprecedented. The Austin Organ Company built the 76-rank pipe organ consisting of 4,413 pipes. The Allen Organ Company built the computerized console and 32 ranks of digital voices. The organ s 108 ranks are divided over five manuals and pedalboard, speaking from both the main chancel and the antiphonal organ located in the balcony. The antiphonal organ also includes a Trumpet en Chamade rank of horizontal trumpets. Continued over. Following this came a presentation from the first President of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, Jerry Pillay. In June, 2010, Calvin College was the host institution for a historic gathering of churches in the Reformed tradition around the world. At this gathering, the World Communion of 9

10 Calvin Worship Symposium 2011 Continued from previous page. Friday 9 th to Sunday 11 th September 2011 Thursday, Friday and Saturday were spent in seminars where I attended a variety of lectures on varying parts of ministry in the 21 st Century with very powerful worship sessions throughout the days. I was amazed to see the wealth of knowledge on display at the Symposium as well as the gifts on offer from people involved in worship from all over the world being exchanged. Everyone who asked which church I was working at were left speechless when I presented them with photographs of Bothwell and its age, considering it is almost a century older that what is known as America! Overall, my time at Calvin was a very powerful and transformative experience, which has inspired me to experiment with new ideas in worship experiences that the Allovus group have already experienced through their multi-sensory prayer labyrinth at the beginning of March! If you wish to hear more about my time at Calvin, then please do not hesitate to ask! Jonathan Fleming Assistant Minister For individuals, families, community groups and businesses around Bothwell In September 2011, Bothwell s first SCARECROW FESTIVAL takes place. With entries from individuals, families, community groups and businesses, the village will be transformed with scarecrows colourful, comical and easily made. Bothwell scarecrows will: raise awareness of what Bothwell has to offer; connect residents of all ages, community organisations and business; bring visitors to Bothwell; make everyone smile children will love it! Open to everyone individuals, families, community groups and local businesses we re hoping to see scarecrows in gardens, schools and nurseries, as well as outside shops and offices. Community groups and organisations gain an opportunity to showcase their activities and raise funds throughout the Scarecrow Festival weekend. For more information bothwellscarecrowfestival@yahoo.co.uk Blog: 10

11 The Boys' Brigade The BB session is now coming towards the end of the year and we have had a hectic time of events activity and competitions. The Anchors have moved to a new start time and have been working hard playing some new games and learning about Noah and the Ark. Soon we will be start practising for the display and have some good fun preparing for our end of year spectacular. The Juniors have been working hard practising for some battalion competitions but also finding time to taste some different foods in a blind fold taste test. Competitions have come thick and fast with the Bible Quiz, Maze Marching and General Knowledge Quiz all taking place within the last few weeks. At the time of writing we don't know how we did in the Bible and the General Knowledge quiz, but the Maze Marching was held at Bothwell on the 12 th March and in closely fought contest the Boys managed to successfully defend the title they won last year. A fantastic result and hopefully the first of many successes this year. The Company Section have also been working hard to earn their badges. This year we have three lads working due to gain their Presidents Badge and four hopefully getting the Queens Award. These are the two highest awards that a Boy can get in the BB and the boys are so far on track to make this a big year for themselves and the Company. Our new programme is settling in nicely and the boys having been learning some new skills over the year and seem to be enjoying themselves. They Company Section have also been competing the Battalion Quiz, the Elementary and Restricted Drill and the Bible Competitions have all recently been held and in a sporting vein we were also represented at the Swimming Gala by one Boy, Iain Scott. Iain did a great job and swam his heart out and while he didn't win he earned his own ovation when swimming in a relay with two boys from the 9 th Hamilton. Iain swam as a senior and made up ground lost by the other boys and his efforts were recognised by everyone present. A true sign of determination and spirit, well done Iain. We had two teams at the quiz which we have won for the past 10 years. Unfortunately all good runs must come to and end and this year we only managed to be second equal rather embarrassingly losing out to a 5 th Hamilton team that contained 2 of my sons but still a good effort by the boys. The following Friday 4 of our Junior Boys led by one of our NCO's went to the Elementary Drill and won both the main competition and also the section for the Squad Commander. This was followed by the Restricted Drill in February where we entered two Squads and came 1 st and 2 nd scoring 93 and 90 out of 100 respectively. All that remains is to find out the Bible results and then see if we can defend the Squad Drill title we have held for the last 15 years. Finally as the year draws to a close we naturally look back on the past year. There have been great successes from the boys both in competition and in the work that we do on a Friday. But the main strength of the Company is the dedication of the staff. We have an excellent team of people working in the Company not just on a Friday night but freely giving up their time to further Christ's Kingdom among Boys. Sometimes we re approached to undertake special activities at National Level 3 of our staff are Training Officers and recently myself and David Sneddon were invited to judge the Drill, Deportment and Turnout at the Scottish Band Contest. Without these dedicated individuals we would have no BB Company and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all and ask that you remember them by name in your prayers thanks to: Elizabeth French, David Sneddon, Eleanor Barr, Robert Fleming, Karen McLean (on Loan from 5 th Hamilton), Ross Walker, Craig Barr and Christopher Connell. If you want to find out more visit our website at Robin McLean Captain 1 st Bothwell Company, The Boys' Brigade 11

12 SUNDAY WELCOME / DUTY ROTA Officebearers unable to be present on allocated Sundays should arrange cover. Elders on duty are expected to arrive at Church before 10.00am. APRIL 3rd E Terrace E Somerville Dr Thomson A Watt 10th G Whitton E Buttery J Carson M Clark 17th S Cook D Craig J Crichton J Cumming 24th Easter Communion Arrangements MAY 1st J Dalziel E Dempsey Dr Fairlie B Gillespie 8th Communion Arrangements 15th J Gilmour T Goodsir S Greenshields K Hamilton 22nd L Horn I Henderson J Henry J Hart 29th M Hutchison M Jack D Lee G Moore JUNE 5th S Mowat H Marsh J Marsh L McLean 12th C McMurdo C McQueen Dr Ritch R Robertson 19th B Sharp J Shaw K Simpson E Terrace 26th E Somerville Dr Thomson A Watt G Whitton SUNDAY COFFEE ROTA As usual, volunteers are asked to please swap any inconvenient dates with each other. New volunteers are most welcome to join the list and should please contact Sara Crichton APRIL: 3rd Mrs C Cahill 10th Mrs J Craig 17th Mrs S Crichton 24th Mrs J Hamilton MAY: 1st Mrs N Carson 8th Mrs A Thomson 15th Mrs M Cumming 22nd Mrs E Buttery 29th Mrs H Gilmour JUNE: 5th Mrs E Dempsey 12th Mrs C Cahill 19th Mrs J Craig 26th Mrs S Crichton Chancel Church Flower Calendar War Memorial Sunday Crèche. APRIL: 3rd Mrs E Horn Mrs I Parsons 10th Mrs L McLean Mrs M McWhinney 17th Mrs J Lee Mrs M Brown 24rd (Easter) Mrs S McDermid Mrs E Brownlie MAY: 1st Mrs P Mosley Mrs A Walker 8th (Communion) Mrs N Robertson Mrs J McPherson 15th Mrs S Cook Mrs M McMurdo 22nd Mrs J Geesin Mrs M Greenshields 29th Mrs M Clark Mrs F Lorimer JUNE: 5th Mrs A Watt Mrs B Watson 12th (Pentecost) Mrs M McIntyre Mrs A Grimmond 19th Mrs P Fleming Mrs A Thomson 26th Miss H McWhinnie Mrs J Henry APRIL 3rd Suzanne Smith Shirley Frew 10th Eleanor Terrace Nan Carson 17th Janet McDougall Jaynie Craig 24th Pat Maxwell Gillian Ormiston MAY 1st Elspeth Hamilton Elizabeth French 8th Eleanor Barr Elaine Gibson 15th Suzanne Smith Shirley Frew 22nd Eleanor Terrace Nan Carson 29th Janet McDougall Jaynie Craig JUNE 5th Pat Maxwell Gillian Ormiston 12th Elspeth Hamilton Elizabeth French 19th Eleanor Barr Elaine Gibson 26th Suzanne Smith Shirley Frew 12