The Airdrie Coatbridge & District Battalion of the Boys’ Brigade (BB) is looking for former members and people in the Monklands community to help its planned centenary celebrations.
The oldest BB company in the area was formed in 1887, with the Battalion marking 100 years since its creation next year.
To mark the magnificent milestone, the Battalion is producing a special centenary book – and members are seeking pictures and stories to add to the exciting publication.
A spokesman for the organisation told Lanarkshire Live : “As well as being a factual account of 100 years, the Battalion would like to add some memories or personal stories, or pictures from its past, in the book.
“This can be events you think may be worth sharing to a wider audience.
“Due to companies closing, we are especially looking for any memories of those organisations, which could just be a picture from a long time ago.
“And we hope to have something in the book from each of our current and previous company members.
“Anyone who wishes to provide material should do so by emailing acdbattalion100@outlook.com.”
Meanwhile, a young Battalion member has created a striking new centenary logo for next year’s big anniversary.
The organisation ran a competition involving all boys and adult leaders, with Steven Graham, a helper with 1st New Monkland Company, designing the winning entry.
Battalion president George Bustard said: “We liked the way in which Steven paid tribute to both the BB and its centenary locally but also the heritage to the general Monklands area.
“Once known famously for its heavy industry and coal mines, the use of the large colliery wheel and the steam stack, Monklands has a great history Steven’s logo shows we are clearly proud of.”
The Battalion was formed in 1922 to “support the work of all the companies and offer some organisation and structure around competitions and events”. At its peak, it included more than 30 companies.
Airdrie, Coatbridge and surrounding communities currently have 15 BB companies offering a wide range of activities for boys aged five-to-18.
The Battalion is planning a year-long celebration of its centenary in 2022, which it hopes will commence in October next year with a “civic reception and formal event at Airdrie town hall”.
