1995 – The BBig Event
The BBig Event was a weekend of good weather when 10,000 supporters and members of The Boys’ Brigade from all over Scotland travelled to Strathclyde Country Park for a wonderful BBig event. The weekend ran from Friday 5th to Sunday. 7th of May 1995. It was a BB event on a grand scale, a truly enormous gathering of Boys and Officers from Anchor Boys, Junior Section and Company Section. The venue was Strathclyde Country Park, just off the M74 Motorway beside Motherwell. The event was hosted by The Boys’ Brigade, Lanarkshire District.
The weekend had two objectives, firstly to raise the profile of the BB by creating a greater awareness of its objectives, work and activities. Secondly it gave Boys from all over Scotland the opportunity to participate in a weekend of competitions, coaching, adventure, fun, fellowship and worship.
The biggest day was Saturday. It started off in the morning with BB bands playing round various Lanarkshire town centres. Saturday afternoon saw a parade of floats travel from Motherwell to Strathclyde Park where 10,000 people enjoyed programs of sports coaching, fun competitions, arts and crafts and hobbies, various displays and entertainment. In the evening there was a Gala Concert in Motherwell Civic Centre, followed by a Late-Night Revue in the same venue.
Sunday saw parades and bands from many different directions converging on Fir Park, the home of Motherwell FC, to take part in open air worship. For some this was a reminder of The Boys’ Brigade Centenary Service that took place at Ibrox Stadium in 1983.
Logistically, much work had to be done to make the event possible. Accommodation had to be found for 5,000 Boys who could not reasonably travel to and from the event on the same day. Many Church halls were pressed into service as dormitories. There were also tents and caravans in Strathclyde Park. The Companies that could not travel to and from the event on a daily basis were linked and hosted by a local company from Airdrie, Bellshill, Coatbridge, East Kilbride, Hamilton, Motherwell or Wishaw.
One fun event that was much enjoyed was the attempt to establish a new British record for the longest conga line. The record, at the time, was 8659 and with over 10,000 people joining in it looked as if the record would be broken. Everyone who took part was encouraged to make a contribution to various charities including McMillan appeal and Christian Aid. In truth coordinating 10,000 people to move together to dance a conga was not an easy task and whether it happened or not is shrouded in the mists of time.
Overall, the weekend was a great success and was much enjoyed by all who attended. Much thanks and credit is due to all who worked so hard to put the weekend together. A Steering Group and five sub committees took on the enormous amount of work necessary to make this event the success that it was and those who attended are very grateful to them for all their hard work and dedication.
