Belfast Newsletter Thursday July 17^th, 1924

The new permanent camping ground of the Belfast Battalion of the Boys’ Brigade at Ganaway, on the Down Coast, midway between Millisle and Ballywalter, was dedicated yesterday day by the Moderator of the General Assembly Right Rev. R. W. Hamilton. There was a big parade of the members of the Battalion and a large number of the parents of the boys and friends of the movement travelled down from Belfast for the ceremony.

The camp is ideally situated, a short distance from the seashore, in a beautiful district, and is within easy reach of Donaghadee. The acquisition of the site was made possible through the kindness of an anonymous donor, who generously bestowed to the Battalion, through the President, Rev. R. H. S. Cooper, a sum equal to half the purchase price. Special efforts have been made by the officers and boys to liquidate the balance, and it is hoped to further reduce the amount still outstanding by other efforts during the coming session. A considerable sum is still required to complete the equipment of the ground, and the help of all interested in this valuable organisation is asked for.

The Belfast Battalion now consists of 53 working companies, with a total strength of 2,230 of all ranks. The junior branch – the Boy Reserves – is also making great headway in the city, and is now almost 700 strong. There are at present under canvas at the new camp some 60 officers, 50 staff sergeants, and 570 boys, so that this year’s camp is one of the largest in the history of the Battalion. The accommodation consists of 100 bell tents and six marquees, and splendid arrangements have been made for the comfort and wellbeing of the boys. The cooking arrangements are excellent, and there is an abundant and pure water supply. Each boy contributes £1 towards the cost of his holiday of nine days in camp, and for this sum he gets full messing, free travelling to and from Ganaway, and the use of a generous games equipment. Formal drill parades are cut down to a minimum compatible with the preservation of discipline, and every opportunity is given for swimming, games, rambling, and other recreation and healthy amusements. A large kitchen staff is employed to prepare all the camp food and wash up after each meal. The presence of a Company of The Boys’ Brigade from Cork is deeply appreciated by the Officers and boys of the Battalion, who have give their southern comrades a very hearty welcome. The Company camped with the Belfast boys last year.

The dedication ceremony was of a very impressive nature, but, unfortunately, a heavy shower fell whilst it was in progress. The boys were paraded to form three sides of a square, the forth of which was occupied by friends of the lads. The Battalion band led the praise service, which was opened with the singing of the 1ooth psalm. A passage of scripture was read by the Rev. D Boyle after which prayer was led by Rev. Wylie Blue.

Rev. R.H.S Cooper made a short statement explaining the objects of the service, after which the Moderator solemnly dedicated the grounds “to the glory of God and the use of The Boys’ Brigade”. He said he regarded The Boys’ Brigade as the finest organisation for the development of mind, body, and soul, and paid tribute to the general officer and the friends of the President who had made the purchase of the grounds possible for the use of the boys. He hoped it would be used to the fullest and that it would be a means of assisting the Brigade in a great many ways. The service was concluded with the singing of the National anthem.

In the afternoon the annual camp inspection and parade took place. the inspecting officer being Councillor Major Hall-Thompson, who was received on arrival at the camp by the president of the battalion and the staff. Having made a tour of the lines, he inspected the Brigade, which was drawn up in close column of companies, with bands in attendance, and afterwards took the salute as the Battalion marched past in various formations. The marching was particularly good, and this favourable commented upon by the inspecting officer in his address at the conclusion of the parade. A large squad of boys gave a very credible display of physical exercises and gymnastic games, and at an interval the finals of a number of athletic events were run off.

Having advanced in review order and formed a hollow square, Major Hall-Thompson addressed the Brigade. …. He congratulated the Battalion on having acquired such an excellent site for their camp, and expressed the hope that the officers and boys might have many happy and useful days at it. In going around the lines, he was struck by the fact that they were exceedingly ‘neat and in very’ good order, and this was all the more creditable considering that the Battalion had only been in camp a few day. He was particularly pleased to meet a contingent from Cork and he was sure he was voicing the sentiments’ of every member of the Battalion when he said it was a great pleasure to the Ulster boys to welcome the Cork contingent once more. (Applause.) An important matter. When a large number of men or boys were living together was a good water supply, and he was glad they were so fortunate in that respect. It was also gratifying to him to know that their neighbours were so kind and hospitable, and what they did all they could to make their visit a pleasant one. He congratulated the Battalion on their march past, especially in column. They kept perfect lines Their massed bands were excellent and certainly added greatly to the attractiveness of the inspection. In conclusion he said he believed that the Boys’ Brigade and the Scouts and kindred organisations were a great asset to the community and, in his opinion, they would do more to counteract Bolshevism and red flaggism than anything else. If for no other reason than that he wished them every success and he considered it a great honour as well as a great pleasure to have been asked to make the inspection.