Battalion Newsletter



November Update
Keeping it simple this month, highlighting and focusing on the events and training sessions. The 2 sections (immediately below) provides a quick glance guide for 2025-2026 and will be updated as the year progresses.
Calendar of Events
2025 21 November – CS PT Event 25 November – Executive Meeting 30 November – JS Superstar Event 13 December – AS/JS Panto Visit 8 December – CS/Seniors Meal New Addition 7 Nov-6 Feb 2026 – Mobile Photo Comp 2026 TBC February – AS Soft Play Day 13 February – JS Airhop Sleepover 27 February – CS Residential Camp TBC March – JS Easter Story 16 – 22 March – CS NCO Drill 2 May (TBC) – Beating Retreat TBC May – AS/JS Outing 17 May (TBC) – Guard of Honour TBC May – Battalion Council AGM TBC June – CS Outing
Battalion Training Dates
2025 22 November – YLT Part 2 29 November – Safeguarding & Managing Risk Modules 29 November – Holiday Leadership 2026 10 January – Safeguarding & Managing Risk Modules 17 January – Building Your Skills 24 January – Company Management 25 February – Basic Expedition (theory) 4 March – Basic Expedition Part 2 11 March – Basic Expedition Part 3 28 March – Campcraft
Battalion Subscriptions & Annual Returns
With effect session 2025/26 the Battalion will no longer charge Companies an annual Battalion Subscription fee.It is however important for the Battalion to record and retain details of membership numbers for the current session. Please provide Youth and Leader numbers as at 14th November 2025, by copy and paste the below and return the details by email no later than Friday 21st November 2025. Company Name: Date: Number of Youths Anchors: Juniors: Company: Seniors: Total number of Youths: Total number of Adult Leaders (registered on OBM): Total number of Adult Leaders (pending on OBM):
Upcoming Training – Registrations Closing Soon
Youth Leader Training
Part 2 of the course is taking place on 22 November at Thomas Chalmers Church Centre, Kirkliston. Youth Leader Training will enable participants to deliver the BB mission by equipping them with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to work effectively with children and young people. Participants will be required to have completed the Managing Risk & Safeguarding e-learning modules before attending the course. (All courses are subject to cancellation if the minimum number of 6 participants is not reached)
Holiday Leadership
Holiday Leadership training is a mandatory course specific for leaders taking responsibility for any residential camps, providing you with the correct skills and procedures to facilitate a well run and managed residential experience for your young members. This course will take place on Saturday 29th November 2026 between 1pm & 5.30pm at Pollock Pavilion. The afternoon session, will take you through the key stages and how best to achieve these for your company:- – Identify the key elements in the preparation phase of a residential. – Set realistic aims for the event in consultation with children and young people. – Plan and deliver a high-quality programme at a residential.Carry out effective risk assessments for residentials. – Understand the importance of maintaining professional boundaries during settings such as residentials, events, and activities outside of BB weekly sessions. – Recognise the importance of maintaining safe and appropriate boundaries with children and young people during residentials. – Understand and meet the needs of children and young people away from home. – Contribute to positive working relationships with adult colleagues. Upon completing your Holiday Leadership training, a leader will hold a valid 5 year certificate. Registration Forms must be received by 16th November 2025 (All courses are subject to cancellation if the minimum number of 6 participants is not reached)
Safeguarding and Managing Risk Modules
The Safeguarding and Managing Risk modules of Youth Leader Training (YLT) are being offered as standalone modules. The Safeguarding module builds on the e-learning module that you have already completed. Ultimately this module is all about ensuring that The Boys’ Brigade is a safe space for all. It is not just about keeping children and young people safe but being a youth organisation and a charity there are a number of rules, regulations and requirements that we have to adhere to. We also work in partnership with local Churches across different denominations and as part of this you may be required to follow their policies, procedures and training as well as our own. The Managing Risk module aims to enable participants to create a safe environment for children and young people and ensure that activities are organised and delivered safely. Participants must have completed the OBM e-learning modules before attending these sessions. Return registration forms no later than 16th November 2025.
Upcoming Events and Registrations Closing Soon
CS PT Event
The PT Competition (Fraser Shield of old) is a circuit-based physical fitness event designed to test participants’ endurance, strength, agility, and discipline. When: 21st November 2025 Where: Penicuik North Kirk Hosted by: 48th Edinburgh Company – Starting times for each team will be advised prior to the event – Each team to consist of 6 Company Sections members of any age – Companies are welcome to submit joint teams – Each participant will perform 6 exercises for 30 seconds each. Exercise details attached on separate forms – An Individual event will be run in conjunction to the team event – Team members will automatically be entered into the Individuals event. – Where individuals are not in a team please ensure the entry form is submitted per individual this will ensure that time slots are allocated correctly for the duration of the event By reinstating the PT Competition, the Battalion provides youths with the opportunity to challenge themselves physically, build confidence, and take pride in representing their Company. CS PT Last Chance enter by 7th November 2025 Timings will be confirmed week commencing 10th November.
AS & JS Chrismas Pantomime Outing
We are thrilled to announce an exciting visit to see Beauty and the Beast! At Portobello Town Hall on Saturday 13th December. This much-loved fairy tale will be brought to life on stage with plenty of songs, laughter, and pantomime fun. Children will be enchanted by the magical story, colourful costumes, and lots of audience participation. Be prepared for giggles, gasps, and maybe even a “He’s behind you!” or two… Last chance – all entries must be with the office by 7th November As all tickets require to be booked in advance please submit your company requests for ticket allocations. AS/JS Panto Entry FormAs a subsidised event ticket price will be £5pp only.
Junior Section Superstar
Sunday 30th November 2025 at Portobello & Joppa Parish Church A competition involving skill, endurance, fitness & mental agility, open to all Junior Section Members. Participants will be challenged in a mix of tasks & activities as they compete against other Battalion members to win the title of EL&D Battalion Junior Superstar 2025. Full details and the entry form are on the link JS Superstar Event
Juniors Sleepover
Get ready for the ultimate overnight adventure at AirHop Adventure & Trampoline Park, Musselburgh. Join us for a night packed with excitement, energy, and unforgettable fun. Entry Form & More Details JS Airhop Sleepover Spaces are limited to 100 attendees and are filling up quickly. Sleepover Schedule Highlights: 19:30 – Arrival & Safety Briefing 20:00 – 22:00 Trampoline Park Activities (with prizes!) 22:00 – Pizza Feast & Drinks 22:30 – Movie & Chill 00:30 – Lights Out 07:30 – Breakfast & Morning Bounce 09:00 – Pick-up Time Each guest will be required to bring their own sleeping bag and pillow.
CS Whithaugh Park Residential Weekend
As part of the MAD Campaign, the Battalion are delighted to be subsidising a 2-night residential stay for our Company Section Members at Rock UK, Whithaugh Park. This exciting opportunity is open to 20 youths only, with a maximum of 4 youths + 1 leader per company entry. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and confirmed upon receipt of entry. Cost: £100 per youth Venue: Rock UK, Whithaugh Park Duration: 2 nights – Friday 27th February – Sunday 1st March 2026 Don’t miss out on this fantastic adventure – spaces are limited, so get your entries in quickly! Last Chance date extended to 8th November 2025CS Residential Camp Entry Form
Mobile Phone – Photography Competition
We are delighted to announce the offering of a new and very easy to enter Competition for 2025-2026. This is a nice easy competition that can be completed in your own time, using a mobile phone and by taking a stroll or cycle along the Water of Leith.

Funding Opportunities
£100 Company Support The attached application form should be completed and returned to: finance@thebb-edinburgh.org.uk for each request. As in previous years £100 can be claimed for Company Support towards recruitment and/or other Company activities in addition to the other funds available. Details of the various funds available are listed on the reverse of the application form. “Making A Difference” financial assistance To apply for Making A Difference funding please complete the online application via the following link: https://form.jotform.com/250202894426051 Please also read the attached Making A Difference Fund Grant application guidance notes Note: Applications will be assessed quarterly, with deadlines for applications: 30th September, 31st December, 31st March; and 1st June (to allow processing by 30th June). We are extremely fortunate that the above funds are there to assist Companies and should be treated as additional to fundraising carried out at local Company level. BBC Children in Need – Core Costs Funding Stream Available to not-for-profit UK organisations working with children and young people age 18 and under. What we fund – BBC Children in Need
Anchors Spooktacular Craft Day

Thirteen Boys from 4 Companies – 1st Loanhead, 25th Edinburgh, 31st Edinburgh and 61st Edinburgh, attended a fun packed afternoon making 6 Halloween Crafts – Scary Pumpkins, Ghoulish Ghosts, Giant Spiders, Mummies, Flapping Bats and Spooky Skeletons, we were also blessed with sunshine so next it was into the garden for a Parachute Game, Juice and Cakes and Biscuits followed, finishing off with a Story. We’d set the different Crafts up at different tables and the Boys rotated round the tables at their own pace and there were plenty Leaders on hand, Stewart, Jamie, Annette, Daniel, Kyle and myself (many thanks Guys), to help those who maybe got a wee bit stuck. The Boys really had a good time meeting each other Boys from different areas of the Battalion – none were the least bit strange and they were all very well behaved and a credit to their Companies. However, all too soon it was picking up time time and they couldn’t wait to show Mums, Dads and Grandparents what they had made. Comment from the Parents – when they came to collect, not only were they full of praise for their Sons’ handiwork they were delighted to have enjoyed an hour and a half Child free Saturday Afternoon Shopping in town!

November Update

Keeping it simple this month, highlighting and focusing on the events and training sessions. The 2 sections (immediately below) provides a quick glance guide for 2025-2026 and will be updated as the year progresses.

Calendar of Events

2025
21 November – CS PT Event
25 November – Executive Meeting
30 November – JS Superstar Event
13 December – AS/JS Panto Visit
8 December – CS/Seniors Meal
New Addition 7 Nov-6 Feb 2026 – Mobile Photo Comp

2026
TBC February – AS Soft Play Day
13 February – JS Airhop Sleepover
27 February – CS Residential Camp
TBC March – JS Easter Story
16 – 22 March – CS NCO Drill
2 May (TBC) – Beating Retreat
TBC May – AS/JS Outing
17 May (TBC) – Guard of Honour
TBC May – Battalion Council AGM
TBC June – CS Outing

Battalion Training Dates

2025
22 November – YLT Part 2
29 November – Safeguarding & Managing Risk Modules
29 November – Holiday Leadership

2026
10 January – Safeguarding & Managing Risk Modules
17 January – Building Your Skills
24 January – Company Management
25 February – Basic Expedition (theory)
4 March – Basic Expedition Part 2
11 March – Basic Expedition Part 3
28 March – Campcraft

Battalion Subscriptions & Annual Returns

With effect session 2025/26 the Battalion will no longer charge Companies an annual Battalion Subscription fee.It is however important for the Battalion to record and retain details of membership numbers for the current session.

Please provide Youth and Leader numbers as at 14th November 2025, by copy and paste the below and return the details by email no later than Friday 21st November 2025.

Company Name:
Date:

Number of Youths
Anchors:
Juniors:
Company:
Seniors:
Total number of Youths:
Total number of Adult Leaders (registered on OBM):
Total number of Adult Leaders (pending on OBM):

Upcoming Training – Registrations Closing Soon

Youth Leader Training

Part 2 of the course is taking place on 22 November at Thomas Chalmers Church Centre, Kirkliston.

Youth Leader Training will enable participants to deliver the BB mission by equipping them with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to work effectively with children and young people.

Participants will be required to have completed the Managing Risk & Safeguarding e-learning modules before attending the course.

(All courses are subject to cancellation if the minimum number of 6 participants is not reached)

Holiday Leadership

Holiday Leadership training is a mandatory course specific for leaders taking responsibility for any residential camps, providing you with the correct skills and procedures to facilitate a well run and managed residential experience for your young members.

This course will take place on Saturday 29th November 2026 between 1pm & 5.30pm at Pollock
Pavilion.

The afternoon session, will take you through the key stages and how best to achieve these for your company:-

– Identify the key elements in the preparation phase of a residential.
– Set realistic aims for the event in consultation with children and young people.
– Plan and deliver a high-quality programme at a residential.Carry out effective risk assessments for residentials.
– Understand the importance of maintaining professional boundaries during settings such as residentials, events, and activities outside of BB weekly sessions.
– Recognise the importance of maintaining safe and appropriate boundaries with children and young people during residentials.
– Understand and meet the needs of children and young people away from home.
– Contribute to positive working relationships with adult colleagues.

Upon completing your Holiday Leadership training, a leader will hold a valid 5 year certificate.

Registration Forms must be received by 16th November 2025

(All courses are subject to cancellation if the minimum number of 6 participants is not reached)

Safeguarding and Managing Risk Modules

The Safeguarding and Managing Risk modules of Youth Leader Training (YLT) are being offered as standalone modules.

The Safeguarding module builds on the e-learning module that you have already completed. Ultimately this module is all about ensuring that The Boys’ Brigade is a safe space for all. It is not just about keeping children and young people safe but being a youth organisation and a charity there are a number of rules, regulations and requirements that we have to adhere to. We also work in partnership with local Churches across different denominations and as part of this you may be required to follow their policies, procedures and training as well as our own.

The Managing Risk module aims to enable participants to create a safe environment for children and young people and ensure that activities are organised and delivered safely. Participants must have completed the OBM e-learning modules before attending these sessions.

Return registration forms no later than 16th November 2025.

Upcoming Events and Registrations Closing Soon

CS PT Event

The PT Competition (Fraser Shield of old) is a circuit-based physical fitness event designed to test participants’ endurance, strength, agility, and discipline.

When: 21st November 2025
Where: Penicuik North Kirk
Hosted by: 48th Edinburgh Company

– Starting times for each team will be advised prior to the event
– Each team to consist of 6 Company Sections members of any age
– Companies are welcome to submit joint teams
– Each participant will perform 6 exercises for 30 seconds each. Exercise details attached on separate forms
– An Individual event will be run in conjunction to the team event
– Team members will automatically be entered into the Individuals event.
– Where individuals are not in a team please ensure the entry form is submitted per individual this will ensure that time slots are allocated correctly for the duration of the event

By reinstating the PT Competition, the Battalion provides youths with the opportunity to challenge themselves physically, build confidence, and take pride in representing their Company.

CS PT Last Chance enter by 7th November 2025

Timings will be confirmed week commencing 10th November.

AS & JS Chrismas Pantomime Outing

We are thrilled to announce an exciting visit to see Beauty and the Beast! At Portobello Town Hall on Saturday 13th December.

This much-loved fairy tale will be brought to life on stage with plenty of songs, laughter, and pantomime fun. Children will be enchanted by the magical story, colourful costumes, and lots of audience participation.

Be prepared for giggles, gasps, and maybe even a “He’s behind you!” or two…

Last chance – all entries must be with the office by 7th November

As all tickets require to be booked in advance please submit your company requests for ticket allocations.

AS/JS Panto Entry FormAs a subsidised event ticket price will be £5pp only.

Junior Section Superstar

Sunday 30th November 2025 at Portobello & Joppa Parish Church

A competition involving skill, endurance, fitness & mental agility, open to all Junior Section Members. Participants will be challenged in a mix of tasks & activities as they compete against other Battalion members to win the title of EL&D Battalion Junior Superstar 2025.

Full details and the entry form are on the link JS Superstar Event

Juniors Sleepover

Get ready for the ultimate overnight adventure at AirHop Adventure & Trampoline Park, Musselburgh. Join us for a night packed with excitement, energy, and unforgettable fun.

Entry Form & More Details JS Airhop Sleepover

Spaces are limited to 100 attendees and are filling up quickly.

Sleepover Schedule Highlights:
19:30 – Arrival & Safety Briefing
20:00 – 22:00 Trampoline Park Activities (with prizes!)
22:00 – Pizza Feast & Drinks
22:30 – Movie & Chill
00:30 – Lights Out
07:30 – Breakfast & Morning Bounce
09:00 – Pick-up Time

Each guest will be required to bring their own sleeping bag and pillow.

CS Whithaugh Park Residential Weekend

As part of the MAD Campaign, the Battalion are delighted to be subsidising a 2-night residential stay for our Company Section Members at Rock UK, Whithaugh Park.

This exciting opportunity is open to 20 youths only, with a maximum of 4 youths + 1 leader per company entry. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and confirmed upon receipt of entry.

Cost: £100 per youth
Venue: Rock UK, Whithaugh Park
Duration: 2 nights – Friday 27th February – Sunday 1st March 2026

Don’t miss out on this fantastic adventure – spaces are limited, so get your entries in quickly!

Last Chance date extended to 8th November 2025CS Residential Camp Entry Form

Mobile Phone – Photography Competition

We are delighted to announce the offering of a new and very easy to enter Competition for 2025-2026.

This is a nice easy competition that can be completed in your own time, using a mobile phone and by taking a stroll or cycle along the Water of Leith.

Funding Opportunities

£100 Company Support
The attached application form should be completed and returned to: finance@thebb-edinburgh.org.uk for each request.

As in previous years £100 can be claimed for Company Support towards recruitment and/or other Company activities in addition to the other funds available.

Details of the various funds available are listed on the reverse of the application form.

“Making A Difference” financial assistance
To apply for Making A Difference funding please complete the online application via the following link: https://form.jotform.com/250202894426051

Please also read the attached Making A Difference Fund Grant application guidance notes

Note: Applications will be assessed quarterly, with deadlines for applications: 30th September, 31st December, 31st March; and 1st June (to allow processing by 30th June).

We are extremely fortunate that the above funds are there to assist Companies and should be treated as additional to fundraising carried out at local Company level.

BBC Children in Need – Core Costs Funding Stream
Available to not-for-profit UK organisations working with children and young people age 18 and under. What we fund – BBC Children in Need

Anchors Spooktacular Craft Day

Thirteen Boys from 4 Companies – 1st Loanhead, 25th Edinburgh, 31st Edinburgh and 61st Edinburgh, attended a fun packed afternoon making 6 Halloween Crafts – Scary Pumpkins, Ghoulish Ghosts, Giant Spiders, Mummies, Flapping Bats and Spooky Skeletons, we were also blessed with sunshine so next it was into the garden for a Parachute Game, Juice and Cakes and Biscuits followed, finishing off with a Story. We’d set the different Crafts up at different tables and the Boys rotated round the tables at their own pace and there were plenty Leaders on hand, Stewart, Jamie, Annette, Daniel, Kyle and myself (many thanks Guys), to help those who maybe got a wee bit stuck. The Boys really had a good time meeting each other Boys from different areas of the Battalion – none were the least bit strange and they were all very well behaved and a credit to their Companies. However, all too soon it was picking up time time and they couldn’t wait to show Mums, Dads and Grandparents what they had made. Comment from the Parents – when they came to collect, not only were they full of praise for their Sons’ handiwork they were delighted to have enjoyed an hour and a half Child free Saturday Afternoon Shopping in town!

Edinburgh, Leith & District Battalion

Posted: 1st November 2025

Uncategorised