Lanchester Takes Title
Tuesday 4th April 201714th North West Durham Company was crowned winners at the Brigade Table-tennis finals in Liverpool on Saturday (1 April).
Liverpool Battalion of The Boys’ Brigade hosted a thrilling day at the Ian Robinson Sports Centre in Liverpool as six teams from across the UK took part in the finals of organisation’s table tennis competition. 1st Grangeouth clinched the runners-up spot and also competing in the finals were teams from 1st Monifieth, 1st Newport (Isle of Wight), 1st Ballyclare and 2nd Coleraine.
It was a case of third time lucky as the team, based in Lanchester Methodist Church, finished third in the last two outings. This year they worked well as a team, showcasing their skills, training and personal commitment, resulting in a win for Sam Humes, Matthew Grimes and brother Sam Grimes.
Taking part on Saturday were two teams from Scotland, England & Wales and Northern Ireland who played in front of The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Roz Gladden, Councillor Roy Gladden, Honorary President of Liverpool Battalion, The Earl of Derby DL and comedian and entertainer Sir Ken Dodd, former member of the 66th Liverpool Boys’ Brigade, Knotty Ash.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Roz Gladden said:
“It’s so good to see young people do amazing things and I’m really proud to support events like this.”
Honorary President of Liverpool Battalion, The Earl of Derby added:
“I think that youth organisations are hugely important to the city of Liverpool.
“They bring kids together and give them opportunities to learn about teamwork and gives them a real sense of purpose. The table-tennis competition has been a really good example of this today.”
Natalie Whipday, Director for England and Wales:
“A big well done to all the finalists for such fantastic performances and many congratulations to all the players, but especially to the teams from Lanchester and Grangemouth, making it into the grand final.
“The preparation for today has been first class. My thanks go to the event organisers Liverpool Battalion and especially to all the BB volunteer leaders who have supported their young people on their journey to the finals.
“By giving opportunities to compete with young people from across the British Isles, young people realise they are part of much larger organisation.”
1st Grangemouth – this year’s runners-up
Former BB Sir Ken Dodd added:
“We all have gifts and it’s important that we use them. Sport is great training for the mind and it’s very important.
“Seeing the young people today brings back many happy memories I have from my time in The Boys’ Brigade.”
Along with Table-tennis, there are national competitions in: Chess, Masterteam, Badminton and Five-aside Football.
