BB Leaders recognised with national award for lifetime service
Tuesday 15th March 2016John Forrest of 26th Stirling company and Stanley McMillan of 1st Scone company have received a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Youth Worker of the Year Awards 2016 in Glasgow on Thursday 10th March. The award recognises long-term commitment and outstanding achievement in the field of youth work.
Stan & John Picture: Alan Rennie Photography
John, 72, has served as Captain of the company, based in the Moncrieff United Free Church, for over 50 years. He continues to take an active role in the weekly programme, often attending three or four events each week. He has led numerous Summer Camps and has also taken charge several international experiences to the likes of Belgium, Denmark and the Czech Republic.
Following the award presentation, John said:
“The BB, and particularly working closely with a good team, has been a significant part of my Church life – and the possibility of making any positive contribution to the lives of boys and young men – is in itself, reward enough.
“I feel that teamwork is the foundation of the best of what we do, and I look upon this award as a shared honour, possible only because of many other people’s efforts.”
Stan, 73, who retired as Captain of in August this year, has given over 50 years of volunteering to The Boys’ Brigade. He has been involved in a number of BB companies, including in Inverness, Glasgow and even in London. Stan has seen hundreds of members come through The BB, and even famous names such as Gregor Fisher, of Rab C Nesbitt fame, who was a member of 1st Neilston company, where Stan spent some years as BB captain.
Following the award presentation, Stan remarked:
Stan & John with Bill Stevenson and their nominators Kenny & Graeme
Picture: Alan Rennie Photography
“My first reaction to receiving this award was of shock and followed by the thought there must be loads of people out there who are worthier than me to receive this award.
“The Boys whom I have encountered over all these years have been my greatest reward. Seeing them develop and mature has been wonderful and I hope that I have had some influence on them.”
Commenting, Bill Stevenson, Director of The Boys’ Brigade in Scotland, said:
“Congratulations to John & Stan on receiving this national award. Their dedication and commitment to young people over so many years make this recognition so richly deserved.
Bill added:
“The Boys’ Brigade is fortunate to have so many talented and passionate volunteer leaders, like John and Stan. National awards like these give the whole organisation a boost and help highlight the fantastic work which happens throughout Scotland. “
Lifetime Achievement Award (Fellowship of YouthLink Scotland)
- Jim Duffy, Scouts Scotland
- John Forrest, The Boy’s Brigade Scotland
- Stanley McMillan, The Boy’s Brigade Scotland
- Jim Thomson, YMCA Scotland
To find out more information about the National Youth Worker of the Year Awards 2016, visit the YouthLink Scotland website at www.youthlinkscotland.org
