A new boys’ brigade unit has been set up in the north-east following a decade-long hiatus.
When all the leaders of Rosehearty BB retired 10 years ago, there was nobody willing to take the helm and the group disbanded.
But after an enterprising initiative was launched to restart the club, the BB branch is back – and already making a contribution to the community.
Ten generous groups and individuals have donated money to help the organisation get established.
After a few months of games and work to earn badges and crafts and organise commemorative events, the group took time to thank those who funded them.
One of the leaders, Michael Strachan, said it was important for the boys to express their gratitude.
He said: “They invited members of the community to one of our meetings to say thanks for all they have done.
“We currently have 13 boys in the junior section and have plans to start up a company section next year for boys from primary seven aged to 18.
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“It has been going pretty well, we would like to have more boys join us, but for a first year we’re doing well.
“The group got really involved with the Rosehearty Remembrance day, so it was good to see them out in the community.
“The costs for the annual use of the primary school hall was £560 so that was the amount we were aiming to get.
“We were actually worried we wouldn’t have enough funds to keep it going, but thanks to the generous donations we can.”
The cash came from Alex Strachan Electrical Services, Rosehearty Bowling Club, the profits from Mr Strachan’s book about the brigade, the Robbie Watt Memorial Pool Competition and a snooker tournament.
There were other donations from Masons Lodge Forbes Number 67, Jimmy and Mark Guthrie’s Memorial Texas Scramble, Fraserburgh OPC Guild, Gordon and Jennifer Thomson and an anonymous donation, which brought the total to £1,500.
Many of the donors wanted the money to be spent on something for the troupe.
Mr Strachan said: “We’re going to take them to Fraserburgh panto this Christmas and we’re also planning on a possible expedition in the summer months.
“Special thanks have to go to Beth Dobson for helping us get set up and to our other officer Marc Thomson for being instrumental in the fundraising.
“It’s fantastic to see the boys’ brigade up and running again in Rosehearty.”
