Sheep

I had the privilege of attending the Annual Display of the 1st Cumbernauld Boys' Brigade Company on Thursday evening. This is the BB Company attached to our church and, having been a BB member and officer for many years in the past, always like to support what is now my local company.

One of the games / activities played out last night was one where a 'shepherd', who could communicate using only a whistle, tried to herd a flock of 'sheep' one by one into a pen. The sheep were blindfolded (as well as wearing masks!) and placed at random around the hall. The pen was then put in place. Beforehand, the shepherd and sheep had agreed on the signals to be used - the number of blasts on the whistle, short or long blasts and so on - for walking forward, stopping, turning, etc. but there was no other communication between them during the game itself. It was both fascinating and fun, and only one of the many high spots during a wonderful evening.

The real high spot, though, came at the awards ceremony at the end of the night, when four young men were presented with their Queen's Badges (see extra picture). The Queen's Badge is the highest award in the BB and requires a lot of hard work and dedication by those involved. So a big "well done" to Jack, Mark, Cameron and Keiran!