Peter Home (Captain)

The 4th Company resumed in September 2007 with eight boys mostly aged under 13 years. Classes of Knot Tying, Gymnastics, Safety and Bible and B.B. History are included in the weekly programme on Wednesday evenings, so that boys can qualify for certificates and badges.  The first Battalion event was the Indoor Football, but unlike previous years, when we were able to compete in all three age groups, only an under 13s team could be entered.  They played well, winning all their games, to take the cup that they last won five years ago.  As there is no outdoor football this year, the boys now happy to spend Saturday mornings running around the old Torvean Quarry on three small motorcycles.  This is a new experience for most of them and we are possibly the only company in the country that is providing this activity, though much depends on weather conditions.

Since the start of the New Year the numbers have increased and we can expect ten boys attending each week.  The only outdoor Battalion activity was the cross country run at Charleston where the 4th boys took 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th places to win the under 13s shield.  They have also dominated the table tennis competitions, winning the three age groups and runner up in another. 

The weekly badge classes are about completed and boys can look forward to receiving awards for their efforts. These classes could be increased if we had access to more instructors and staff. But this is not just a problem for the 4th Company, it is the same throughout the country.

There have been meetings of the Centenary Committee and at present we have secured a B B floral display in the church grounds, overlooking the River Ness. The only other set date is for a re-union and meal at Lochardil Hotel on Saturday 29th September 2008, which will celebrate the completion of 100 continuous years of the 4th Company.  Several other events are being considered, but the details have yet to be finalised.  Former members of the Company and Life Boys/Junior Section will be contacted so that they can participate in the celebrations.