End of an Era: Paisley Boys’ Brigade Honors ‘Last Queen’s Men’
In a poignant ceremony that marked the end of an era, twenty young men from the Paisley and District Battalion of The Boys’ Brigade were recently honored with the prestigious Queen’s Badge – the highest award within the Brigade. Renfrewshire’s Provost, Lorraine Cameron, presented the certificates to the recipients, commending their dedication and commitment to their local communities.
Provost Cameron lauded the young men for their outstanding achievement, stating, “What an achievement. You should all be incredibly proud of yourselves. This award is not only a testament to your hard work but will serve you well in your future careers, whether in employment, further education, or university. A Queen’s Badge on your CV is always impressive and certainly worth a second look.”
Transition to the King’s Badge
The Queen’s Badge, which recognizes significant personal development, leadership, and voluntary service, holds a special significance for this group as they are the last ever recipients of this prestigious award. Beginning next year, the award will transition to the King’s Badge, marking a historic milestone for the Boys’ Brigade.
David Love, president of the Paisley and District Battalion, referred to the young men as the ‘Last Queen’s Men’ during the ceremony. He remarked, “Over the course of 141 years, the Queen’s Badge has evolved, but the values it instils in young men have remained constant. These recipients have shown incredible commitment to developing themselves, taking on responsibility within the Brigade, and serving others in their communities.”
Commitment to Service
Training Convenor Stewart Digney praised the group for their remarkable dedication to voluntary service. He noted, “As part of their Queen’s Badge work, these young men have contributed to over 75,000 hours of voluntary service across the UK. Each of them has committed at least 30 hours, with many going well beyond what was required, continuing their work with local charities and organizations.”
A spokesperson for the Paisley and District Battalion expressed admiration for the young men’s contributions to their communities, stating, “It’s truly inspiring to see how much these young men have given back. For them and their families, the ceremony was a celebration of dedication, service, and the values that have underpinned the Boys’ Brigade for generations.”
The transition from the Queen’s Badge to the King’s Badge symbolizes a new chapter for the young men as they continue to carry forward the legacy of service with pride. As they embark on this new journey, their commitment to making a positive impact on society remains unwavering.
Impact and Legacy
The legacy of the Queen’s Badge recipients will endure through their continued dedication to serving others and making a difference in their communities. Their exemplary achievements and unwavering commitment to personal development and leadership serve as an inspiration to others within the Boys’ Brigade and beyond.
As they transition to the King’s Badge, these young men will carry forward the values of service, responsibility, and dedication that have been instilled in them through their participation in the Boys’ Brigade. Their contributions to society serve as a testament to the positive impact that young individuals can have when they are committed to making a difference.
In conclusion, the honorees of the Queen’s Badge have left a lasting legacy of service and dedication that will continue to inspire future generations within the Boys’ Brigade. Their commitment to personal development, leadership, and voluntary service exemplifies the values that the Brigade stands for, and their achievements will be remembered as a testament to the impact that dedicated individuals can have on their communities.