48TH EDINBURGH (PENICUIK) COMPANY, THE BOYS’ BRIGADE
This has, obviously, been a strange year for the company, however we have managed to keep all sections running in some capacity and we have 28 boys registered across all sections. Staff numbers have remained the same, although 2 of our leaders have felt unable to return during the pandemic. Both intend to be back with us as soon as possible. One of our senior boys from last year has returned as a new leader, however Alan Anderson has retired after many years of service to the BB in Penicuik. In March, Alan was deservedly appointed an Honorary Officer of the Edinburgh, Leith & District Battalion.
The Company met as normal in the early part of the year until things came to a sudden halt in March following lockdown. Prior to this, in February, 4 boys from the Company Section won the Scottish Final of the National Masterteam Quiz. This was an exceptional achievement by the boys (Rowen Marwick; Logan Dunn; Bradley McDonald and Ramsay Blair) and a first for the Company. Disappointingly the National Final, due to take place in Belfast in April, did not take place due to the pandemic.
Following the initial lockdown in March, both Anchor Boys and Junior Section were suspended and were unable to meet until the last Friday in October when we could meet again in the Church Hall. We did, however, keep Company Section meeting online (via Zoom) throughout lockdown until the end of July. These sessions restarted again during September. Thanks go to Scott Charleson for organising and running these sessions, with 10-12 boys attending regularly.
In terms of awards and promotions 1 boy was promoted from Anchor Boys to Junior Section, 1 Junior Section boy gained his Gold Badge, the highest award in the Junior Section, and 2 boys were promoted to Company Section. In Company Section 1 boy gained his Queen’s Badge, the highest award in the Boys’ Brigade and we have 3 other boys working towards their Queen’s Badge. In addition, 2 boys gained their President’s Badge.
Friday 27th October was a red letter day when all Sections managed to meet again on a face to face basis in the North Hall. Company Section had a trial run the week before, as well as having an outdoor trip to Penicuik Estate in early October. As you can imagine things were a bit different for everyone, but it was great to welcome the boys back, including 2 new Anchor Boys.
Anchor Boys and Junior Section met together between 6.30pm and 7.30pm, with Company Section meeting between 8pm and 9.30pm. 
Anchor Boys and Junior Section both have a membership of 6 boys and have been staffed by 2 officers. Company Section has a membership of 16 boys and have been staffed by 2 officers and 1 Staff Sergeant.
Starting 2021 in lockdown has meant the Company Section meeting online again and Anchor Boys & Junior Section being sent weekly activities to keep them occupied at home.
As always we are very grateful for the continuing support of the North Kirk family and, in particular this year, to everyone involved in making sure we can meet in the North Hall when possible.
Richard Charleson, Captain, 48th Edinburgh Company, The Boys’ Brigade
(updated April 2021)