A KILBIRNIE Boys' Brigader has become the first member of his company to earn a President’s Badge since 1999.

Lance-corporal Anthony Taylor of 1st Kilbirnie Boys Brigade received the award as part of the Thinking Day service held in St Columba’s Church, which was also attended by Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

On hand to present the award were 1st Kilbirnie Chaplain, Rev Fiona Ross and former captain Neil Cairns, who was captain from 1996-2001 and the last captain to have a boy earn this award.

Th President’s Badge is the second highest award that the Boys Brigade bestows after the Queen’s Badge.

In order to qualify for the award, Anthony had to meet a number of criteria.

He had to complete a minimum of 30 tasks from the Discover program – the course work for Company Section.

These tasks included taking part in a table tennis competition, a visit to the Kilbirnie Fire Service, learning about Fairtrade and playing chess to name but a few.

He also had to take part in a camp activity, which he did with 1st West Kilbride two summers ago when he went to Comrie Croft.

Another requirement was to complete a leadership course, which he took with South Ayrshire Battalion.

This involved a number of exercises such as developing negotiating, creativity and planning skills.

He had to complete a Christian education course and also took part in a North Ayrshire BB Scripture Knowledge competition.

He was part of a team with boys from 1st Saltcoats and 1st Ardrossan.

On Thursday of last week, we learned that his team had won overall and Anthony scored 92%.

Another requirement was good attendance in one year but Anthony is soon to be rewarded for having completed perfect attendance for not just one year but for ten years in a row!

He had to complete ten hours of community service.

Anthony has been helping with the Anchor Boys, our youngest section.

He was required to do 10 hours with them but has been working with them since September and has enjoyed the experience so much that he has kept on working with them.

Now that he has completed his President’s Badge course, he is currently working on his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award before starting his Queen’s Badge course.