Good Place for Swimming Award Test

Recently I found a good venue to hold a swimming test, quite accessible by LRT and relatively affordable at RM4.00 weekdays and RM5.00 on weekends. This place was used to host the Commonwealth Games, therefore, is a full-sized Olympic pool. It's also indoor - no need to worry about sunburns. Due to the fact that it is "far" make this place lesser used than other places like PJ's public pool. 

What I liked most about this place was that as the person giving the test, you don't need to know how to swim (safety wise) as there is a lifeguard on duty all the time. You do need to know, in theory, what the strokes and swimming is all about though. 

Here are the details and opening hours.

Price of Admission
RM4.00 weekdays and RM5.00 on weekends.

Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday
- 2.00pm - 4.30pm
- 5.00pm - 7.30pm
- 8.00pm - 10.30pm

Fridays
- 8.00am - 9.30am (free)
- 10.00am - 11.30am (free)
- 3.00pm - 4.30pm (free)
- 5.00pm - 7.30pm
- 8.00pm - 10.30pm

Saturdays and Holidays
- 8.00am - 10.30am
- 11.00am - 1.30pm
- 2.00pm - 4.30pm
- 5.00pm - 7.30pm
- 8.00pm - 10.30pm

Sundays
- 8.00am - 10.30am
- 11.30am - 2.00pm
- 3.00pm - 5.30pm
- 6.30pm - 9.00pm

So yes, look and stress no more for a good place for a swimming test folks!

1st KL Band Spreading the Christmas Joy in Setapak

On the Saturday of 21st December 2013, I tagged along with 1st KL in their mission to provide a marching band accompaniment for a major Christmas event in Setapak. Dubbed Christmas Joy: Setapak Jubilee Malaysia. it was a collaboration between several churches of various denominations in Setapak, wanting to spread the message of Christmas with the community. 

1st KL band unloading instruments

We arrived at Christ Luterhan Setapak at around 5.30pm. It is worth noting that this church used to house the 5th KL company, which was started in 1968, but records are so sketchy its unknown when it ceased operations, but definitely before 1989. It was my main intent tagging along to see if any of the churches would be interested to start BB.. but it was a relatively quiet day. Perhaps some might be curious in the weeks to come. 

The plan was for the band to lead the procession of church groups, decorative groups and so on from Christ Lutheran Church to Muk En Chinese Methodist Church, about 2.2 kilometres away. What wasn't planned was the heavy rain which befell just before event was to commence. That pushed things back by about 30 minutes. It was supposed to start at 6.30pm.

The Boys patiently waiting for their chance to perform

The band tuning their instruments

Participants of the Christmas procession praying before starting the march

The 1st KL band, ready to go!

Cpl. Wong leading the bamd

It was great seeing the BB be a part of something big and meaningful. Though only 2.2km, the march felt like it took quite awhile, especially under the rain which did not let up. Yep, they all marched on despite the pouring weather! Don't ask me how the instruments took it..  nor my camera. 

As the march went on, many cars driving past horned away in support of the effort.. or they could be taunting us - I couldn't tell the difference. Either way, let's assume all were infected with Christmas joy and were all in good spirits! There were certainly some happy faces looking and cheering us on, giving the thumbs up and clapping. There were also volunteers who handed out flyers to by-standers, inviting them to the main event at Muk En, where a carnival was taking place. 

Did I mention floats? Yes, there were several nicely decorated "floats" which depicted the Christmas story and to help create some awareness .. and excitement!

Santa on his electronic sleigh on wheels

Float of the Nativity story 

Love float..?

This event did remind of something similar 3rd KL did in Kajang, leading to procession of churches from the Kajang stadium through downtown Kajang and to Canaan Lutheran Church (former 2nd Kajang). The difference then was crowds weren't friendly.. even hostile. I clearly remember members of this particular religion jeering at us in close range. Glad there were no such incidences this time. The police and RELA personnel were present to provide traffic and crowd control.

 The band finally arriving at Muk En Chinese Methodist Church

After a long march, the procession ended at Muk En.. and apparently the event was just getting started! They had the entire street in front of the church blocked off for carnivals, booths and games. A small stage was erected which listed MB Tan Kee Kwong as the VIP. Mr. Tan Kwee Kwong is/was BBM's Brigade Patron. The other VIP.. darn, can't remember his name.. Zaid something.

Drying up instruments before heading back to KL Wesley. 

In the end, even the rain couldn't dampen us from the spirit of Christmas, which is to spread the Good News of hope and life to the community of Setapak. Alas, due to the delay in time, the Boys had to leave abruptly and could not join the remaining festivities. Well done 1st KL for playing in this event! Praise the Lord giving the Boys the opportunity to perform and be part of this event.  

Camp Concordia - Pleasant in Unity!

Between 28th November till 1st December 2013, the Trinity Annual Conference of the Methodist Church in Malaysia, under the Board of Youth Work, organised a camp for members of The Boys' Brigade and Girls' Brigade for it's sponsored companies. The camp was called Camp Concordia, with the theme "Pleasant in Unity" which is based on Psalm 133:1 "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" (NIV). 

A similar camp was organised last year for the Junior BB & GB members in Taman Wetlands, Putrajaya, but this time it was the Seniors turn, with a similar objective to provide a joint activity for the BB & GB companies in TRAC for fellowship purposes. Participating companies were 1st Petaling Jaya BB & GB, 1st Teluk Intan BB & GB, 1st Klang BB & GB, 12th KL BB, 2nd Penang GB, 1st Ipoh GB, 1st Seremban BB & GB, 1st Kampar GB and 2nd Kampar BB. There were 139 registered participants for this camp. Some pulled out, but I honestly don't know how many. So, it was a small cosy group.

The concept of the camp was more angled at making it a fun camp, rather than the traditional BB camp, which can almost be stereotyped as one chucked full with punishments, strict-discipline, drill and so on. More time was allocated for fellowship (aka free time) and preventing participants from rushing and treating it like a camp with a bunch of task to do. 

The site chosen was the Nilam Ehsan NS campsite located in Bidor, Perak, due to its central location and capacity. It's facilities were also not bad compared to one other frequently used BB campsite in Selangor. This one was clean, spacious,proper toilets, had a big parade ground and good obstacle courses. 

We didn't know what to expect. No joint BB-GB has been organised on this scale for a very long time, if ever at all in the past for the Seniors (and Pioneers). More often than not, it is sad to see that BB or GB missing out on each other's programs when some are organised. One of the hopes and side-effects of this camp is to encourage BB-GB companies on their local levels to have more joint programs. As a "national" camp, we hope to provide an avenue where both the BB and GB can have something together - rather than BB and GB being exclusive at their Pesta's and Fonomarae's. 

That being said, there was never a ""Man from Mars, Women from Venus" situation. All of us were able to get along very well, though the start was a little slow, just like any event where the ice has yet to melt.

There were 12 squads, given military names from Alpha to Zulu, with each squad about 10-11 persons (though one had only 7 as several so happen to pull out from camp from that very squad). The size of the squads were meant to be small to encourage better interaction. Although an adult/officer is assigned to each squad, they all had their own squad leaders which are the participants themselves. Some were surprised and only found out when they got to camp. Oh well, hope it made things more "exciting" for them. I was assigned (self-assigned actually) to Squad Zulu. Very nice bunch.

I rather use the pictures to tell the rest of the story.

BB-GB Guard of Honour and Parade

TRAC President, Dr. Jeyakumar, speaking on the second day of camp

Obstacle courses was one of the main attractions

Martin of 1st Seremban gliding on the flying fox

Station games. I was in-charge of the basketball one. Interest idea from Calvin of 1st PJ

Group photo in the yellow-lime green camp t-shirt

   

Mr. Nicholas Yeap, captain of 12th KL, was the camp commandant

Cyber Wellness session - turned out to be pretty good!

Souvenir badge for participants of the camp 

Overall, it was a really run and relaxing camp. The last night, the squads did a talent time which was quite funny and good. We did give them ALOT of time to prepare, I'm we're pleasantly surprised of what came up. Some videos are actually on Youtube. I was so pleased when my Squad, Zulu, won the best squad. So proud! They did everything their own!

During the this camp, I underestimated how God would use this occasion to move in the lives of the members. I only expected fellowship and new friendships form. But instead, it went much further, with evidence that many participants feeling the calling to do more for their companies. Mr. Lawrence Tay spoke on the last day about their purpose in the BB-GB. I guess that message struck home. An "altar call" was done at the end of the message with many campers responding to the call to serve better in BB/GB. Praise the Lord! Looking forward to seeing them grow.

My special thanks to the committee comprising of Chang Choy Quin (TRAC, Board of Youth worker), Chew Lee Fuang (TRAC GB Rep), Tak Siong and Calvin Teh of 1st PJ for planning the obstacle course, GOH and talent time, Nicholas Yeap of 12th KL for being the camp commandant, Hzu Kim and Christel for the worship, all officers from BB and GB who were present - Mr. Lawrence Tay, Madam Lilian Lazar, Mrs. Lim Chong Ho, Sanjay, Ms. Tamilarasi and Shaun Choon. This camp was a success because of all these individuals and campers. Of course, glory to God for guiding us through and keeping the weather at check (it rained on 3rd day when we were indoors, good thing not on 2nd day was clear skies when we had outdoor activities - praise the Lord!).

The next Camp Concordia is scheduled for 2015. We would most likely be "trademarking" this camp name for future joint camps. Many of this year's participants already can't wait, setting up a GB group and even had a Christmas gathering. Hopefully more companies will join us for that one - might even open to non-TRAC churches, but we'll see. 

Yours Truly (special thanks to Sanjay for the picture!)

BNTS-II @ Seremban

Probably for the first time ever, the KL State Council organised TWO Basic NCOs' Training Schools (BNTS) in the same year. It was held on 22-24th November 2013 at Wesley Methodist School Seremban upon the request of 1st Seremban who wanted to train up their leaders in time for the following year. Initially, we were targeting a small group, perhaps 20 trainees. It seems that I overestimated.

We only had a total of 11 trainees (of which one pulled out on the first night due to physical complications), 1 coach, 1 assistant coach and 1 site administrator. Essentially, we only had one squad. I was the coach and it didn't matter if I was the head coach or not since the group was so small. Fortunately, I had Staff Sergeant Everett, who recently transferred from 2nd Bintangor to 1st Seremban, to assist and taking one of the modules and drill matters. Mr. Lawrence Tay, who is working for the school, helped with site-administrative matters. Special thanks to Mr. Chin, 1st Seremban's Warrant Officer as well for setting up the rooms and presentation equipment. Participating companies include 1st Seremban, 3rd KL and the new 13th KL.

Drill session during BNTS

Why continue on with a BNTS even with such small numbers? Well, initially I did consider cancelling. But who know's who among the 10-11 participants would benefit from the course and become the catalyst of change in their BB companies or their community? Under this conviction, despite the small numbers, we pressed on. It wasn't that small anyway.. 10-11 is a nice squad size.

Although it is only my second time coaching for BNTS (2-3 other times I was just the site administrator), it was my first time doing it properly. Yep, the first one I did was as a last minute replacement for Selangor State Council as Miss Tan Giok Hui had shingles and was in too much pain to teach, but the rush meant that I didn't really prepare myself well. This time was different. I was better prepared and I taught 5 out of the 6 topics, only giving 1 module Effective Meeting to SSgt. Everett.
   

Character Game

Also for the first time, I did't have a bugler on site and was forced to turn to technology to conduct my bugle calls. I was an effective back up plan.. but less "magical" since it was not authentic. But okay, if no choice.. this was certainly a viable option. It needs a good sound system though. 

Case Study on Presentation

I'm glad to say that this batch of Boys (all Boys this time around too) was pretty good. They gelled pretty well and were not slow to catch up during modules. Despite a slow start on the first day (which is typical), they worked very well then after and performed reasonably well. The attitude was quite positive.

Night drill. I wonder what time this occurred..

Attending service at Wesley Seremban

As with all BNTS, an assessment was conducted on the last day, which in the end had a 80% passing rate. Certificates of attendance and the NCO Proficiency Certificates were issued during the closing ceremony. It was a good, small and cozy BNTS. Certainly wasn't a waste of time and I hope these Boys will go on to be better leaders in their companies. Last but not least, a special thanks to Mr. Andrew Tan, a Lieutenant from 12th KL (just transferred from 10th KL) for paying us a visit and sending some Boys home. 

BNTS-II Group Picture 

Mighty Band of Brothers with Second Verse

Here is another BB song with the missing second verse rediscovered. Special thanks to Private James Ng of 12th KL for the effort. 

Mighty Band of Brothers
Words and melody by Marr Mackie

Verse 1:
Sing a song together as we march along
All the way hip-hoo-ray let us swing
Come along and join us and you can't go wrong
We rejoice, heart and voice as we sing

Chorus:
Join the great parade of The Boys' Brigade
Loudly let your voices ring!
We're a mighty band of brothers, spreading out across the world.
Over continent and island, see the B.B. flag unfurled,
We have one great cause and it must prevail
With a stalwart faith that can never fail.
We're a mighty band of brothers.
Ever steadfast ever sure.

Verse 2: 
Life's a great adventure and we hear the call
To the fight for the right thro' and thro'
Boys' Brigade throughout the world are comrades all
We're united in all that e do
With our vision clear, what have we fear
So long as to our trust we're true.

[CHORUS]

[END or REPEAT from Chorus line "We're a Mighty band of brothers.."]

Anchor Song with Second Verse

I was asked by Private James Ng from 12th KL if I had the lyrics of the second verse for the Anchor Song. I already know it is not on the latest Handbook for Seniors, a great shame, but did not expect it not to even pop up on Google! I guess not many people search for it anymore.. 

Anyway, hopefully this helps some of you who are interested.. it will certainly give you something to sing during the second part of the minus one circulating on the Internet which includes the second verse. 


THE ANCHOR SONG
Words and melody by G. Stanley Smith. Piano Arrangement by Marr Mackie

Verse 1:
There's an emblem fair that is known to all,
A sign to help us through,
It stands for strength and it stands for right,
An Anchor tried and true.
The emblem of The Boys' Brigade
It helps us on our way,
Our father's knew in days gone by
This sign we know to-day. 

[CHORUS]

Verse 2: 
With gallant heart and gallant soul,
On life's broad sea we'll sail,
What-e'er storms of life may bring,
Our Anchor must prevail,
Although the clouds may cross the sun,
And skies grow dark and grey,
We'll face the foe until we've won,
A glorious victory.

[CHORUS]

Chorus: "Sure and Stedfast"
The Brigade Boys' motto clear
That's our watch-word
when trouble and trials are near.
"Sure and Stedfast"
to the flag that flies above
In all that we do we'll try to be true
To the Anchor that we love

Reference:

The Boys' Brigade in Malaysia (1996). Handbook for Boys: Company Section (3rd ed.). Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Visit to 7th PJ during EMC's Building Fundraiser

On Deepavali Day, while most companies are taking the day off, Emmanuel Methodist Church Petaling Jaya decided to have a fundraiser for its building fund. They are sponsoring authority of one of the newest companies in Selangor - the 7th Petaling Jaya Company (together with the 2nd Petaling Jaya Girls' Brigade). It was one of the companies I helped form, mainly thanks to the PKK of SMK Tropicana, Puan Looi. Trials there in early 2011, but it took 2 years for them to finally get registered with BBM. Praise the Lord for that!

Currently 7th PJ is captained by Mr. Lim Cheng Hin, who is a rank-and-file BB "Boy" from 2nd Penang, was it's captain before and at one point the Penang State Commissioner. I had a moment of laughter when another less experienced BB officer was trying to "educate" Mr. Lim on how to run the BB and annoying telling him what he cannot do. Dude please, Mr. Lim has been in the BB for maybe 40 over years now.. four times older than the Selangor State Council, if anything, he should be teaching all the Selangor noobs how to run the BB. I admire Mr. Lim's humility and service for just being cool about it. 

In this school, BB and GB are actually a single committee.. a model suitable for schools which only allows for one Brigade, though it is possible they might establish two different set ups in the future. 

A few BB & GB members running around

I was late for the fundraiser, but still bought coupons. There was little food left.. so I guess I was just there for the good company. The BB and GB set up a both to tell the public what the ministries were about. There actually several people come inquiry, but 7th PJ only caters to Senior Section. I guess we can expect a few Juniors to show up at other companies.. or could 7th PJ open a Junior Section soon? =)

BB & GB display booth during the fundraising carnival

At the moment the company does not yet have uniforms, but hopefully next year they will be. I'm excited to see this company grow, God willing.

Kota Kinabalu Division Founder's Day

It's been 8 years since I visited Kota Kinabalu, the biggest city in Sabah, after the Brigade Council Meeting in Sandakan and after climbing the mountain. Back then, I didn't get much chance to see the city, hence unable to remember very much of the place. I recently have a breather in work and with AirAsia so happened to be selling cheap tickets, I decided to take the opportunity to visit KK as well as visit Mr. Sim Guan Jian, formerly serving in 3rd KL, who is now back in his hometown. 

The Kota Kinabalu Division so happened to be celebrating its Founder's Day on the 27th October 2013. Having been busy the day before due to many events, I was initially unable to come. But curiosity (once again), had the better of me. I got on a 6.45am flight on Sunday the 27th itself, arriving in KK at 9.30am. Sim fetched from the airport and we had to kill time till 3pm. The KK divisions were having rehearsals at the Putera Ballroom, one of the local halls. 

Before the event - 2nd KK's BB Room

Before heading over to the hall, Sim brought me to the Kota Kinabalu Basel Church, home of the 2nd KK company for a tour of his BB room. It has tons of stuff in there and held a rather meticulous records system. I mean, even Dr. Danny Wong's squad roll book was intact. Wow. 

After a waiting for his Staff Sergeant to collect some drums, I got myself checked into DM Hotel, a nearby budget hotel, took a quick shower.. and it was off to Putera Ballroom. 

The Best Recruit Medal, worn by the recipient for the year. Not a bad idea!

What is the KK division? Well you see, in Sabah, several companies in a town form a "Division". So there are three Divisions - Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau Division (in contrast to Sarawak which has "Districts"). The KK Division, used to be called the Kota Kinabalu Battalion, is made out of 2nd KK, 3rd KK, 4th KK, 5th KK, 10th KK, 1st Penampang and 1st Keningau. 

KK Division Guard of Honour

The event officially started at 6.30pm, but couldn't really commence until an hour later as we were awaiting the arrival of the Guest of Honour, YB Encik Masiung Banah, Sabah's Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports.  We were also expecting Mr. Henley Liew, Sabah's State Commissioner to arrive, but he never came due to flight delays. Still, it was great to have someone from the government gracing this event.  

The arrival of the Guest of Honour, YB Encik Masiung Banah, flanked by Mr. Michael Lee, 5th KK captain and Mr. Donald Soh, 2nd KK's Hon. Captain. 

All the colours (with the exception of 10th KK and 1st Keningau) getting prepped for the drumhead service

Normally a Founder's Day or dinner banquet would be quite standard. But this event was special for me cause it was the first time I attended a Founder's Day Dinner. Normally, it's just a parade, service, games and go home. So this was indeed special. Another thing out of the ordinary was what they called a Drumhead Service, which, according to them, was a service conduced during wartime in the absence of a physical church building. The drums will be laid out to form an alter and the Colours will be laid on the makeshift alter, consecrating the battlefield. I found the whole process to be eye opening and meaningful. It was great seeing almost all the Colours present too.. something we wanted to do in KL this year (we did have all the Colours last year).. I'm gonna make sure KL companies bring their Colours in 2014. Maybe not a drumhead service though. 

Rev. James Wong conducting the drumhead service

Marching out of the Sabah State Colours

The organising chairman of their Founder's Day this year is Mr. Anthony Fong, who is the founder of the BB in Sabah. He started the 1st KK and 4th KK companies (1st KK formed 2nd KK, while 1st itself morphed into 3rd KK when their sponsors closed down). Despite his old age, Mr. Fong came out of retirement and chose to serve once again in the BB. 

Mr. Anthony Fong, Honorary Captain of 4th KK and the event's organising chairman, giving his speech

YB Encik Masiung Banah giving his speech

Praise and Worship 

Cake cutting. It is after all BB's 130th Anniversary

The rest of the evening was filled with presentations and performances, entertaining the audience made out of parents, members, ex-BB Boys and supporters. Did I mention the price? It was RM40 per ticket! That being said, it was free for me, thanks to Mr. Sim who generously paid for my ticket. Thanks Sim!

2nd KK Percussions

Mime by either 3rd or 4th KK

4th KK Juniors presentation. Cute performance! Questionable song though..

1st Keningau dancers

I'm glad I came to KK, making new friends and learning a great deal about how the BB operated in KK. I hope God's working will continue to expand in this land.

The retreat was sounded, flag lowered and the singing of the BB Vesper marked the end of the event