Grand Finale to First JB's 50th Birthday
By Terence Tay
When a BB member hears the name '1st Johor Bahru', it will surely remind them of 'the strong band' or 'the giant company' or 'the very serious company' or 'the strong drill team'.
As for me after being in the BB for a good twenty years, the '1st Johor Bahru' name has always given me the impression of 'the very serious, unfriendly company'. But in the last few years, my impression of '1st Johor Bahru' has changed. I've come to know many of their officers and a few of their members and they are actually a friendly bunch of people! Yes, they may not be those 'gila-gila' kind of bunch (at least not in the outside) but once you get to know them, they are actually friendly. Though there is no doubt that '1st Johor Bahru' company is still a company to be reckoned with when it comes to discipline.
As the year 2007 draws to an end, I'm priviledged to be invited to the 1st Johor Bahru's 50th Anniversary Dinner held on Dec. 16. I've gone to so many BB company functions but believe it or not, this is my first time attending a 1st JB function.
Having been formed in 1956, it is interesting to note that 1st JB was not all the time that strong in numbers. It was not after Mr Paul Juby who took over captainship in 1966, that the company started to improve. Paul put in so much effort to make sure that 1st JB becomes a success. Paul also started the bugle band. After Paul returned to England in 1974, the young Michael Moorthy took over. Carrying the heavy responsibility, Michael peservered on to guide the company to what it is today. After about 30 years of captainship, Michael is not only the captain of one of the big companies in the BB Malaysia but he is also BBM President and BB Asia President. Michael, a businessman, has given his life to the BB ministry and thru this BB ministry that Michael found his Saviour. |
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Indeed, December Sixteen marks a very special day in the hearts of the 1st JB members, it marks the beginning of another 50 years. The evening started off with a cocktail for the 600 over guests to fellowship with each other. Guest of Honour Rev Nicholas Yeo arrived at 7pm marking the start of the dinner celebration.
Rev Nicholas Yeo, guest of honour with Mrs Yeo |
The MCs of the night |
Grace before dinner
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The 1st JB Band
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Instead of the usual someone from the BB to be the MC of the day, 1st JB had the honour of Clement Chow (a Media Corp Artiste) and his friends to be the MCs of the day. To top up this grand celebration, one of Clement's friends happened to be Gurmit Singh (remember the famous Phua Chu Kang comedy series?). However, Gurmit was not with his yellow rubber boots!
Food was served after a short band performance to the tune of The Incredibles.
Mr Michael Moorthy, captain of 1st JB |
Rev Nicholas Yeo addressing the floor
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A gift to the guest of honour
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During dinner, Mr Michael Moorthy, captain of 1st JB gave his speech and later followed by Rev Nicholas Yeo.
Elder Dr Chuah Seong Peng, chaplain of 1st JB delivered a short sharing for the evening.
After the formalities, it was show time for the 1st JB members. All their hard work of practices is finally put to the test.
A back stage crew member,
what will you do without them? |
A scene from the drama of a bad boy
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A 'skeleton' dance |
Another scene from the drama |
'Babies' and their 'mothers' |
Wow! Oil drum also can make music! |
Sweeping the floor or making noice? |
A typical church choir |
A typical youth choir
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Besides a short drama, the rest of the performances were all upbeat, something which is what today's youth is all about. The highlight of the night was probably 'The Storm ala JB' performance. In this unsual performance, everyday things were used to make music.
A VIP guest from BB Singapore |
Hey, don't look at me, look at the camera! |
Come on guys, follow my steps |
A member from another coy enjoying the show |
Finding the same kind of animal game |
The MCs were not going to let the guest go home empty handed, a few games were played where 1st JB souvenirs were given out to the winners. This was done in between the item presentation.
The night ended with the usual 'Retreat' and after which it was celebration time for the 1st JB members as they jumped and shout joyfully marking a successful year of celebrations and a sigh of relieve!
Well done 1st JB, you've come a long way, continue to strive on.
Terence Tay is a full time worker with the Boys' Brigade in Malaysia Headquarters as Development Executive.
