More than 500 Old Boys, present Boys and Officers of the Boys’ Brigade 12^th Singapore Company gathered at the ACS Barker Road Auditorium on 04 September 2004 for the 12^th Company’s 50^th Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner.

The joyous celebration began with the Guest of Honour Mr Lim Siong Guan (Head, Civil Service & Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance), an old BB Boy, being led into the auditorium by the strains of two Bagpipers from 12 Company (Barker Road).

Other special guests included 5 Honorary Presidents of the BB - Mr S P Chua, Mr Tan Hoay Gie, Mr Liau Nyuk Siong, Mr Lee Liat Cheng and Mr Sam Tan, the Brigade President Mr Choo Gim Kang, the Principals of ACS (Independent), ACS (Barker Road), ACS (Junior) and ACS (Primary), and Founding Captain Mr Wee Choon Siang, who flew in from Thailand courtesy of Mr Lee Liat Cheng.

In its short history, the 12^th Company is the most decorated unit in the Brigade. The men who made it so turned up in strength to demonstrate the sheer grit and guts and a Company steeped in very rich traditions.

Founder Captain Mr Wee Choon Siang
cutting the birthday cake

Those who could not be present sent their greetings via the  Internet. They included Eric Chong from Guam (1975 Founder's man), Shawn from USA, Darryl from Canada, Jeremy Lee from USA, Chooi Khee Wai ex Capt 12 (I) and Ho Chee Meng, an ACSian but from the 2nd Company, who sent his personal greetings to Mr Wee Choon Siang.

In its celebration, the 12 Company gave thanks for God's abundant blessings in producing Church Ministry Staff, full time pastors and the many leaders now serving the Methodist Church.  Mr Lim Siong Guan spoke about remembering thy Creator in the days of thy Youth, the BB Object and the many happy moments of his Youth.

Guest of Honour Mr Lim Siong Guan reliving the happy moments of his youth

The food was good although many were more interested in catching up with old times. The items from 12 (J), 12 (BR) and the True Blues brought back many happy memories of the glorious days of the Pipers and the 12 Company Brass Band.

The Old Boys were still in great form, and although 30 years on they were still awe-inspiring. Not to be outdone the recollections by some brought out the essence of what BB Life is all about.

The Pipe Band brought back many pleasant memories

The True Blues in great form

The Dinner ended on a high note with the Chairman, Mr Ong Ai Teik, reminding the Present Boys that they might be the only ones around for the Centenary and to keep the flag flying.

The BB Vespers were sung as though they were back on Parade and the rendition of the Last Post by the True Blues brought tears to one's eyes. Indeed it was a night to be remembered.

The True Blues’ rendition of The Last Post
brought tears to many eyes