TWO Downpatrick brothers have proved to be piping hot after they won the UK Boys’ Brigade BB’s Got Talent group championships last week.
Fresh from their win, eleven year-old Jack Gill, who plays the bagpipes and his brother, Charlie (9), who plays drums, decided to entertain supporters outside Lissara Presbyterian Church in Crossgar last Sunday evening.
The sons of Sam and Jayne Gill have been members of First Crossgar Boys’ Brigade since they were five years old.
The competition took place under Covid-19 restrictions, but the boys, who live on the Woodgrange Road and are also members of Hollymount Pipe Band, were undaunted and eager to compete.
Colin Dickson, junior section leader at First Crossgar BB, entered them into the nationwide competition and his wife, Jayne, who is the Anchor Boys leader, made a video, which she sent via WhatsApp.
Colin said: “The decider then went to a public vote before the winner was finally announced last Thursday evening. There were almost 200 boys taking part in the competition.
Given the coronavirus restrictions First Crossgar BB is unable to meet on a weekly basis.
“We have developed a home programme instead where the boys can complete set challenges,” he explained.
“We have 11 boys beginning their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award and we still have a busy schedule.”
He added: “Last year we had four boys who won the UK top team challenge. We came third out of 197 teams who took part. We are delighted with the continued success of the local company.”