Does the Boys brigade still exist today.
I was in Andover Street as a kid and used to go on the spring bank holiday marches to Firthpark.
They used to get a large following and it was a long walk to Firth Park from Pitsmoor in them days.
I have some old 8mm footage now transfered on to video of the march coming up Barnsley Road about 1964 with all my family and little old blonde me.
Do you think that todays kids would take part in anything like that, its hard to see an 8 year old with a boys brigade uniform on today.

Boys Brigade is still going, but not on the same scale.
I was in 56th St Andrews Church and used to go on Whitsing marches to Meersbrook park.

I think scouts and guides is a stronger organisation now.

my son joined as a child (beck road bb) shiregreen.
and still goes on expeditions etc and helps the little ones
who are still pouring in to join.

yes bb is still alive and kicking.

My son aged 7 goes to the younger group of BB, Anchor Boys at Hillsborough Tabernacle Church. I know it may seems bit dated and unfashionable these days but he loves it. For kids like my son who aren't into playing footaball or martial arts, it's something positive for him to do. There is very little for young kids to get involved in so I think it's great. The leaders put a lot of time and effort into running it and it's all done on a volunatry basis so I take my hat off to them.

My dad was in the Boys Brigade in what I assume was the late 40s/early 50s.. he was from Pitsmoor but I don't know which BB 'chapter ' he was in. We've got photos of him marching along beating the big drum. I think its the Whitsun marches at perhaps Firth Park or something like that.

Originally posted by FetishFairy
My son aged 7 goes to the younger group of BB, Anchor Boys at Hillsborough Tabernacle Church. I know it may seems bit dated and unfashionable these days but he loves it. For kids like my son who aren't into playing footaball or martial arts, it's something positive for him to do. There is very little for young kids to get involved in so I think it's great. The leaders put a lot of time and effort into running it and it's all done on a volunatry basis so I take my hat off to them. It used to be called the Life Boys when I was in it in 1946.

Originally posted by Timbuck
It used to be called the Life Boys when I was in it in 1946.

Gee! you that old TIMBUCK ??

There maybe snow on the roof , but there's still a fire down below... Anyway look at the the Kettle calling the pot black.

I used to play the lead drum for the 37th Sheffield Boys Brigade of Hatfield House Lane Methodist Church, from '77 until about '82. Great days! I bet the band wouldn't be able to march around Shiregreen these days, either get the drums nicked or stoned to death.

Boys Brigade is still going, but not on the same scale.
I was in 56th St Andrews Church and used to go on Whitsing marches to Meersbrook park.

I think scouts and guides is a stronger organisation now.
Hey mikey, I think that I was in the same group in the late 40's-very early 50's.
That was the church across from Anns Road school wasn't it ?

I remember being in the Boys Brigade at the Weslyan Reform Chapel in Grimesthorpe although not sure what age I was then. I do remember the big Whitsun parades that used to happen though. Must have been early sixties then.

Great days

I used to be lead drummer in the 46th Sheffield Boys Brigade from Heeley St Peters church back in the 80s i guess now :)

great times.:)

Hello Jack. Were you in the Wesley Hall BB on Wincobank Lane? We used to call that lot the Cellotape Band, due to the drums being held together with it. Regards, Ex 21st member St Thomas's Church.

And the national headquarters is......................





In sunny Wath upon Dearne :)

Just down the road from my hovel.

I used to play the lead drum for the 37th Sheffield Boys Brigade of Hatfield House Lane Methodist Church, from '77 until about '82. Great days! I bet the band wouldn't be able to march around Shiregreen these days, either get the drums nicked or stoned to death.
I lived on Hatfield House Lane during the war & remember the Boys Brigade & band marching along the lane on Sunday mornings. They used to wear pill box hats.

I was in the 26th Sheffield Company (Southey Methodist) Boys Brigade (late 1950's) and before that in the Life Boys. I was a drummer in the band which I absolutely loved. We had church parades; then we had district parades (4th district); then once a year the battalian parade with the massed bands of all Sheffield B B. The best time was Whit Mondays parading to Firth Park with 100's of people lining the streets near the park. In the park were roped off sections for each church. Each Sunday School Queen came on the platform in turn and when it was yours, you cheered as loud as you could.
.

i was in the BB on beck road

It used to be called the Life Boys when I was in it in 1946.

Actually the Life boys was the old name for the Junior Section. The Anchor Boys are even younger than that. I think the Anchor boys was invented around 1980. Because younger boys often went to the cubs instead as you could start that younger.

My son aged 7 goes to the younger group of BB, Anchor Boys at Hillsborough Tabernacle Church. I know it may seems bit dated and unfashionable these days but he loves it. For kids like my son who aren't into playing footaball or martial arts, it's something positive for him to do.

I was in the 20th at Hilsborough trinity for years. I joined the juniors as soon as I was old enough, and left after several years in the company section when I was about 14 or 15. I played trumpet in the band, learned first aid, and we had occasional camping trips etc..
I left because I got sick of the constant football they used to play in the hall for almost all the second half of the meetings. I suppose they were short of decent adults who could run more constructive activities.

Might be a misconceptio on my part, but in the 40s/50s the Boy's Brigades were generally attached to methodist churches and Scouts to CofE churches.

I can remember wanting to join the BB but couldn't because we were CofE, the BB always had better bands than the Scouts, better uniforms and seemed to get to strut their stuff on Sundays a lot more often :D

You're right Greybeard, I was in the 7th, which was based at Stannington Methodists Church in the early/mid 70's. Great fun, although Muddycoffee is correct in identifying that indoor football took up a major part of the evening.
I can remember going to the old Montgomery Hall on Surrey Street to collect my uniform only a few weeks after the place was almost destroyed in a fire. What year would that be anyone??

Afraid not boys, I was in the 21st. St Thomas C of E Brightside late fifties. Many years ago and in uniform, I was approached by an elderly gentleman who expressed his interest in th BB. As a lad, he had wanted to join but his dad wouldn't allow it. Apparently, in the old days the boys were trained to use rifles, something his dad didn't agree with. I wsh I had been let loose with one.

PunctualP. We, the 21st St.Thomas BB. went camping with you lot twice in the late fifties. Were you on Moonshine Lane? One year we went to Ilfracomb and another to Conway.
I too remember the batallion parades. "Parade will advance in column of route, Number 1 company leading." Once we marched from the old market on Exchange Street to Carver Street Chapel, the place was packed to the rafters with us all. Reading these posts brought all the memories back. Thanks.

I too was in the Boys Brigade, 21st Company St.Thomas Brightside from 1961 to 1968.

Clifford Minnis was the Captain. An inspiration to all the boys in the Company. Without doubt one of the finest christians I ever met.

I found this link on a website not long ago. The Boys Brigade Hymn.
It brought a lump to my throat when I listened to it.

http://www.majordisaster.fsnet.co.uk/will_your_anchor_hold/will_your_anchor_hold_organ.htm

Might be a misconception on my part, but in the 40s/50s the Boy's Brigades were generally attached to methodist churches and Scouts to CofE churches.

Greybeard,
the essential difference between BB and scouts is that BB had an element of religious observance. They required church attendance at BB as part of following the movement.

The founder of the Scouts, Bayden Powell, was himself originally a Boys' Brigade officer, but he disliked the religious observance, and drill. He wished to do more outdoor persuits and camps, and thus he set up the scouts.

If you have observed that most Boys' Brigade branches in your experience are connected to Methodist Churches, then I think that is just a coincidence, as there were more Methodist Churches in this area and they used to be all strong with lots of families and young people. It is likely that the congregations wanted a wholesome religious pseudo military boy's group, who would take part in church services and parades to make their church look grander.

I know that there was at least one scout group in Fox Hill which had its own premises not supported by a church, but I would have thought that most youth organisations would require the premises and heat afforded by an existing church.

I remember when I was a Lad, that there were a few other organisations too, Like Church Lad's Brigade. Which I can only imagine was an offshoot of the BB too..

Hello Muddy. I don't think the Church Lads Brigade was in any way connected to the BB. I seem to remember an organization called the Boys Life Brigade was amalgamated with the Boys Brigade many years ago.
Our Company Captain, Mr Minnis, once arranged fo our company to have a joint church parade with Aston Church Lads Brigade. One sunny Summer's day, we went by bus to Swallownest and all marched together to Aston Church. They didn't have a band so quite enjoyed the experience. That,s the the only time I ever came across The Church Lads Brigade.

Hello Muddy. I don't think the Church Lads Brigade was in any way connected to the BB.

Apart from the BB was probably the first such Brigade, and others were probably refinements of the same theme.

When my dad took over as band master at our company, in early 1980s we had an enormous band, which was very good, and we were often called on to march for parades for other churches. There was a main BB Sheffield Battalion band, and we were bigger "and in my view better" than that. When I became head trumpeter I used to do the last post and revallie on rememberence day. Talk about neve wracking. A silent church full of 200 people, listening to every single note. :o
We often had church lad's brigades on bigger processions. We were unusual in that we didn't have A girls brigade, instead we had girl guides at our church, so we were probably one of the only youth marching bands in the country which was Boys' Brigade / Girl Guides.

A friend, Terry Eckersley, was leader of a Boys' Brigade troup (are those the right words?) and used to swirl the baton. He lived in Grimesthorpe. This was late 40's and 50's.

Hello Dowkeruk. I'll forgive you on this occasion. Scouts had troupes, Boys Brigade had companies and he would have carried the Mace. Please ask Terry which company he was involved with.

Hi Walt, yes it's a long time since I heard the Boys Brigade Hymn, which on seeing on this site, brought lots of memories back.

Cat631
Sorry. Thanks for the corrections. It's so long ago for me. Unfortunately I lost track of Terry when we left King Edwards in 1955. The sound of the bugles is one of my enduring memories of Sheffield, mostly around Sheffield Lane Top. Did they march on Hatfield House Lane?

Hello again Dowker. On the previous page, Snowler mentions Hatfield house Lane. I'll ask my Grimesthorpe friends if anyone Knew Terry.

Does the Boys brigade still exist today.
I was in Andover Street as a kid and used to go on the spring bank holiday marches to Firthpark.
They used to get a large following and it was a long walk to Firth Park from Pitsmoor in them days.
.

I was a member of the Andover Street in the early seventies...we met in the Methodist church hall
I still carry a scar on my arm from a game of British Bulldog

I was in the brigade at firth park BB in my childhood I forget the number but we were unique because we had a trumpet player who did a solo while we marched, vague memories, but good ones.

There used to be a Church Lads Brigade unit that operated from Attercliffe Church (C of E) I was a member in the late 50's. Lots of drill and teaching you to play bugles and other instruments. I don't remember going to any camps or other activities. I do remember marching down to Carbrook Church one sunday and attending a service there along with what must have been the Carbrook unit. Anyone??

Hiya All

I used to be in the 57th company at Petre St Methodist Church Pitsmoor when Albert Smith was captain and his officers were Lionel & Derek Inbest (brothers) and Barry Delayne ,great times ,when we used to parade in different parishes Albert used to take us all in his van, NO, waggon more like,
it had a picture of a bulls head on the doors we used to call it the 'slaughter waggon ' for taking cattle to the abbatoir but it never bothered Albert when we rolled up on a sunday morning in it and we all came out with straw all over us, he knew we were all there, not correct ,but present, Our camp site used to be in Skeggy (can't remember where) too long ago I made it upto Staff Sgt, and played the big drum, on a march to firth park from pitsmoor it got rather heavy I used to be wet through , my mate, Malcolm Mcdonald was
made upto an officer the last time I heard he was a fencing (swords ) competitor for some games
Thanks for the memories, also the brigade anthem ,still knew it tho, not heard it for ages.
Ciao Ian m

I was a member of the Andover Street in the early seventies...we met in the Methodist church hall
I still carry a scar on my arm from a game of British Bulldog


I too was in that same BB,near to where the school is now.Used to hold it in the church.!

I have a photo of me and some other's on with a christmas tree and stuff on it.!
Can't remember having the picture taken..but on it we are all laughing..

Looking at the pic, i can't have been more than 6/7years old.!
Think it's a pic that i'll take with me when the times up.!

Memories are a great thing..photo's are even better.!

jt

Hi jt'
Don't know how old you are but I'm in my 60's so we may have not met We used to hold the parade nights in the hall under the church on Friday nights,we used to do a bit of drill training then a bit of hobby work or whatever if we were taking our badges, it kept us off the streets and our parents knew where we were, Who ran it when you were in ? because Albert died and I think Barry took over because Lionel had died previously, I do'nt know what happend the Derek (the other brother) I enjoyed it, up to me finding out about GIRLS!!!
Thanks for the reply, Ciao Ian m

I was in the Life Boys in Gleadless Valley - church opposite John O'Gaunt pub - 1961 ish. Me knots were classics!! :headbang: :blush:

Hi jt'
Don't know how old you are but I'm in my 60's so we may have not met We used to hold the parade nights in the hall under the church on Friday nights,we used to do a bit of drill training then a bit of hobby work or whatever if we were taking our badges, it kept us off the streets and our parents knew where we were, Who ran it when you were in ? because Albert died and I think Barry took over because Lionel had died previously, I do'nt know what happend the Derek (the other brother) I enjoyed it, up to me finding out about GIRLS!!!
Thanks for the reply, Ciao Ian m

The two names I remember were Mr Ogilvy or Ogden not sure which and Mr Miller who was getting on a bit in the 60s and smoked a pipe, he reminded me of John Mills.

I used to play the lead drum for the 37th Sheffield Boys Brigade of Hatfield House Lane Methodist Church, from '77 until about '82. Great days! I bet the band wouldn't be able to march around Shiregreen these days, either get the drums nicked or stoned to death.


was that the group that mick thoday was one of the leaders of?
i used to live next door to the thodays, his wife was one of the girls brigade leaders ... we moved away in 83 but last i heard they were still fairly active with the brigade ... :D

i was in the church lads brigade at clifford road school on psalter lane sharrow when i was about 10 or 11 ( 1956) i wasn't old enough to get into the boys brigade then, later i played a cavalry trumpet in the BB and my brother was the mace thrower, used to love walking round hunters bar and ecclesall road area on a sunday playing in the band but hated the church service, thought i remembered some girl members not sure but the guy in charge was ted heath

I was in the BB in 1935 we used to make our noise at one of the schoolrooms at All Saints Sutherland rd that was CofE This was also my school, Arthur.

I was in the 53rd at Grimesthorpe Wesleyan Reforn Church. Joined The Life Boys in 1952 and went into BB when I was 12. At the time Charlie Wise ( an ex-professional footballer for Notts County) was Company Captain and his wife Amy ran The Life Boys.
I went on to be an officer until leaving Sheffield in 1976 although spent 2 years at Creswick Greave Company just before leaving.
I did Duke of Edinburgh Award and through that got friendly with John Spencer ( Firth Park) Barry Trigg (Beck Rd), Alan Clegg ( Andover St) and many others.
At the 53rd we also did a number of joint things with the company at St Thomas Brightside ( 21st I think) where Cliff Minnis was Captain and Roy Crossey was an officer.
Through working on the committee of the 4th Sheffield District I well remember Albert Smith Captain at Petre Street.
Last year the 53rd had a great 75th Anniversary reunion.

I was in the 53rd at Grimesthorpe Wesleyan Reforn Church. Joined The Life Boys in 1952 and went into BB when I was 12. At the time Charlie Wise ( an ex-professional footballer for Notts County) was Company Captain and his wife Amy ran The Life Boys.
I went on to be an officer until leaving Sheffield in 1976 although spent 2 years at Creswick Greave Company just before leaving.
I did Duke of Edinburgh Award and through that got friendly with John Spencer ( Firth Park) Barry Trigg (Beck Rd), Alan Clegg ( Andover St) and many others.
At the 53rd we also did a number of joint things with the company at St Thomas Brightside ( 21st I think) where Cliff Minnis was Captain and Roy Crossey was an officer.
Through working on the committee of the 4th Sheffield District I well remember Albert Smith Captain at Petre Street.
Last year the 53rd had a great 75th Anniversary reunion.

Barry Trigg Top man. My son's been with Barry's group for about 13 yrs now.

Barry Trigg Top man. My son's been with Barry's group for about 13 yrs now.

Barry is indeed a top geezer. I remember him well from summer camps in the early to mid sixties, joint ventures with the 21st, 23rd and 53rd. Trips to Swanage, Polzeath and Dawlish. The bloke was a legend, every time we tried to do a bunk and sneak out of camp, he would catch us. He either had a sixth sense or a mole on the inside.
Please pass on my regards.

I seem to remember that Terry Eckersley was in our company, the 53rd at Grimesthorpe Wesleyan Reform.
Our company was started on 13 March 1932 with Wilf Maynard as captain , Cliff Minnis and George Howe as the officers and my dad Jim Moore as a staff sergeant.
Other BB captains there have been Walter Yates, Charlie Wise ( an ex pro footballer for Notts County) , Les Cusworth and now Ian Reynolds. The Life Boys were led by Amy Wise for many years - a wonderful lady who gave us boys a great time.
Names from the BB in the 50's and 60's were Keith Wild ( a great fast bowler at cricket), John Howsam, Leonard and Bev Foster, Harry Jarvis , Ian and Barry Reynolds, Neil Ward etc.
An interesting fact is that at the moment the 53rd is the second oldest operating company in Sheffield ; the 54th at Firth Park being the oldest.
For those who asked , the Church Lads Brigade is largely connected with Anglican Churches. It still exists and its National HQ is at Wath on Dearne.

I was a member of the Andover Street in the early seventies...we met in the Methodist church hall
I still carry a scar on my arm from a game of British Bulldog
Do you remember Alan Clegg in Andover Street? I think he would have been a young officer when you were in.
I did my DEA with him about 1962
John

Reading the above threads has brought back memories of my days in 50's at Lowshire Green Methodist Chapel (Beck Road). I was a member of the Life Boys under Mr Frank Walker who is now in his late 80's. The Boys Brigade leader was Captain Bill Black followed by Captain Rowland Bell, followed by Captain Brian Worthington. Mick Thoday, Alan Clegg and Barrie Trigg were in the 23rd Company which was based at Beck Road. The latter has now been closed but the 23rd Company as moved to St chritophers on Bellhouse Road and the Captain is Barrie Trigg.

Reading the above threads has brought back memories of my days in 50's at Lowshire Green Methodist Chapel (Beck Road). I was a member of the Life Boys under Mr Frank Walker who is now in his late 80's. The Boys Brigade leader was Captain Bill Black followed by Captain Rowland Bell, followed by Captain Brian Worthington. Mick Thoday, Alan Clegg and Barrie Trigg were in the 23rd Company which was based at Beck Road. The latter has now been closed but the 23rd Company as moved to St chritophers on Bellhouse Road and the Captain is Barrie Trigg.
Thanks for that Clown. I remember all the names you mention from Beck Rd and did my Gold DEA expedition with Barrie and Alan. I live at Guisborough North Yorks and know in recent years Barrie has brought a BB team up here for the Annual Cleveland Hike.

Four from my family (incl.,me) were members of the 64th - Heeley Wesley, it all seems a long time ago now but they were good days.

My brother and I were in the 78th if I remember rightly at brunswick trinity.It was run by two brothers Frank and James cousins.Was in the life boys there too :)

Hi Cenobite, you are correct that the 78th was at Brunswick,I was also in the 78th from about 1960 till 1966 and Frank is my brother-inlaw. Franks mother was the caretaker there. Frank is still in Sheffield and James is in Rotherham. Both have "retired" from the BB

A number of my mother's family were involved in Boys' Brigade and Life Boys at Andover Street Church between the 1940s and 1960s. Someone earlier in the thread mentions a pipe-smoking Mr Miller - that would have been my Uncle Ken! Another uncle, Jim Pickorer, was involved with the BB for many years and my mother, Margaret Kelsey was a Life Boy Leader in the 1940s & 50s. I remember the names of Charlie & Amy Wise being often mentioned in my childhood - they were good friends of the family.

My mother has always talked fondly about Firth Park walks and Life Boy camps in Staithes on the Yorkshire Coast in the 50s, and has passed on to me quite a large collection of photos from that time. They are lying in a dusty suitcase but if there is enough interest then I'm happy to find some way of sharing them online.

If anyone has any memories of the Kelseys, Pickorers or Millers in those days I'd be interested to read them.

A number of my mother's family were involved in Boys' Brigade and Life Boys at Andover Street Church between the 1940s and 1960s. Someone earlier in the thread mentions a pipe-smoking Mr Miller - that would have been my Uncle Ken! Another uncle, Jim Pickorer, was involved with the BB for many years and my mother, Margaret Kelsey was a Life Boy Leader in the 1940s & 50s. I remember the names of Charlie & Amy Wise being often mentioned in my childhood - they were good friends of the family.

My mother has always talked fondly about Firth Park walks and Life Boy camps in Staithes on the Yorkshire Coast in the 50s, and has passed on to me quite a large collection of photos from that time. They are lying in a dusty suitcase but if there is enough interest then I'm happy to find some way of sharing them online.

If anyone has any memories of the Kelseys, Pickorers or Millers in those days I'd be interested to read them.
Charlie Wise was Captain of our company, the 53rd at Grimesthorpe Wesleyan Reform from 1947 - 1961 ( he was an ex-professional footballer for Notts County). His wife Amy was Life Boy Leader from 1937 until Life Boys was assimilated into BB. She was quite well known as she was also Northern Area Organiser for Life Boys.
They both gave their lives to serve the boys and young men of Grimesthorpe - wonderful people. Here is a photo taken at Skegness while at camp 1947 I think. Left to right Charlie Wise , Jim Moore (my dad), Amy wise, Marjorie Moore ( Can you believe they wore BB uniform all the time in those days!).
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/johnpm-bucket/skegnesscamp.jpg
Here is another of us at camp at Jersey about 1956 with Charlie Wise on left ( the phto is taken at the door of the Boys Club which at St Helier which we went to every year)
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/johnpm-bucket/jersey1957.jpg
I have wonderful memories of Whit Monday Walks to Firth Park. While our company attended the LIfe Boy camp at Staithes I never went.
John

Hi Cenobite, you are correct that the 78th was at Brunswick,I was also in the 78th from about 1960 till 1966 and Frank is my brother-inlaw. Franks mother was the caretaker there. Frank is still in Sheffield and James is in Rotherham. Both have "retired" from the BB

I used to deliver the newspaper to their mums too :)

Thanks johnpm for you photo it brought back some memories of good time in the BB. I am on that photo taken outside Seaton Place before Sunday church parade. I can put names to few Tony Walton, Keith Wild, Keith Furness, Graham Wells, Ian Renolds, John Howsam, Lenard and Bev Foster. I believe you are seated third fom the left. In all I was invited to join the 53rd four or five times and enjoyed wonderfull camps organised by Charlie and Amy Wise at an excellent venue. I believe the first year the cost was £8, this included the train fares From Sheffield to London, Tube from St Pancras to Waterloo, London to Southampton, then Boat to Jersey, two weeks of camp plenty of food and outing around the island and the return trip home. What a bargain!!!!!:;)::cool:

Thanks johnpm for you photo it brought back some memories of good time in the BB. I am on that photo taken outside Seaton Place before Sunday church parade. I can put names to few Tony Walton, Keith Wild, Keith Furness, Graham Wells, Ian Renolds, John Howsam, Lenard and Bev Foster. I believe you are seated third fom the left. In all I was invited to join the 53rd four or five times and enjoyed wonderfull camps organised by Charlie and Amy Wise at an excellent venue. I believe the first year the cost was £8, this included the train fares From Sheffield to London, Tube from St Pancras to Waterloo, London to Southampton, then Boat to Jersey, two weeks of camp plenty of food and outing around the island and the return trip home. What a bargain!!!!!:;)::cool:
Thanks Clown for the names you gave for people on the photo. Could you say where Keith Funess and Graham Wells are on it?
Also please can you say who you are or send me a PM ?
Cheers, John

My dad was in the Boys Brigade in what I assume was the late 40s/early 50s.. he was from Pitsmoor but I don't know which BB 'chapter ' he was in. We've got photos of him marching along beating the big drum. I think its the Whitsun marches at perhaps Firth Park or something like that.

Hi Wavey,

What's your dads name? My dad and uncle were in the same brigade, 61st, fron andover St. chapel,

lisa.

I wonder if anyone recognises anybody on here?
It was taken 12 Dec 1962 outside Buckingham Palace after a group of us from Sheffield had been presented with our Gold DEA Awards.
Right to left is Barry Trigg (Beck Road) ; next ?; John Spencer (Firth Park), Roger Stoney ( wasn't in BB but did his Gold expedition with us), me John Moore, ?, ? ,?
Any offers of names to fill the gaps?
John

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/johnpm-bucket/12dec1962buckpalace.jpg

Thanks Clown for the names you gave for people on the photo. Could you say where Keith Funess and Graham Wells are on it?
Also please can you say who you are or send me a PM ?
Cheers, John

Hi I'm usually on the Grimesthorpe thread but just run across this thread and picture. I was in the 50th (Wesley Hall) then transferred to the 21st(St. Thomas's). Looking at the photo on the first row stood from the right is Graham Wells, Pete Furniss (not Keith ),and my brother Tommy Fisher. I will show him a picture of this and ask him if he knows anyone else. Not sure but I think Keith Wild is the one sat 3rd from right I will ask and find out.

Dear Paul,
I was in the 3rd Sheffield BB during the early 70's (based at Central United Reformed Church, Norfolk Street, Sheffield). We also had meetings at a church near Sheffield Lane Top and the guy who ran things or organised everything (from what I can remember) was called George Shemeld - a great person. He lived near Sheffield Lane Top. I have done the parades from Pitsmoor to Fith Park (up Barnsley Road etc.) and have lots of good memories. Would be interested to find out what ever happened to the 3rd BB and anyone connected.
Shaun

Hi I'm usually on the Grimesthorpe thread but just run across this thread and picture. I was in the 50th (Wesley Hall) then transferred to the 21st(St. Thomas's). Looking at the photo on the first row stood from the right is Graham Wells, Pete Furniss (not Keith ),and my brother Tommy Fisher. I will show him a picture of this and ask him if he knows anyone else. Not sure but I think Keith Wild is the one sat 3rd from right I will ask and find out.
Hi TFishcake. Thanks for the info.
Here are all the names I have now for the St Helier camp photo in 1957: left - right : front Joe Cooper & John Bennett;
next row up : Barrie Reynolds, Peter Webster, Me (John Moore), Keith Wild, Leonard Foster, Geoff Cottam;
next row up, Charlie Wise, Ian Reynolds, Tommy Fisher, Peter Furness, Graham Wells;
top row: : ? , Tony Walton , Harry Jarvis.
Here is the photo again for convenience. If anyone can name the mssing one i would be grateful.
Cheers, John
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/johnpm-bucket/jersey1957.jpg

Hi TFishcake. Thanks for the info.
Here are all the names I have now for the St Helier camp photo in 1957: left - right : front Joe Cooper & John Bennett;
next row up : Barrie Reynolds, Peter Webster, Me (John Moore), Keith Wild, Leonard Foster, Geoff Cottam;
next row up, Charlie Wise, Ian Reynolds, Tommy Fisher, Peter Furness, Graham Wells;
top row: : ? , Tony Walton , Harry Jarvis.
Here is the photo again for convenience. If anyone can name the mssing one i would be grateful.
Cheers, John
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/johnpm-bucket/jersey1957.jpg

Hi John, havn't had chance to show the photo to my brother Tommy yet but have spoke to him about it and he thinks that the missing name is a cousin of Graham Wells who lived at the bottom of Botham St. He is going to try to remember his name but he thinks that if he is right the lad went because someone dropped out at the last minute and he went in his place, even though he wasn't in the B.B. (hence no uniform) because the tickets were booked and would have been wasted. Will let you know if he comes up with a name.

Hi TFishcake, I had never really noticed he hadn't got a uniform on; anyway your explantion makes sense. Best of luck in finding his name.
Cheers, John

Hi TFishcake, I had never really noticed he hadn't got a uniform on; anyway your explantion makes sense. Best of luck in finding his name.
Cheers, John

:wave:Hi again John:wave:, just had my brother on the phone, his daughter got him the photo and says that it is not Pete Furniss, but his younger brother Mick. also he says you missed two,standing between the row he,Mick and Graham is on and the top row. He can't recall their names hope you can.

I was a sergeant in the 1st Stocksbridge BB, and my Dad was captain. It folded a few years back (1999??) as my dad was too ill to carry on. Was also a drummer in the joint Boys/Girls Brigade band!

Happy days, would love to get involved again!

Hi TFishcake. Sorry I missed a row but I don't know their names. So here goes again ( I hope !!), St Helier camp photo in 1957:
left - right : front Joe Cooper & John Bennett;
next row up : Barrie Reynolds, Peter Webster, Me (John Moore), Keith Wild, Leonard Foster, Geoff Cottam;
next row up, Charlie Wise, Ian Reynolds, Tommy Fisher, Mick Furniss, Graham Wells;
next to top row : ?, ?.
top row: : ? , Tony Walton , Harry Jarvis.
If I have anything wrong now please tell me.
Cheers, John
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...jersey1957.jpg

you are still short of two identities on the photo. I'v no idea who the one out uniform is, but the other one is Derek Tingle From the 23rd company @ Beck Road

Hi Clown, Thanks for the info. So have I got it right - Derek Tingle is the one in the middle of the back row?
I do remember that there was a family of Tingle's at Grimesthorpe Chapel so perhaps thats how Derek came to go.
Cheers, John

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...jersey1957.jpg

Hi John like others who look at the photo its 50 years ago and names of people you met briefly at that time are difficult to remember. The one in the middle is Tony Walton, Derek Tingle is stood in front of Harry Jarvis. The lad out of uniform and the one stood in front of him I can't recall the names. Derek Tingle Tony Walton and Les Cusworth are cusens which explains how Derek came to be at the Jersey camp for at least 4 years,

Hi John like others who look at the photo its 50 years ago and names of people you met briefly at that time are difficult to remember. The one in the middle is Tony Walton, Derek Tingle is stood in front of Harry Jarvis. The lad out of uniform and the one stood in front of him I can't recall the names. Derek Tingle Tony Walton and Les Cusworth are cusens which explains how Derek came to be at the Jersey camp for at least 4 years,
Thanks Clown, Thats finally cleared most of it up !
Cheers, John

Thanks Clown, Thats finally cleared most of it up !
Cheers, John

:wave:Hi John,:wave: here is a photo my brother Tommy had which was taken at the same time, but had the women who went with you to help with the cooking etc. Also have some photo's from an earlier Jersey camp http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg259/TFishcake/jersey1.jpgwhich I will put on later.

Hi TFishcake, Thanks for the photo - I haven't got that one.
The ladies are , left - right, Dora Reynolds ( Ian and Barrie's mum who was a Life Boy leader), Valerie Whiteley and Jean Oldman (both people from church who must have gone to help).
Both Valerie and Jean still go to Grimesthorpe Chapel.
Any more would be gratefully received !
Cheers, John

Hi TFishcake, Thanks for the photo - I haven't got that one.
The ladies are , left - right, Dora Reynolds ( Ian and Barrie's mum who was a Life Boy leader), Valerie Whiteley and Jean Oldman (both people from church who must have gone to help).
Both Valerie and Jean still go to Grimesthorpe Chapel.
Any more would be gratefully received !
Cheers, John

:wave:Hi John,:wave: here is one taken at St. Brelards Bay Jersey the names I've got are, front left to right:-Keith Warrinder,Graham Wells,my brother Tommy Fisher, Tommy Clark, ? ,top row:- Tony Naylor, Keith Broughton, Terry Longdon, ? .
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg259/TFishcake/jersey4.jpg

Thanks again TFishcake, Its good to see as many of these old photos as we can find. The older I get the more I love nostalgia !!
By the way, I don't think I know you name or have I forgotten it ? Can you please send me a PM if you don't want your name to be public.
Thanks John

Thanks again TFishcake, Its good to see as many of these old photos as we can find. The older I get the more I love nostalgia !!
By the way, I don't think I know you name or have I forgotten it ? Can you please send me a PM if you don't want your name to be public.
Thanks John

:wave:Hi John,:wave: I don't mind, the name is Terry Fisher,as I've said I'm the younger brother of Tommy Fisher, I used to be in the Life-Boys at Wesley Hall before going into the B.B. (50th) then transfering to St. Thomas's (21st).

I was in the 46th st peters, Heeley in the 70,s,
enjoyed it very much playing cricket in meersbrook park,
also marching around Heeley after church service, quite proud of the uniform we wore then. Still have it somewhere.

I wonder if anyone recognises anybody on here?
It was taken 12 Dec 1962 outside Buckingham Palace after a group of us from Sheffield had been presented with our Gold DEA Awards.
Right to left is Barry Trigg (Beck Road) ; next ?; John Spencer (Firth Park), Roger Stoney ( wasn't in BB but did his Gold expedition with us), me John Moore, ?, ? ,?
Any offers of names to fill the gaps?
John

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/johnpm-bucket/12dec1962buckpalace.jpg

JOHN . the person next to Barry Trigg is Alan Clegg (as far as i know he is active in the St Johns Ambulance Brigade

Hi All

i was in the 29th Sheffield from 1968 to 1976.

Does anyone remember Ron Waterhouse, the Captain? Memorable officers would include Steve Gill, Keith Horner, Graham Commander and Barry Fitch.

Other posters mentioned Barry Trigg, an officer from a neighbouring company. We went on several camps with him in the early 70's - great fun!

Regards

DD

Thanks again TFishcake, Its good to see as many of these old photos as we can find. The older I get the more I love nostalgia !!
By the way, I don't think I know you name or have I forgotten it ? Can you please send me a PM if you don't want your name to be public.
Thanks John


:wave:Hi John :wave:, here are a couple more photos from my brother, they were taken at Jersey about the same time as the one with the crabs.http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg259/TFishcake/jersey3.jpg this one is taken outside an old German bunker. http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg259/TFishcake/jersey2.jpg this one taken round the same time.

I was in the BB in 1943 at the Congo on Cemetary Rd., just by the Twist drill.

JOHN . the person next to Barry Trigg is Alan Clegg (as far as i know he is active in the St Johns Ambulance Brigade
Thanks for that Clown. I am kicking myself. I went on my Gold DEA exepedition with Alan - my memory must be bad !!
Cheers, John

:wave:Hi John :wave:, here are a couple more photos from my brother, they were taken at Jersey about the same time as the one with the crabs.http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg259/TFishcake/jersey3.jpg this one is taken outside an old German bunker. http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg259/TFishcake/jersey2.jpg this one taken round the same time.
Hi Terry, Thanks for your 2 latest photos. The bunker you talk about is the famous German Underground Hospital.
Both photos must have been taken when I was in Life Boys ie before 1955. On the one outside the boys club Harry Jarvis is stilll a boy in the company and there are quite a few I don't recognise. I will send it to Les Cusworth for him to pick out names.
Cheers, John

Oddly enough I was talking to a Scottish friend of mine the other day, and we discussed the BB. He was a former member back in Ayrshire, and I was a member out of Hillsborough Tabernacle from about 1978-82. We had some good times, including a great camping trip to the IOW.

Cheers for the memories

:loopy:Hi John these two photo's were taken on my firt visit to Jersey with the 53 rd which was in 1954. The officers other than Charlie Wise and Les Cusworth were from a Company at the Ecclesall I believe, but as for putting names to the lads well ?. Tommy is first right btm row in front of Charlie, I'm next but one to Tommy. Tony Walton next but one to Charlie and Harry Jarvis and Les Cusworth are stood side by side. The Photo Is outside Seaton Place our holiday accomodation our bed were poyasses on a wooden floor. The other photo outside the under ground hospital as the manager of the site on (he's probably the one with the Jacket on) in this photo I'm stood wth Tommy in front of Les Cusworth. I try to dig this Photo out as I used to put names on the backs.:loopy::roll::)

:loopy:Hi John these two photo's were taken on my firt visit to Jersey with the 53 rd which was in 1954. The officers other than Charlie Wise and Les Cusworth were from a Company at the Ecclesall I believe, but as for putting names to the lads well ?. Tommy is first right btm row in front of Charlie, I'm next but one to Tommy. Tony Walton next but one to Charlie and Harry Jarvis and Les Cusworth are stood side by side. The Photo Is outside Seaton Place our holiday accomodation our bed were poyasses on a wooden floor. The other photo outside the under ground hospital as the manager of the site on (he's probably the one with the Jacket on) in this photo I'm stood wth Tommy in front of Les Cusworth. I try to dig this Photo out as I used to put names on the backs.:loopy::roll::)
Hi Clown, yes, I well remember the place we stayed at Jersey. I first went I think in 1957. As far as I can recall, by then the beds were proper ones.
I will see if I can find out any more names.
Cheers, John

Both my brothers went to Hillsborough Tabenacle. I think their leader was Brian Jackson?

:loopy:Hi John these two photo's were taken on my firt visit to Jersey with the 53 rd which was in 1954. The officers other than Charlie Wise and Les Cusworth were from a Company at the Ecclesall I believe, but as for putting names to the lads well ?. Tommy is first right btm row in front of Charlie, I'm next but one to Tommy. Tony Walton next but one to Charlie and Harry Jarvis and Les Cusworth are stood side by side. The Photo Is outside Seaton Place our holiday accomodation our bed were poyasses on a wooden floor. The other photo outside the under ground hospital as the manager of the site on (he's probably the one with the Jacket on) in this photo I'm stood wth Tommy in front of Les Cusworth. I try to dig this Photo out as I used to put names on the backs.:loopy::roll::)

Hi Clown, Sent you a PM the other day. Have you seen it?
John

Hi John
Just got round to your PM and sent you a message through

Does the Boys brigade still exist today.
I was in Andover Street as a kid and used to go on the spring bank holiday marches to Firthpark.
They used to get a large following and it was a long walk to Firth Park from Pitsmoor in them days.
I have some old 8mm footage now transfered on to video of the march coming up Barnsley Road about 1964 with all my family and little old blonde me.
Do you think that todays kids would take part in anything like that, its hard to see an 8 year old with a boys brigade uniform on today.

I was in in the BB for a short space of time early 70's. can't remember its name/number but it was based at the top of Sutherland Road and Petre street. We Marched from there (it was a real big dealwith loads turning out to watch) to Firth park which seemed like miles but very enjoyable and on the way we would meet and join up with other bands and churches or organisations I thought it was great. It wasn't until years later that found out kids/people where doing the same on the same day marching to Meersbrook Hillsborugh and Western park never knew that's pretty awesome. This would never happen in this day and age NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was in in the BB for a short space of time early 70's. can't remember its name/number but it was based at the top of Sutherland Road and Petre street. We Marched from there (it was a real big dealwith loads turning out to watch) to Firth park which seemed like miles but very enjoyable and on the way we would meet and join up with other bands and churches or organisations I thought it was great. It wasn't until years later that found out kids/people where doing the same on the same day marching to Meersbrook Hillsborugh and Western park never knew that's pretty awesome. This would never happen in this day and age NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was the 57th Company at Petre Street Methodist. If you look on page 2 of this, there is someone called ADNIL who also went there.
Albert Drury Smith was the Captain I think - he was also 4th District Chairman and was heart and soul in BB - I knew him well when I was 4th District Secretary. Last thing I knew about 10 years ago his son was running a company at Unstone which had both boys and girls.
John

I can remember both the Battalion and District parades when Mr. Drury Smith would march us off. The Battalion parade started from the old fruit and veg market at the bottom of Exchange Street. We marched to Calver Street Chapel which was full to the rafters with officers and boys of the brigade, lifting the roof slates with our hymn.
"We have an Anchor". If only the drinkers in the now, 'Walkabout Pub' could hear us.
Our District Parades started from the junction of Bolsover Road and Firth Park Road at Page Hall to march to the chapel at the bottom of Sicey Avenue.
"Parade will advance in column of route, Number 1 Company leading". Oh the memories.

The Boys' Brigade is still alive and well in Sheffield, celebrating its 125th Anniversary on October the 4th 2008. For those interested in catching up on old times the Sheffield Battalion will be displaying memorabilia at the Sheffield Traditional Heritage Museum on Ecclesall Road on the 27th of September. This is next door to Endcliffe Methodist Church, the former home of the 21a Comapny. The Battalion Band used to practice in the hall which is now the Museum. And yes we do still parade from time to time, although the traffic makes it harder to do these days. The 125 celebration Parade will be at Firth Park Methodist Church on October 12th. To find out more about the Boys Brigade in Sheffield visit the Battalion web site. sheffield.boys-brigade.org.uk

The Boys' Brigade is still alive and well in Sheffield, celebrating its 125th Anniversary on October the 4th 2008. For those interested in catching up on old times the Sheffield Battalion will be displaying memorabilia at the Sheffield Traditional Heritage Museum on Ecclesall Road on the 27th of September. This is next door to Endcliffe Methodist Church, the former home of the 21a Comapny. The Battalion Band used to practice in the hall which is now the Museum. And yes we do still parade from time to time, although the traffic makes it harder to do these days. The 125 celebration Parade will be at Firth Park Methodist Church on October 12th. To find out more about the Boys Brigade in Sheffield visit the Battalion web site. sheffield.boys-brigade.org.uk
Hi MarkyB, Good to hear from you that Sheffield Battalion is still alive and kicking. I know having talked to Irene Reynolds and Les Cusworth that my old company, 53rd at Grimesthorpe WR Chapel still struggles on. Do you know if my old friends Barry Trigg and Malcolm Cook are still involved ? If so please pass my best wishes to them.
I will have a look at your website.
Best wishes to all of you at Sheffield Battalion from us at Teesside Battalion.
John Moore
President, Teesside Battalion

The Boys' Brigade is still alive and well in Sheffield, celebrating its 125th Anniversary on October the 4th 2008. For those interested in catching up on old times the Sheffield Battalion will be displaying memorabilia at the Sheffield Traditional Heritage Museum on Ecclesall Road on the 27th of September. This is next door to Endcliffe Methodist Church, the former home of the 21a Comapny. The Battalion Band used to practice in the hall which is now the Museum. And yes we do still parade from time to time, although the traffic makes it harder to do these days. The 125 celebration Parade will be at Firth Park Methodist Church on October 12th. To find out more about the Boys Brigade in Sheffield visit the Battalion web site. sheffield.boys-brigade.org.uk

Hello Mark. I was in the 21st, have you any idea why there was a 21a?

Hello Mark. I was in the 21st, have you any idea why there was a 21a?
In the past when it was decided to start a new company, probably after approaches to the Battalion, an existing one nearby, or maybe one who had some sort of link to that Church or area, was asked to help out and provide some of the start up staff. In such cases the designation "a" was used and the company was initially called a "Platoon". So it would be usual for the 21a company to have started as a platoon of the 21st.
Whether that happened in this case someone who knows the Companies in Sheffield may confirm or not.
John

Hello John, I hope you are well and thanks for that. Another mystery cleared up.

Hi MarkyB, Good to hear from you that Sheffield Battalion is still alive and kicking. I know having talked to Irene Reynolds and Les Cusworth that my old company, 53rd at Grimesthorpe WR Chapel still struggles on. Do you know if my old friends Barry Trigg and Malcolm Cook are still involved ? If so please pass my best wishes to them.
I will have a look at your website.
Best wishes to all of you at Sheffield Battalion from us at Teesside Battalion.
John Moore
President, Teesside Battalion

John,
Yes Barry is still active at the 23rd and Malcolm still keeps his hand in at the 2nd

Hello John, I hope you are well and thanks for that. Another mystery cleared up.

I agree with Joh as to the "a" suffixs. I'm not 100% on this but another use of the "a" was for companies which originally were Life Boy only companies which didn't have a company section. Lost in the mists of time these companies grew into full companies but never lost the a. M.

This pic is of the 78th at Brunswick.
Have put some names on, anybody know the rest.

http://i329.photobucket.com/albums/l371/meersbrook/Boys%20Brigade/TheBoysbrigadeatBrunswickTrinity.jpg

John,
Yes Barry is still active at the 23rd and Malcolm still keeps his hand in at the 2nd

Barry is retiring next year.

This pic is of the 78th at Brunswick.
Have put some names on, anybody know the rest.

http://i329.photobucket.com/albums/l371/meersbrook/TheBoysbrigadeatBrunswickTrinity.jpg


I would be interested in the year that was taken.Phil Frank and James were organising things when I was in.

Does the Boys brigade still exist today.
I was in Andover Street as a kid and used to go on the spring bank holiday marches to Firthpark.
They used to get a large following and it was a long walk to Firth Park from Pitsmoor in them days.
I have some old 8mm footage now transfered on to video of the march coming up Barnsley Road about 1964 with all my family and little old blonde me.
Do you think that todays kids would take part in anything like that, its hard to see an 8 year old with a boys brigade uniform on today.

grimsthorpe reform chapel 53rd company is still alive and well
i went there a log time a go

Thanks Clown for the names you gave for people on the photo. Could you say where Keith Funess and Graham Wells are on it?
Also please can you say who you are or send me a PM ?
Cheers, John
----------------------------
hi johnpm,---the photo of the lads in jersey 1957,i thought i was on that.
i am brian kershaw and was in boys brigade reform chaple,
where we stayed was y.m.c.a in a church hall. ------all the beds was in
middle of floor. i knew all them people on that photo.
i use to go to the bible class on sunday afternoon.
good set off lads, wonder where they are now--never seen any of them
since i left grimesthorpe 1970ish. bye

----------------------------
hi johnpm,---the photo of the lads in jersey 1957,i thought i was on that.
i am brian kershaw and was in boys brigade reform chaple,
where we stayed was y.m.c.a in a church hall. ------all the beds was in
middle of floor. i knew all them people on that photo.
i use to go to the bible class on sunday afternoon.
good set off lads, wonder where they are now--never seen any of them
since i left grimesthorpe 1970ish. bye
Hi Brian, Its a shame you didn't get to hear about the 75th Anniversary Reunion we had of the 53rd BB on 24 March 2007. Amongst people there were Ian & Barrie Reynolds, Joe Cooper, John Bennett ( I think) , Neil Ward, Mick & Alan Wooten, Richard & Pete Thiel, Les Cusworth, Neil Revill, Eric Foster, Gordon Kay, Kevin Dolling, Paul Warren, Bev Foster. Others as well but I can't remember names at present.
Have you seen this photo of us at Jersey in about 1960 ?
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/johnpm-bucket/jersey1960.jpg

i was in the 49th company darnall in the 60,s i had some good times ,we used to go camping in some barracks at staithes near robin hoods bay had some great times with other companys at the camp.

i was in the 49th company darnall in the 60,s i had some good times ,we used to go camping in some barracks at staithes near robin hoods bay had some great times with other companys at the camp.
Our Life Boys at 53rd Grimesthorpe WR Chapel used to go to Staithes every year for a weeks camp. For some reason I never went though.
It was in 2 huts near Staithes Station. I was there a few months ago and the huts are still there !
John

if they are the same huts i can remember it was a steep hill ,do you know if they are still in use after all these years.

if they are the same huts i can remember it was a steep hill ,do you know if they are still in use after all these years.
I don't know - just saw they were there when I was walking past last year.

Hi Brian, Its a shame you didn't get to hear about the 75th Anniversary Reunion we had of the 53rd BB on 24 March 2007. Amongst people there were Ian & Barrie Reynolds, Joe Cooper, John Bennett ( I think) , Neil Ward, Mick & Alan Wooten, Richard & Pete Thiel, Les Cusworth, Neil Revill, Eric Foster, Gordon Kay, Kevin Dolling, Paul Warren, Bev Foster. Others as well but I can't remember names at present.
Have you seen this photo of us at Jersey in about 1960 ?
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/johnpm-bucket/jersey1960.jpg
--------------------
hi yer johnpm,--thanks for that thread info,---yes charlie wise was the
captain, i new he had passed away-great bloke.---what about les cudworth
is he still around. i saw the photo off 1960 in jersey ( boys brigade )
i could put some names to faces, with a struggle --good set of lads had
loads of fun, i use to look forward to friday nights at reform chaple,
we had sports night in doors.---first ambulance class--then band
practice--and sports.--you sent me a photobucket of jersey but it said
moved od deleted. didnt show up . thanks

--------------------
hi yer johnpm,--thanks for that thread info,---yes charlie wise was the
captain, i new he had passed away-great bloke.---what about les cudworth
is he still around. i saw the photo off 1960 in jersey ( boys brigade )
i could put some names to faces, with a struggle --good set of lads had
loads of fun, i use to look forward to friday nights at reform chaple,
we had sports night in doors.---first ambulance class--then band
practice--and sports.--you sent me a photobucket of jersey but it said
moved od deleted. didnt show up . thanks
Hi Brian, Spoke to Les Cusworth only yesterday - he is reasonably ok and still gets to Grimesthorpe Chapel. Ian Reynolds, Gordon Kay and Joe Cooper still go too but Ian isn't well at present.
Here is the other Jersey photo again ( hopefully!)
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/johnpm-bucket/jersey1960.jpg

Hi Brian, Spoke to Les Cusworth only yesterday - he is reasonably ok and still gets to Grimesthorpe Chapel. Ian Reynolds, Gordon Kay and Joe Cooper still go too but Ian isn't well at present.
Here is the other Jersey photo again ( hopefully!)
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/johnpm-bucket/jersey1960.jpg
-----------------------------------
hi again johnpm,---good for les being around.
the photo didnt show up--jersey 1960, as i am still new at this game
my niece came to mine and she was baffled,--still same --never mind john
thanks for the thought. i have seen a few of jersey photo`s in the threads.
john, might i know you- whats your secone name, what was your time in
the b.b, maybe you also went to owler lane school.

-----------------------------------
hi again johnpm,---good for les being around.
the photo didnt show up--jersey 1960, as i am still new at this game
my niece came to mine and she was baffled,--still same --never mind john
thanks for the thought. i have seen a few of jersey photo`s in the threads.
john, might i know you- whats your secone name, what was your time in
the b.b, maybe you also went to owler lane school.
Hi again Brian, I am John Moore , went into Life Boys in 1952 then onto BB and became an officer in 1962 when I was 18. Stayed working in teh company until 1976 when I moved to Guisborough near Middlesbrough when my job with British Steel moved.
I was captain of a new BB company in Guisborough from 1980 - 1991 and stayed as an officer until it shut through shortage of staff in 1997. I am now President of Teesside Battalion of the BB.
My dad was an officer in 53rd - he left when I joined and mum was a Life Boy Leader.
I went to Owler Lane Infants, then Grimesthorpe Junior then a year at Hucklow Rd before that closed and we all went to Hinde House when it opened in 1956.
This is me , mum and dad in about 1961
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/johnpm-bucket/bb3gen.jpg

Hi again Brian, I am John Moore , went into Life Boys in 1952 then onto BB and became an officer in 1962 when I was 18. Stayed working in teh company until 1976 when I moved to Guisborough near Middlesbrough when my job with British Steel moved.
I was captain of a new BB company in Guisborough from 1980 - 1991 and stayed as an officer until it shut through shortage of staff in 1997. I am now President of Teesside Battalion of the BB.
My dad was an officer in 53rd - he left when I joined and mum was a Life Boy Leader.
I went to Owler Lane Infants, then Grimesthorpe Junior then a year at Hucklow Rd before that closed and we all went to Hinde House when it opened in 1956.
This is me , mum and dad in about 1961
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/johnpm-bucket/bb3gen.jpg------------------------------------------

back again john,---well, i see you have done o,k . i have seen a picture of
some lads at buckingham palace b,b---are you among`s them and if so--
were, was you blond as i am trying to put your face to name.---
and for the school days i only did owler lane senior,---my school befor was
jordenthorpe as i lived at lowedges.--didnt like it up there,--grimesthorpe
was some off my best years.--bye.--6/8/08.

------------------------------------------

back again john,---well, i see you have done o,k . i have seen a picture of
some lads at buckingham palace b,b---are you among`s them and if so--
were, was you blond as i am trying to put your face to name.---
and for the school days i only did owler lane senior,---my school befor was
jordenthorpe as i lived at lowedges.--didnt like it up there,--grimesthorpe
was some off my best years.--bye.--6/8/08.
Hi Brian, Here is the Buckingham Palace photo again - hope you can see this !!
From right its Barry Trigg, ?, John Spencer ( sadly died a few years ago), Roger Stoney (did his Gold Dea with us but not in BB), me, ?, ?, ?.
If anyone can put names to the missing ones I would be grateful - some are probably from Andover Street Company.

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/johnpm-bucket/12dec1962buckpalace.jpg

Hi John
Memory must be going the chap next to Barry is Alan Clegg see #78 & #82.
You have served the BB well over the Years it seems to be in your blood. Unfortunate
ly I only did 2 years as an officer in the 23 rd before retiring due night school. I went right through the life boys and company. Ihave since done 7 years as a cub leader in chapletown unfortuately night school put paid to that again. I did have some fun teaching the cubs to march until Arkala put paid to the activity, but we stood out on St Georges parade for a couple of years.

Hi Brian, Here is the Buckingham Palace photo again - hope you can see this !!
From right its Barry Trigg, ?, John Spencer ( sadly died a few years ago), Roger Stoney (did his Gold Dea with us but not in BB), me, ?, ?, ?.
If anyone can put names to the missing ones I would be grateful - some are probably from Andover Street Company.

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/johnpm-bucket/12dec1962buckpalace.jpg
---------------------------------
hello john,---yes i got that picture of the lads ( b,palace ).
from left,--no 1/2 vague`ly , --no 4 -blond hair/glasses is a certain, but
cant put name to the face,--no 6.--un-sure.
like i said the no 4 face stance out a mile.
someone has come in thread, putting a name to the group of lads
alan clegg/ does that help you, byeeeeee

Hi John
Memory must be going the chap next to Barry is Alan Clegg see #78 & #82.
You have served the BB well over the Years it seems to be in your blood. Unfortunate
ly I only did 2 years as an officer in the 23 rd before retiring due night school. I went right through the life boys and company. Ihave since done 7 years as a cub leader in chapletown unfortuately night school put paid to that again. I did have some fun teaching the cubs to march until Arkala put paid to the activity, but we stood out on St Georges parade for a couple of years.
My memory must be past its sell-by date !!
Its only by accident I got involved in BB after I left Sheffield in 1976. 2 weeks after arriving in Guisborough 2 men from a BB company about 4 miles away arrived on the doorstep asking if I would help . Apparently BB HQ had circulated my details to the local Battalion - I was quite impressed with HQ's efficiency!
I stayed with that company and really enjoyed myself there for 4 years until we decided to start a BB company in Guisborough where I live in 1980. That company did really well for 15 years - around 50 boys and lots of officers made it a really uplifting experience. We had boys achieving Queens badge, Gold DEA etc and had great annual camps and activity weekends in the Dales . I was captain for 11 years but had to give that job up when parents in Sheffield needed my support because of illness.
Staff left for one reason or another and sadly the company closed through lack of staff ( still had about 15 -20 boys) in 1998.
Unfortunately that mirrors BB both locally and nationally over the past 10 years. Teesside Battalion is now down to 4 companies from 25 in the 1980's. Thats all down to a lack of people willing to be officers/helpers. In past years many companies survived with only a couple of officers but thats not possible now for safety reasons. Some Officers are also put off by things like CRB checks and the need to operate under a variety of rules ( designed to keep children safe) but which make many practical difficulties.
That why we all yearn for the "good old days" . Maybe they will come back one day !!
Its not all doom gloom & though. 2 of our companies are expanding both in terms of numbers of boys and officers. One has got 7 new, young officers in the past 9 months ; all really keen. So there is hope for the future.
John

Afraid not boys, I was in the 21st. St Thomas C of E Brightside late fifties. Many years ago and in uniform, I was approached by an elderly gentleman who expressed his interest in th BB. As a lad, he had wanted to join but his dad wouldn't allow it. Apparently, in the old days the boys were trained to use rifles, something his dad didn't agree with. I wsh I had been let loose with one.

hello i was in the 21st during the late 60s through to 1979

I was in the BB for 3 years at Hallam Methodist Church (Nethergreen) in the 80s. Our leader was George Winslow. Anyone else from that group???:confused:

I was in the BB for 3 years at Hallam Methodist Church (Nethergreen) in the 80s. Our leader was George Winslow. Anyone else from that group???:confused:
I remember George Winslow from my days in the 4th District. Yet another of the many company skippers who did a great job in those days.
Where exactly was Nethergreen? It wasn't what I know as Creswick Greave was it ?
John

I remember George Winslow from my days in the 4th District. Yet another of the many company skippers who did a great job in those days.
Where exactly was Nethergreen? It wasn't what I know as Creswick Greave was it ?
John

John

Nethergeen is the are between endcliffe park and fulwood

There used to be a battalion at Victoria Hall on Norfolk Street in the city centre a long time ago according to relatives. Don't know if it's still going or what its number was. Anybody know.

Regards

There used to be a battalion at Victoria Hall on Norfolk Street in the city centre a long time ago according to relatives. Don't know if it's still going or what its number was. Anybody know.

Regards
The company based at Victoria Hall was the 1st Sheffield - the first company to be formed in Sheffield. Its Captain for many years ( and until it closed I think) was Roland Hare - he was also Sheffield Battalion Secretary for years and Secretary of the National Association of Methodist BB Companies.
I believe the company shut some years ago because of the lack of members who lived anywhere near it.
Someone still connected with BB in Sheffield may know more detail.
Its also worth mentioning that the Sheffield Battalion Supplies Depot was at Victoria Hall for some years before moving to Montgomery Hall and the Annual Battalion Parade was usually held there.
John

The BB is now 125 years young !!
Hope the Celebration events in Sheffield went well.
On Teesside we had a wonderful Celebration and Dedication service yesterday for the whole Battalion . We are a small battalion but with GB support and having invited ex-officers there, we filled Stockton Baptist Tabernacle with around 800 people (inc the church's usual congregation).
All the boys were presented with a 125 buttonhole badge and a New Testament. Current staff and ex staff who attended all got button hole badges.
All in all a day to remember !
John

I was very saddened to hear of the death last Thursday of Ian Reynolds of the 53rd Company . He had endured a difficult fight against cancer for some time.
His funeral is 11.45 am on Thursday 26th February at Grimesthorpe Wesleyan Reform Church .
John

I just found this page today and I am please to see so many replies. You will be please to know that here in sunny Oxfordshire the BB today is going from strength to strength and is as big today as it was back in the 1960s' If any readers on here are re-locating to Oxfordshire then be sure to look us up and you will find a very warm welcome.

I was in the BB for 3 years at Hallam Methodist Church (Nethergreen) in the 80s. Our leader was George Winslow. Anyone else from that group???:confused:

6th Sheffield Company, based at Hallam Methodit Church. Was there from 1973-1985.

For those of you who were in the BB and who are not aware - in 1983 at the Royal Albert Hall as part of London District's Centenary Celebrations of that year the 'Stedfast Association' was launched for 'former Boys' Brigade (BB) members'.

You can find out about London Stedfast Association and indeed the Bugles & Drums of The Stedfast Association (who since being formed in 2000 have featured in the televised Lord Mayor's Show Parade in 2006 & 2009) on my new web site at BoysBrigadeFormerMembers.BTck.co.uk

I was very saddened to hear of the death last Thursday of Ian Reynolds of the 53rd Company . He had endured a difficult fight against cancer for some time.
His funeral is 11.45 am on Thursday 26th February at Grimesthorpe Wesleyan Reform Church .
John
-----------
johnpm,----------- regarding your thread 23/2/09 on ian raynolds death,
just been looking at one of your photo`s of the boys in jersey.
Was that ian raynolds stood up on the left with the check shirt, did you know
how old he was at that time. bye. :confused:

-----------
johnpm,----------- regarding your thread 23/2/09 on ian raynolds death,
just been looking at one of your photo`s of the boys in jersey.
Was that ian raynolds stood up on the left with the check shirt, did you know
how old he was at that time. bye. :confused:

Hi Brian, I think this may be the photo you mean
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/johnpm-bucket/jersey1960.jpg
Yes its Ian on the left.The photo was taken in 1961. I think Ian was born in 1943 a year before me. Here are a few more taken at St Helier camp :
1956:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/johnpm-bucket/jersey1956.jpg
1960:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/johnpm-bucket/Jersey1960a.jpg
1961:
http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/johnpm-bucket/Jersey1961.jpg
John

I can tell you why we dont go on marches anymore.
Okay, firstly my names abbey, I used to go to 25th company ( hatfield houselane girls brigade) and we used to go on parade with firthpark ( my Gb leader told me all this) we no longer parade as it will be 'to much hassle' as we would have to close all the roads, get police involved ect,ect, so tbh, its not our fault, just the lazy-ness of the leaders, thus I quit.

Hi Mikeybaby - do you remember the 3 Burton Boys who went to Hallam Methodist BB? I used to sell glasses of ginger Beer (1d a glass) for brigade funds. Everyone had ginger beer plants at that time so we had gallons of the stuff. It seemed to go down well with the lads after playing games etc.

Hi Mikeybaby - do you remember the 3 Burton Boys who went to Hallam Methodist BB? I used to sell glasses of ginger Beer (1d a glass) for brigade funds. Everyone had ginger beer plants at that time so we had gallons of the stuff. It seemed to go down well with the lads after playing games etc.
Would they be the ones who lived on the end of Pendeen, big into athletics?

Yes Bigjezlad they are the ones. Their elder brother Richard was in Fulwood Scouts. So there was rivalry as to which was the best BB or scouts!

Have you joined the Stedfast Association for former BB members?

It was launched/formed in London back in 1983 at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BB Centenary of that year. London Stedfast has around 1000 members and is the largest of the UK branches (branches overseas too).

It's open to men, women, whether they were in the BB in London or elsewhere and they produce a fantastic glossy (part in colour) magazine 3 times a year........... more information on Stedfast can be found on my site which was recently launched at BoysBrigadeFormerMembers.BTCK.co.uk

I actually had the pleasure of meeting up with a famous ex BB boy recently - Legendary Keyboard Wizard - Rick Wakeman .....details/photo on the site

I was in a Co that met at Creswick church off Yew Lane in the 60s ,can't recall the number Do remember doing all the badges and there being some sort of Oath at the meetings .Also a big sportsday in the grounds of a big house ? Also remember got dissalusiondwith it when the guy who ran it said his own son had beaten me at something when it was obvious to all I had won ,don't seem to fit in with the honesty and truth ethos we were being preached

The Wesleyan Chapel on Plantation something in Heeley. Does it still exist ?
The BB taught us to be 'good lads' with no nonsense ! Perhaps something we could do with today ! A favour it did me was to cure me for life of camping and wshing in cold water !!
Bob.

The BB is now 125 years young !!
Hope the Celebration events in Sheffield went well.
On Teesside we had a wonderful Celebration and Dedication service yesterday for the whole Battalion . We are a small battalion but with GB support and having invited ex-officers there, we filled Stockton Baptist Tabernacle with around 800 people (inc the church's usual congregation).
All the boys were presented with a 125 buttonhole badge and a New Testament. Current staff and ex staff who attended all got button hole badges.
All in all a day to remember !
John


Hi John 'Stedfastman' here........ although 2 years has passed by since 125th there is some footage at BoysBrigadeFormerMembers.BTck.co.uk of the big event I was joint organiser of (on 31st May 2008) when 3500 people attended a day long event at The Historic Dockyard , Chatham. The event had 3 official areans which had different items in them running similtaneously.... including 11 BB/Stedfast bands of differing genre and finished with all particpants in a grand tattoo and Sounding of Retreat ceremony.

In 2013 I am thinking about organising something similar for London Stedfast's 30th (ex BB members Association) and BB's 130th.... if I can find a suitable venue....

I went to the Boys Brigade late 70s/early 80s at Mount tabour church Wordsworth ave.

was a member of darnall 49th in the 60`s& 70`s great days-names i remember john palmer, jordan brothers, houseman, coulton bros

I am taking this ooportunity of inviting all of you who were in the Boys' Brigade (BB) to come and join many others from all over England and beyond and join the Stedfast Association (for BB Ex-members, their family etc).

If you have not already looked and lots have; in 2010 I created an independent informal web site at the usual w's then BoysBrigadeFormerMembers.BTck.co.uk which has things relating to my BB past but lots of unconnected items too.

There is also a feature of when I met up with former London BB Boy - musician Rick Wakeman.

On the site you will find links to the Stedfast Association and if any of you are musically inclined - to the Bugles & Drums of The Stedfast Association

Regards

David

And the national headquarters is......................





In sunny Wath upon Dearne :)

Just down the road from my hovel.

Thats the Church Lads' and Church Girls' Brigade hun, different Organisation. :)

Maybe you guys on the thread ought to get into with the headquarters of the Organisations I am sure they would love any memorabilia and any old uniforms for their Archives if they have them - I know the Church Lads and Girls Brigade do.

Hi new recruit
I was in the 54 Firth Park Meths Coy of the BB how the memories come back reading all the blogs. I joined in 1949 at 11 yrs. mr. Simms was capt then next it was Ben Wing. I played drum solo too the parades to Firht Park at Whit all good old days.I carried on through the ranks to become an officer and served both the 4th district and battalion.yes all good times.Jack Middleton Jack Skelton Don White Wilf Pashley Mick Hodgson curly Cooper Pete Cooper Kieth Flint Ian Smith Graham Storey Stu Granger my bro Tony Gardner Atkinson bros Graham Moss Schofield Clem Al Hodgson and many more whose names will come back to me.
Life long friends .Keep on writing nothing wrong in nostalgia. SURE AND STEADFAST.... BRI74/////

Hi Charles and Amy Wise were my Godparents and very good friends of my parents. If anyone has any photos they would be willing to share of Grimesthope Weslyean Reform Chapel and its people in the 1950's I would love to see them
Thank you

some more names I recall Rod Whitehouse Billy Mercer Jeff Harrison Ray Eagle went in the royal navy Alan Norris mom kept the shop on Stubbin John Spencer the butcher Jim Boyle Bruce Semmens Frank Parkin many more.
good old days SURE AND STEADFAST.

Hi Charles and Amy Wise were my Godparents and very good friends of my parents. If anyone has any photos they would be willing to share of Grimesthope Weslyean Reform Chapel and its people in the 1950's I would love to see them
Thank you

If you contact John pm, who is on this and the Grimesthorpe thread, I know for sure that he has what you need.
Tonio

I went to the one in the Church Hall on Gleadless Road. I was there the night that Kennedy got shot (that's not an alibi by the way). Is that Church still there ? What's it called ?. The main man's name was Mr Guthrie, his daughter, Miss Guthrie, sometimes came along.

I went to the one in the Church Hall on Gleadless Road. I was there the night that Kennedy got shot (that's not an alibi by the way). Is that Church still there ? What's it called ?. The main man's name was Mr Guthrie, his daughter, Miss Guthrie, sometimes came along.

No, it was the Lifeboys thinking on.

anybody from the good old 54 Firth Park out there?????