The Boys' Brigade is a national Christian organisation for boys, originally founded in 1883 by Sir William Alexander Smith.
By its programme of activities it aims to contribute to Boys' social and moral development -by providing skills, new friends to make, leadership and a wide range of different opportunities - as well as the old staple of fun: its not school after all!
These varied activities range from games, sports, expeditions, camping, craftwork, DIY, and music via the Company band.
The 1st Malvern Company was re-formed in 1988 after an absence of 49 years. There were at least 3 Boys' Life Brigade Companys in Malvern prior to 1926 when the BLB united with the Boys' Brigade. Prior to the outbreak of World War II there were 4 BB Company's extant. So far as is known there was a Company at Lady Huntingdon's Church on Worcester Road, Malvern Baptist Church Abbey Road, The Gospel Hall Newtown Road (now a pet/Garden Centre) and Somers Park Avenue Methodist Church.
The 1st Malvern Company is based at Malvern Baptist Church and so takes it's name plate from the Company originally based there. That original Company formed in 1923 as a BLB company joining with BB in 1926. So that makes the present 1st Malvern 78 years old.
When the Company formed there were 4 known survivors of that Company located. Mr Ernest Lewis*, Mr Bellamy*, Mr Clifford Smith* & Mr Hubert Squibb. The wife of the original Skipper, Mr Alec Lewis (Elder brother of Ernest), was also alive but unwell. Their son and his family still live in Welland.
*Those marked thus may be seen on a photograph donated to the company by Ernest Lewis. It was taken in about 1924 whilst still a BLB Company.
At the date of writing all the original members have since died. It was good to meet them and be encouraged by them.
Mr Ernest Lewis and his wife Betty donated the colours to the Company in memory of Alec Lewis and this fact is inscribed on the barrel of the colours' staff. It is believed that the original colours were given to the now defunct 2nd Worcester Company. The original staff remains at MBC. The doner is described on the barrel.
There are three sections, which cater for their different age groups:
Anchor Boys (6-8)
Junior Section (8-11)
Company/Senior section (11-18)
For further information contact Mr.Paul Hern, on (01684) 562426, or HernPaul@aol.com
If you are interested in the BB work, visit the other pages on this site:
|
