As we approach the end of 2016, we head into new beginnings for The Boys’ Brigade in England and Wales. With the recent retirement of England Director, Eric Hudson, and the appointment of Natalie Whipday as his replacement, the new England and Wales team are now in place and looking forward to the start of a new era.

The new team will be directed from the England and Wales office based at Felden Lodge. Graham Weston, will continue to support the team as administrator and any enquiries can be directed to the office on 01442 288 558.

Introducing the Staff Team for England and Wales

Natalie Whipday, Director for England and Wales

Swapping my 14-year legal career for a new challenge as the Director of England and Wales could be described by some as a leap of faith. However, having been part of The Boys’ Brigade in different capacities for the past 20 years, it is an organisation very close to my heart. I am very passionate about working with the great team we have here to ensure that The Boys’ Brigade in England and Wales remains current and is the Christian youth organisation of choice for both young people and volunteers.

The legacy left by my predecessor Eric Hudson, including the hard work he has done with Millennium Volunteers and latterly Youth United, means we are in a great position with lots of opportunities. However, it is also a very challenging time for all youth organisations across England and Wales to not only increase but retain membership. One of my key focuses will be to put strategic plans in place to support the sustainability of both existing and new groups.

Contact Natalie natalie.whipday@boys-brigade.org.uk on 01442 231 681 (ext 210) or 07415 241 192.

John Myers, Development Worker for London and South East England

I’m looking forward to a fresh and exciting new challenge with The Boys’ Brigade England and Wales. I’ve spent the last couple of years helping to develop new groups in the North of England, specifically in rural Yorkshire, so moving to London and the South East is going to be very different, but extremely exciting.

My role will be to support existing groups in the region as well as explore opportunities for developing new groups. One of the main things that excites me about this role and which I look forward to the most is meeting new people and having the privilege of sharing their journey/vision for the transformation of their communities. I’m really looking forward to connecting with leaders across London and the South East over the coming weeks.

Contact John john.myers@boys-brigade.org.uk if you would like support in your area.

Vaughan Staples, Development Worker for Northern England, the Midlands, North, Mid and West Wales

Having grown up through the BB in 1^st Walsall Wood Company in the West Midlands, I have been able to experience first-hand what our movement can do in developing and nurturing young people. I have been fortunate enough to be a Company Captain, hold several positions within Battalions, Districts and the England Region, as well as serving as a Brigade Trustee, organising events and being the co-ordinator of international work engaging with young people and leaders across the Brigade. Over the last 3 years I have been working for the Brigade, developing new groups within London and diversifying the way we work within the capital.

My new role, based in Manchester, will allow me to support and develop both new work and existing Companies across large parts of both England and Wales, enabling sustainable ways of working and ensuring Companies who may be struggling, can continue to grow. I cannot wait to work with Battalions and Districts across the region to enable local Companies, both existing and new to continue engaging young people through what the Brigade can offer!

Contact Vaughan v.staples@boys-brigade.org.uk if you would like support in your area.

Gareth Hillier, Development Worker for South Wales and South West England

I have really enjoyed working with The Boys’ Brigade in Wales over the past 3 years. I am proud of the success we have achieved with the launch of several new Companies which are currently thriving and doing great work in their local community.

One of the most exciting parts of my job is seeing Companies go from strength to strength and this new role will give me even more opportunity to work with many more Companies across the region and witness the great work that The Boys’ Brigade does week in week out in many communities across the country.

Contact Gareth gareth.hillier@boys-brigade.org.uk if you would like support in your area.