Our Heritage

Wednesday 21st August 2019

We continue to take a look at the Gazette in history and of course in turn the Brigade’s rich heritage by sharing some of the events and activities which took place all those years ago…

125 years ago….
The B.B. a monthly magazine for Boys, was introduced in 1894 at a price of 3d monthly. The gazette reminded readers that: ‘A Captain can render no greater assistance to his Boys than getting them to read and take an interest in wholesome literature’. Gazette Vol.3 No.5 1894

Memorial Service in St. Paul’s Cathedral on 11th November 1919. The Service on the anniversary of Armistice Day in the Cathedral of the capital of the Empire, in memory of our Officers and Boys who gave their lives in the war, must be regarded as a national and not merely a local ceremony. That on this day above all, the privilege of holding a Memorial Service at St. Paul’s should have been granted to The Boys’ Brigade is a mark of appreciation of which we have reason to be both proud and grateful. Though only members of the Brigade and relatives of those in whose honour the Service was held were admitted, the great Church was filled, the programme states that at least 2,650 Officers and Boys were present. The reverence, the quiet, unobtrusive, effortless discipline shown, as Company after Company entered the Cathedral, moved quietly to their places, joined in the prayer, praise, and worship, and listened intently to the wonderful voice of the Chaplain-General of the Forces, made a profound impression upon all who were privileged to take part. Gazette Vol.28 No.4 1919

75 years ago….
“Since the last issue of the Gazette the flying-bomb attacks have inflicted further hardships on Companies that had already borne the brunt of the air raids of 1940 and 1941. We honour them for the pluck and tenacity they have again shown. Even when the attacks were at their height parades and classes continued and sports meetings were held. Many a successful Company Display this year was carried out despite the wailing of the sirens and the other noises that so often followed.” Gazette Vol.53 No.1 1944

50 years ago….

Jamaica – 500 Boys took part in an Island Run in order to raise funds for the new Headquarters building.
Gazette Vol.77 No.4 1969

25 years ago…. 
Three hundred and seventy attended the Scottish Open Conference to discuss Brigade matters, policy and hear talks and presentations on youth work in other organisations, including the DofE programme.
Gazette Vol.102 No.5 1994