Our Heritage
Wednesday 22nd May 2019We have a rich history spanning over 135 years – have you ever wondered what BB members in the past wore, thought or did? The Brigade’s Archive Trust is responsible for ensuring that we are able to safely keep those items and memories which are important to our heritage; and that we are able to celebrate that heritage through sharing this with current and future generations of BB members.
In this issue of the Gazette, we share some stories that we have captured in the BB Gazette over the last 125 years.
125 years ago….
560 Boys form part of the Guard of Honour for The Queen’s visit to Manchester. This was the first time The Boys’ Brigade had appeared before Queen Victoria. Gazette Vol.3 No.5 1894
100 years ago….
Copies of newly published ‘The Boy Reserves Manual’ were sent out to the 120 enrolled sections of the newly formed Boy Reserves, and the Honorary Instructors Badge was authorised to be worn by ladies as a brooch, and by Petty Officers on the arm. Gazette Vol.27 No.5 1919
75 years ago….
The Gazette of February 1994 announced that Derek Barsham, the B.B. Boy Soprano from the 1st Enfield Company, who had previously performed at the Royal Albert Hall display, and on the BBC on Christmas day 1943, would return to the BBC Home Service broadcasting live several sacred songs on Palm Sunday, and Good Friday 1944. Gazette Vol.52 No.4 1944
50 years ago….
BB Week total £168,387 19s. 1d. raised.
Gazette Vol.77 No.4 1969
25 years ago….
The Royal Review – Windsor Castle. 30th April 1994
In this issue of the Gazette, we share some stories that we have captured in the BB Gazette over the last 125 years.
‘A hush fell upon the quadrangle as the approaching band could be heard in the distance. What a magnificent sight – and sound – as they came up the Long Walk, through George IV Gate and into the Castle Quadrangle. On and on they came – what a massive parade of 1,200 young men from throughout the UK and Eire. A Company from Stornoway had faced a two-day journey to be present. There was no evidence of earlier rehearsal problems, the parade filled the green. The sun shone brilliantly, and the scene was thus set at the approach to 15.00, when our Patron would appear. As Her Majesty appeared and as the Royal Salute was played, so each lad on parade clearly found a new strength and pride. Following on from the inspection, The Queen then addressed the parade: ‘I am very pleased to be able to welcome The Boys’ Brigade back to Windsor after so many years for this parade to mark the retirement of Lord Thurso and the appointment of your new President, Lord Strathmore. The last time members of the Brigade were assembled in the Quadrangle here was over fifty years ago for your Diamond Jubilee celebrations during the last war. My father spoke then of the strength of the movement “because” as he said, “it is built upon the twin pillars of discipline and religion”. Those two pillars remain central to the activities of the Brigade today. They are expressed in the values taught by the movement’s Christian leaders and in the demanding programmes set by the Brigade to develop your confidence and self-discipline’…. This was truly the BB at its best. The opportunity to meet our Patron became a celebration which was opened and closed in prayer and praise.’
Gazette Vol.102 No.5 1994
