Old friends are reunited as churchhosts moving Boys Brigade reunion

The event, which took place at Park Road Methodist Church, was a great success with 30 former members present.

Terry Burgess was the oldest at over 90 who had joined the Boys’ Brigade in 1928 and was given the honour of cutting the celebratory cake which was also made by an ex-member.

Those attending travelled from Tonbridge, Polegate, Sandwich and one was in England having travelled from Thailand where he now lives. Together, with singing rousing camp songs and the Boys Brigade Anchor Song, a buffet was well appreciated and a minutes silence was observed for those who had died.

The service on the Sunday was particularly poignant with greetings from ex-members who could not be there including two ex chaplains, Rev Irving Penberthy and Rev Elizabeth Cresswell. The newest colour presented in 1957 was first carried by Colour Sargent.

The escort was Richard Christmas and Kenneth Harper a previous captain of the Company. An image and sound that will remain with many for a long time was ex-members singing the first verse of the BB Hymn whilst standing in a re-created Bible Class.

Someone commented that the volume didn’t change much when the other 50 people joined in.

Featured within the greetings was one from the present Brigade President, The Revd. The Lord Griffiths of Burry Port.

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