Reunion planned for Boys Brigade

This company of the Boy’s Brigade was formed at Park Road Methodist Church in December 1930 as the 2nd St Leonards , but later became the 3rd Hastings and eventually closed its doors In July 2011.

There was also a Company at Hollington Methodist Church, a church which will be closed in September and merge with Park Road.

Rod Sinden, who is organising the reunion, said: “During that time many boys were helped to achieve their potential through learning to live together at camps and the varied skills that were learned through badge classes and the music played in bands.

“One member became the star recruit at the Army College of Music at Kneller Hall and proceeded to serve several tours of duty in Afghanistan.

“Another became the most senior doctor in the Royal Air Force and has recently retired.

In the 1950s and 1960’s the Company worked with the National Childrens Home, Malmesbury House and the Dr Barnardos Home at Old Roar.

“Councillor Albert Jobson, a prominent Liberal Councillor in the Town is on the right of the picture above and the Headmaster of the Grove School and East Sussex Councillor in another.

As well as those who attained great heights in their chosen careers we would like to renew acquaintance with those who entered other careers which we know included; organist, teachers, policemen, Trade Union officials, taxi drivers, metal workers, gas board workers, printers and company directors. The Hastings’ “Battle of the Proms” is led by an ex member of the 3rd.

Boys have settled in various countries of the world and we know of: Australia, USA, Ireland. It is sad and to society’s detriment that in this day and age organisations like the BB and Youth Clubs are declining because of the lack of leaders able to commit time and effort on a regular basis.

“We still have contact with a lot of the boys and would like to hold a reunion with refreshments on Saturday April 16 and a church service at Park Road Methodist on Sunday April 17.

We invite those members who remember sharing in: parade nights, gymnastics, band, fun fellowship, and maybe remember sharing in the BB Vesper around the dying embers of a camp fire, to contact Rod on 01424 756476, or [email protected] or a letter popped into the church letterbox will find its way to the right person.

This will not commit you to attend but we will contact you with all the relevant details to enable you to make a decision about joining the re-union. This could ultimately lead to a more regular get together in the future.

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