Boys' Brigade 40th Anniversary

In 2014 the 1st Woodley Boys' Brigade (BB) are celebrating their 40th anniversary. At their annual display and awards presentation on Wednesday 21st May this was celebrated with a special cake. This event was noted on the local newspapers with pictures of the parading boys and the cake. The images below show the photo display shown that night and subsequently in the church.

A short history!

1st Woodley Boys' Brigade was formed in 1974, under the leadership of Peter Kirk, Robin Gunston and Stewart Manning, at the old United Reformed Chapel in Loddon Bridge Road. Numbers soon grew to around 50 boys, in Junior and Company sections. Anchor Boys were added when the URC and Methodists merged and BB moved to its present home at Christ Church. From those days, David Voller led the Company for three years, then returned for a second spell in 2001, following the sad death of Ian Cowie. Don White led the Company for a record 12 years, 1987-1999.

Earlier years were characterised by prominent floats in Woodley Carnival (as Woodley Vikings and Woodley Pirates!); a flute, drum and trumpet band; sporting successes in the Southern District football 6-a-sides; and a keenly supported annual camp. 1st Woodley celebrated the BB centenary in 1983 and the 125th anniversary in 2008. For the 125th, members of the Company cycled 125 miles in Woodley precinct on exercise bicycles!,/p>

Members of 1st Woodley took part in the Royal Review at Windsor, marking 40 years of the Queen's reign, in 1992.

The Company continues to provide a regular and varied programme for around 30 members, from ages 5 to 17 years, in four sections. Each Section awards badges for their achievements. A steady stream of members have gained the second highest award of the BB, the President's Badge. Two more were awarded in 2014. The highest award, the Queen's Badge, has been won by relatively few lads in the past - but one should achieve it by the end of the 2013-2014 session.

BB is an operator of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme and several boys have participated in this programme - including expeditions in the New Forest and input to the local community, particularly by voluntary help in Barnardos and Oxfam shops.

Captains of 1st Woodley

• 1974 - Peter Kirk
• 1978 - Robin Gunston
• 1974 - David Voller
• 1981 - Stewart Manning
• 1987 - Don White
• 1999 - Ian Cowie
• 2001 - David Voller
• 2004 - Bob Hansford

1st Woodley Website