Thanks to Suzanne and Alan for this report about the Girls and Boys Brigades. Ed
129 years after it began, the Boys Brigade has developed into a worldwide youth movement. Today, sadly, only two companies remain active on the Isle of Wight, in the two main towns of Newport and Ryde.
Held at Garfield Road Methodist Church, Ryde the 2nd Ryde Company recently hosted a reunion for past and present members as well as past and present members of the Girls Brigade.
Back in 1883 national founder William Alexander Smith, who hailed from the Scottish Highlands, had been brought up in a family strong in religion and with military connections.
‘Sure and Stedfast’
In forming a ‘Brigade for Boys’ his aim was to combine religious teaching with military discipline, gymnastics and team games. He coined the motto ‘Sure and Stedfast’ (sic) which emanated from a well-known biblical phrase for which he insisted on retaining the original spelling, although it has subsequently been altered to ‘Sure and Steadfast’.
On the 8th May 1914 while attending a Boys Brigade event (the now) Sir William Smith collapsed, only to die two days later.
Celebrating the birth of the brigade
Having commenced on the 4th October 1883 all companies throughout this country celebrated the Centenary in 1983 and this year’s celebration took place on 6th October.
Now the Boys Brigade offers a wide range of activities including crafts, games and outings. All set challenges go towards gaining badges for the Anchor Boys aged 5-8, Junior Section 8-11, Company Section 11-15 and Seniors 15-18.
Girls Brigade
In 2013 the Girls Brigade celebrates 120 years and the aim is to recruit more girls into the movement. Again, only two companies remain on the Island at Newport and 3rd. Ryde.
A park bench in Ireland was the unlikely scene of a conversation between two ladies in 1893 that led to the formation of the Girls Brigade.
Like the boys, girls belong between the ages of 5 and 18 each age group having different names and wearing different coloured uniform tops. Explorers 5-8 wear red, Juniors 8-11 don light blue whilst Seniors 11-15 wear yellow and Brigaders 15-18 sport purple tops.
Recent reunion
Past members from a number of former Island units attended the reunion and spoke of adventures undertaken and friendships made over the years. Some of those attending had belonged to groups which met in Island towns and villages other than Newport and Ryde. These included Sandown, Lake, Shanklin, Ventnor and East Cowes.
There were displays of memorabilia which included past items of uniform, certificates earned for work undertaken and photographs of past events including camps.
Organised by Janet Partridge and other members the reunion was well attended and enjoyed by all. Special Guest was Ryde Town Mayor David Woodward.
