3RD BASINGSTOKE BOYS’ BRIGADE
History
The History of 3rd Basingstoke
Maybe some of you reading this remember the history because you were part of it or maybe you are in one of the photographs.
Company Captains
This is a history of 3rd Basingstoke Boys’ Brigade Company from its foundation in 1965 right up to the present day.
First off please accept our apologies if any detail is incorrect in this history. The dates were taken from the very confusing and occasionally incomplete archives of the company. We have made every effort to get the details correct and include every Captain throughout our history. If you do spot anything which is incorrect or something which should have been included then please contact us.
Where we came from
The Boys’ Brigade was founded in Glasgow on 4th October 1883 by Sir William Alexander Smith. From this one Company formed in Scotland, the BB has grown into a worldwide movement having worked with millions of children and young people for over a century and in 2008 we celebrated our 125th Anniversary.
A full and detailed history of The Boys’ Brigade called First For Boys written by Donald M. McFarlan can be found on the national Boys’ Brigade website.
Out Patron
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II served as the Boys’ Brigade Patron, from 1952 until her passing in September 2022.
Time Line
- 1854 – William Alexander Smith born (27th October)
- 1883 – BB Founded in Glasgow (4th October)
- 1886 – First BB Camp (Tignabruaich)
- 1908 – Scout Movement Formed (by Baden Powell, developed from the Boys’ Brigade)
- 1909 – William Alexander Smith knighted (July)
- 1914 – Sir William Alexander Smith died (10th May)
- 1933 – Jubilee Celebrations
- 1952 – The Boys’ Brigade was proud to have Queen Elizabeth II as its Patron
- 1955 – St Andrews’ Church built
- 1964 – 2nd Basingstoke Girls’ Brigade founded (December)
- 1965 – 3rd Basingstoke Life Boys’ founded (January)
- 1966 – 3rd Basingstoke Boys’ Brigade founded
- 1982 – Royal Mail issue 1st Class stamp celebrating The Boys’ Brigade
- 1983 – BB Centenary Celebrations
- 1993 – 2nd Basingstoke Girls’ Brigade closes (February)
- 1993 – Junior Section 75th Anniversary (previously called ‘Life Boys’)
- 2006 – 40th Anniversary celebration of 3rd Basingstoke
- 2008 – 125th Anniversary of The Boys’ Brigade
- 2009 – 3rd Basingstoke temporarily move to Trinity Church (September)
- 2011 – St. Andrews’ Church is demolished and construction of the new church begins
- 2012 – Construction of the brand new St. Andrews’ Church is completed
- 2012 – 3rd Basingstoke return to the brand new St. Andrews’ Church (November)
- 2015 – 50th Anniversary celebration of 3rd Basingstoke
- 2020 – BB Forced to meet virtually for almost a year due to global pandemic
- 2021 – Face-to-face meetings gradually reintroduced as global restrictions are eased
- 2022 – Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
- 2022 – Saddened by the death of our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen (8th September)
ADDRESS
3rd Basingstoke Boys' Brigade
St Andrew's Methodist Church
Western Way,
Basingstoke,
RG22 6ER.
THE BB OBJECT
The object of the Boys Brigade is: "The advancement of Christ's kingdom among boys and the promotion of habits of obedience, reverence, discipline, self-respect, and all that tends towards a true Christian manliness"