Join the Boys' and Girls' Brigades and get set for life (From Malvern Gazette)

Join the Boys' and Girls' Brigades and get set for life

10:20am Monday 4th October 2010 in News By Tarik Al Rasheed

VERY much a part of modern life for many young people, the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades continue to thrive in Malvern and across the globe more than 125 years after they were first set up.

Tarik Al Rasheed spoke to 1st Malvern secretary Paul Hern to find out the secret behind the groups’ enduring appeal.

THE origins of the Boys and Girls Brigades both in the UK and worldwide can be traced back as far as 1883, when they were set up to form part of the church’s outreach programme to young people.

The ‘1st Malvern’ nameplate also carries a great deal of history, having first been established more than 85 years ago.

Despite a dormant period in Malvern during the mid-20th century, the companies were re-started and have gone on to enjoy a period of sustained success, currently boasting about 70 members and 20 active officers and helpers between them.

Paul Hern, who re-activated the companies in 1988, explained: “In Malvern the Brigades’ hey day was really between the two World Wars, when up to five Boys’ and six Girls’ companies operated throughout the town.

“With the onset of World War Two only a few companies managed to carry on, but eventually all closed down, so until the mid-1980s there was no Brigade activity in the town.”

Mr Hern attributes the revival of the BB and GB in Malvern to ‘a resurgence of interest in providing meaningful activity for young people’.

He continued: “Because they are uniformed organisations they have always been classed as ‘militaristic’, but this is far from the truth. The Brigades provide a structured management system within which young people can operate.

“Within the age group 11-19 years they can flex their leadership skills and test themselves in a safe environment with defined boundaries. Members are empowered by being involved in the week-to-week running of the company parade nights and, as they get older, the executive committee, which directs activities.

“The uniform provides a levelling influence and prevents any divisiveness.”

The main driver for achievement comes from the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, supplemented by the Brigades’ own badge work.

More then 40 young men have achieved their DoE Gold Award since 1990 and the ladies are following hot in their footsteps now the Girls’ Brigade has started the same programme.

Work towards the scheme is boosted through a partnership with DoE staff at Dyson Perrins CE Sports College, where a joint equipment store is located.

It was the DoE scheme that brought about the formation of 1st Malvern’s Boys Drum and Bugle Band, one of the real feathers in its cap, in 1991.

The band has enjoyed huge success over the past 20 years, winning the National Class Championship in 2007 as well as several individual awards.

Members have played in the London Massed Bugle Band and some have even progressed to play with the National Steadfast Association Drums and Bugles.

The band regularly performs in Malvern and provides buglers for Remembrance Day observances.

Members of the Brigades were recently seen helping out with the second Macmillan Malverns by Moonlight walk, and last weekend paraded through the town ahead of their enrolment service at Malvern Baptist Church.

Although Mr Hern retired as captain of 1st Malvern Boys’ Brigade two years ago, he remains on as secretary and hopes the next two decades will be even more successful than the 20 years he enjoyed at the helm.

“As we move towards the government’s proposed new scheme to involve young people in compulsory community work, it might just be a good time to take the opportunity to join the Brigades and get set for life,” he said.

Anyone interested in joining up has the perfect opportunity when the Boys’ Brigade holds an open night at Dyson Perrins, in Yates Hay Road, from 7pm on Friday, October 22.

Although the event is being held under the Boys’ Brigade banner, girls are more than welcome to attend.

Anyone unable to attend, or who would like more information about the Brigades or the open night, can call 01684 562426 or visit bbmalvern.co.uk.