THE Boys' Brigade is this year celebrating the 30th anniversary of its re-formation in 1988.

The First Malvern Company Boys’ Brigade was originally founded 95 years ago at Malvern Baptist Church, Abbey Road, but later became dormant.

It was re-activated in 1988 by Paul Hern, who also restarted the Seventh Malvern Company Girls Brigade in 2009, after an earlier company ceasing operations the previous year.

Despite their dormant periods, the two companies have gone on to enjoy sustained success, currently boasting about 50 members and 22 active officers.

Mr Hern said: "In Malvern, the Brigades’ heyday 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 continued success of the brigades to a continued interest in providing meaningful activity for young people.

He said: “Uniformed organisations have always been classed as militaristic, but this is far from the truth. Since 1883 Brigade work has provided a structured and safe environment for children and young people. The uniform provides a levelling influence and prevents social discrimination."

More than 57 young men have achieved their Duke of Edinburgh gold awards since 1992 and the Girls’ Brigade are hard on their heels with six awards.

The Boys’ Brigade drum and bugle band has operated since 1991 and has won the national championship twice, as well as several individual awards. The Girls Brigade also has a band, and the two regularly perform together.

The brigade is holding a parade on Sunday, February 4, to celebrate the 30th anniversary, starting at 10.30a, in Abbey Road, and followed by a thanksgiving service at the Baptist church from 11am.