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 in to a worldwide movement having worked with millions of children and young people for well over a century.
Pioneer of Camping
Widespread organised camping for adolescents was something completely new in the late 19th century. The Founder’s introduction of camping into the programme in 1886 was an innovation and helped to sow the seeds of one of the most popular recreational pastimes still enjoyed today. From this first camp held at Tighnabruiach in 1886, thousands of members still enjoy holidays and residential activities as part of their Company programme each year.
Key Timeline
1854 – William Alexander Smith born (27th October)
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1883 – BB Founded in Glasgow (4th October)
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1886 – First BB Camp (Tighnabruiach)
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1908 – Scout Movement Formed (by Baden Powell, developed from the BB)
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1909 – William Alexander Smith knighted (July)
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1913 – The King’s Badge introduced
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1914 – Sir William Alexander Smith died (10th May)
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1917 – Boy Reserves started for 8 to 11 year olds
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1926 – Amalgamation of The Boys’ Brigade with The Boys’ Life Brigade
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1927 – Grimsby and Cleethorpes Battalion Formed, 1st June. Football League formed 1st 3rd 5th 7th 5a 12th .
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1928 – Battalion Cricket League Formed. First Swimming Gala at Orwell Street Swimming Baths.
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1928 – First Battalion Church Parade Arlington Street October. Rev. Leggett Welholme to take the address. Fall in Freeman Street Market 2.0pm. Time of parade 3.00pm.
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1928 – B.B. Jottings first time in the Grimsby Evening Telegraph. A quote from the Battalion minutes, “The Grimsby Telegraph have allocated a small space on alternate Tuesdays or Battalion News items and the Grimsby News have already promised space will be seen shortly as regards allocation.” So even then the paper advertised B.B.
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1929 – Gymnastics Display
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1929 – September First recruitment campaign
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1933 – Jubilee Celebrations
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1955 – BB involved in Duke of Edinburgh’s Award pilot scheme
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1962 – I joined the Life Boys at 4th Cleethorpes Company
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1963 – World Conference (of The Boys’ Brigade) formed
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1977 – Pre-Junior Section formed (now known as Anchor Section)
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1982 – Royal Mail issue 1st Class stamp celebrating The Boys’ Brigade
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1983 – Centenary Celebrations
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1993 – Junior Section 75th Anniversary (previously called ‘Life Boys’)
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1994 – Royal Review by HM The Queen at Windsor Castle
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2002 – World Conference renamed Global Fellowship of Christian Youth
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2008 – 125th Anniversary of The Boys’ Brigade
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2008 – Girls’ Association formed
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2011 – 125th Anniversary of Camping
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2018 – 135th Anniversary
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2023 - 140 years Anniversary
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1st June 2027 Centenary Grimsby Cleethorpes Battalion Formed