The Boys’ Brigade was founded in Glasgow on 4th October 1883 by Sir William Alexander Smith as a way of making Sabbath School both more attractive to boys and young men and of giving a structure to the work. The famous anchor badge was an early feature along with the motto ‘Sure and Stedfast’ (taken from Hebrews 6: 19 – ‘Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast’). From this one Company, BB has grown into a worldwide movement having worked with millions of children and young people for well over a century, Including previous members such as Alex Ferguson, Cliff Richards, Chris Moyles, Jonathan Ross, Tom Jones and also Stormzy. When Sir William Alexander Smith started The Boys’ Brigade with the aim of bringing young people to know Jesus he based it on two things that were close to his heart; “Bible Teaching” and “The Army”. That is why we still use military ranks and such things as drill might be included in our activities.

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The Founder’s introduction of camping into the programme in 1886 has helped and still remains to be one of the 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.

Each of the programmes, Get Active, Get Into the Bible, Get Creative, Get Learning, Get Adventurous and Get Involved provides fun and exciting activities with opportunities for children and young people across the four age groups from 5 to 18 years to be recognised for their participation and achievement through awards. 

Water Orton Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association have been running since the 1980’s with the Girls’ Association joining us in the early 2000’s at the village’s Methodist Church and is still going strong with members in all sectors, Anchors, Juniors, Company and Seniors. With the Lockdown restrictions that came into place last March, we adapted our ‘Steadfast’ attitude and continued with our weekly gatherings via Zoom. It was a great success with the children’s engagement during this time and then being able to return to the church and park when the restrictions were lifted with all our members returning.

On Friday 24th September we were able to host the Annual Awards evening where we invite family and friends to see their achievements. With it being the first one for two years, there were many awards to be given. Including all the members of the Senior sector (Amy, Emilia, Holly and Lizzie) receiving the President’s Award which is the second highest award to be gained. 

With the current programme consisting of more adventures, Your child would be very welcome to come and join us on a Friday evening from 6.30pm to 8.30pm please contact the Company Captain, Kim Smith 07940 541121 for more information. 

Water Orton Boys Brigade and Girls Association
Water Orton Methodist Church
Birmingham Road, Water Orton, West Midlands, B46 1SP