“We Have An Anchor”
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The 1st Kempston Company was founded in February 1959 by Mr Dennis Bellamy and since then it has built up an extensive history. Members past and present can often record there own personal favourite memories - perhaps you would like to share yours, by sending us a message through our contact page here or by becoming our friend on Facebook here.
With 54 Camps and foreign tours, One World Record, numerous Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award holders, One 3 Peek Challenge race in 24 hours, one enormous 3000 piece Domino topple, 5 times national table tennis finalists and 2015 England champions, National five a side football finalists in 1993 and Best E flat trumpets in the Boys Brigades National Marching Band Contest, the 1st Kempston has become a legend in its own right.
Since its formation there have been five company captains, Dennis the founder. Mr Brian Wallis, Mr David Baker, Mr Philip Timms and Mr Alistair Marriott, who is captain today.
With 54 Camps and foreign tours, One World Record, numerous Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award holders, One 3 Peek Challenge race in 24 hours, one enormous 3000 piece Domino topple, 5 times national table tennis finalists and 2015 England champions, National five a side football finalists in 1993 and Best E flat trumpets in the Boys Brigades National Marching Band Contest, the 1st Kempston has become a legend in its own right.
Since its formation there have been five company captains, Dennis the founder. Mr Brian Wallis, Mr David Baker, Mr Philip Timms and Mr Alistair Marriott, who is captain today.
In 1963 Kempston saw the debut performance of the Boys Brigade Company Band, something which has been a regular feature of the town ever since. The photograph shows original band marching to a Parade service at Kempston West Church.
The Boys' Brigade in Kempston was one of the first youth organisations to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, since then numerous company members have reached various levels, a large percentage of which have collected the Gold Award from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
In 1983 the Boys Brigade nationally celebrated its Centenary Year, this was marked with numerous events and celebrations. Photographed is the 1st KempstonCompany of that time, at the back of Kempston East Chruch.
The Celebrations did not end the next year either, when the company notched up 25 Years in Kempston. The inspecting officer was the then National Secretary of the Brigade Mr Don West.
Earlier that same year Kempston BB members set up a mammoth 3000 Domino topple in the church hall at Kempston East. This was a sponsored event which raised £500 to purchase tents and camping equipment for the company.
Later in 1984 the 1st Kempston Company reached the Guinness Book of Records whilst at the same time raising £100 for Charity. 15 of the companies lads smashed the World record by laying a staggering 409 feet of baked beans in a line, beating the previous record by 350 feet!
In 1989 some of the companies members and officers decided to embark on another fundraising event in aid of a Heart Pulse Generator for Bedford Hospital and the British Heart Foundation. This challenge was to climb the 3 highest peaks of England (Skafell Pike) Scotland, (Ben Nevis) & Wales (Snowdon) in 24 Hours climbing time. (A combined height of 22,000ft.)
In 1991 our Table Tennis Team reached the finals of the National Brigade competition, this achievement was repeated in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 & 1998.
Since 1985 Kempston BB & GB have also enjoyed a good partnership with the Danish equivalent, the FDF, FPF. (Now just FDF) In 1987, 89, 93, 97 and 2000 our company has visited Tonder (Southern Denmark) and Broderslev (Nothern Denmark) where we have shared our music as well as lots of fun laughter together.
The Boys Brigade in Kempston continues to provide many opportunities for all of its members, but this is only possible while we have dedicated leaders who are able to run and co-ordinate activities. If you are an old member who would like to help your company, please get in touch - we would love to hear from you.
