120
2 Chris#
Newsletter of Old Boys & Friends of 70
th
London BB Company
REFLECTIONS
Talk to any OB and most will speak of the
impact the time in 70th had on their lives.
Not only an impact on their formative
years but so too on their lives beyond the
70th. The interviews conducted in
preparations for the book A Positive
Contribution endorse this fact. Regularly
mentioned by the interviewees were the
positive and long-lasting effects of the 70
th
on Discipline, Teamwork and Comradeship.
In previous editions of Reflections, OBs
have recounted stories on how time in the
Boys’ Brigade impacted their lives. One
kind of influence however not covered in
any detail before is the awakening of
musical talent and interest. In this Edition,
Dave Richardson explains…
We now have an OBs web presence! I
recently set up a very simple set of pages
at... www.70thlondonoldboys.org.uk
The original idea was to create a means of
making recordings of some Bugle Calls,
Drum Solos and Bugle Band pieces available
online. Having done this, it was a small step
to include contact details in the hope that
any ‘missing’ OB’s might light upon the site
and get in touch with us. Have a look and
let us know what you think. Any ideas for
extra content etc. are most welcome.
70
7070
70
th
thth
th
OB’s Website Launched!
OB’s Website Launched! OB’s Website Launched!
OB’s Website Launched!
Edition
5
April 2011
Whilst hopefully I still have your attention...
On behalf of you all, thanks to Alan for his
continuing excellent work in putting
Reflections together and to John and Keith
for their valuable ‘behind the scenes’
committee work. Thanks also are due to
those of you who, past, present and future
contributed and will contribute to our
newsletter.
Now enjoy the rest of Edition 5...
----------------------------------------------------------
two OBs Jack Fishpool and Dave
Richardson, tell us in what way this
happened for them.
Friendships naturally come and go and it is
a shame we have lost touch with many of
the ‘boys’ who have passed through the
70
th
. Nevertheless many friendships have
endured and blossomed with the passage
of time as the now regular reunions bear
testament. Alan Cagney writes in this
Edition about his strong and long-lasting
friendship with Malcolm
[Sam] Smith.
We would love to hear your
‘story’ however short
or long.
The
The The
The Life Changing 70
Life Changing 70Life Changing 70
Life Changing 70
th
thth
th
…
… …
…
This is one of those questions that occurs
to me periodically... but after a few
minutes thought on the various influences
we have all been subjected to - family,
education, experiences, friends, work, it
becomes clear that the question is
unanswerable, particu
larly when one starts
to think of what proportion each influence
has exerted.
But, however unquantifiable, many OBs,
myself included, count their years in the
70
th
as having made a significant
contribution during that formative period
when moving from boyhood to manhood.
For myself, aside from sharing the belief,
held by many of us that the discipline,
guidance and comradeship ‘stood us in
good stead’, one of my major continuing
interests, that of making music, is I think,
strongly linked to the influence of the 70
th
.
From playing the bugle in the band and at
camp to the singing of hymns and choruses
at Bible class and in Church, I was instilled
with a love of actually being part of
creating music, rather than just listening
to it.
REFLECTIONS
REFLECTIONS
Page 2
How has all this manifest
ed itself in adult
life? Well I took up the guitar - blame
skiffle and Buddy Holly - played the
trumpet in a trad jazz band at university
and the flute in recent years. And
I carried
on singing singing in ‘congregations’ with
in
folk clubs, community choirs
and Churches.
For the past 20 or so years I have been
attending Shape Note singings, both here
and in the USA. This type of singing uses
differently shaped noteheads in its music
notation, to aid sight singing, and forms
the basis of a lively, unaccompa
nied, hymn
singing tradition that originated in America
in the 1800s. I mainly sing bass and my
earliest recollection of someone singing
that part is Arthur Yerill in the Tooting
Junction Baptist Church Choir in the late
1950s. He was known affectionately as ‘Mr
Yell’, which reflected his strong singing
style, one I find myself still trying to
What Happened Next……….
What Happened Next………. What Happened Next……….
What Happened Next……….
Two OB’ tell how their time in the 70
th
awakened a lifetime
interest in MUSIC
Dave Richardson
What made us the
individuals we are…?
REFLECTIONS
Page 3
SHAPE NOTES
Shape notes are a music notation
designed to facilitate congregational
and community singing. The notation,
introduced in 1801, became a popular
teaching device in American singing
schools.
emulate…
So the flame, lit more than 50 years ago,
has continued to at least flicker…
But, where might all this be leading?
Well my guess is that at least some of you
share my enthusiasm for singing those
hymns and gospel songs that we, ‘of a
certain age…’ were brought up with. The
pieces I am thinking of here are the BB
related ones like ‘We Thank Thee O Our
Father’ and of course ‘Will Your Anchor
Hold’, hymns like ‘He Who Would Valiant
Be’ and gospel songs like ‘Blessed
Assurance’. The latter popularised in the
UK by the visits of Moody & Sankey in the
late 1800s and by the Billy Graham Missions
in the 1950s and 60s.
I hoped that we might have had sung some
of these at the last Reunion and had
prepared some booklets to that end, but
the opportunity did not present itself as,
very appropriately, we spent much time
discussing the sad losses and events that
Dave Richardson
Dave RichardsonDave Richardson
Dave Richardson
…… continued
had taken place in the previous months.
The next Reunion, planned for 2012, will
hopefully give us the opportunity to make use
of the booklets and raise our voices, albeit
‘tucked away’ in the small hall so as not to
disturb those who wish to continue chatting
in a quieter environment…
Please let me know if this is of interest and
also any pieces that you would particularly
like to sing again.
Other OBs under the influence….
Dave Richardson and Jack Fishpool were not the only OBs whose musical talents were influenced
by their time in the BB.
John Pizey writing in ‘A Positive Contribution’ recalls…
… it can be said that my experience in the BB introduced me to the world of entertainment. I
went on to learn the trumpet and trombone in my spare time. I became a part time entertainer
and indeed still perform at a small club in Australia… not the trombone or trumpet now as
health and teeth won’t allow!
Jack Fishpool
Jack Fishpool Jack Fishpool
Jack Fishpool
…. I enjoyed all my activities in
the 70
th
, but band was my main
interest and passion
My memories of the 70
th
London go back a
long time. I was in the Life Boys from 8 yrs
old prior to joining the BB main company.
As soon as I could I joined the Company
band, learning the basics of drumming
under Peter Knights. As I progressed, and
others aged out, I became the solo
drummer also playing solos at the Albert
Hall in the Battalion Massed Band.
I enjoyed all my activities in the 70
th
, but
band was my main interest and passion.
When I reached 18 it was time for me to
leave the BB and around this time I met my
future wife Margaret who at that time was
a colour Sargent in the 2nd Brixton Girl’s
Brigade Company. I was only a Lance
Corporal so was outranked by her [still
am!!]. She became my new passion!! We
started courting and planning our future
together so my drumming ceased. We were
married in 1964 and moved to Crawley in
1968 with our 1yr old son Steven.
My chance to start drumming again came
when a colleague at work who played an
accordion was looking for a drummer to
accompany him at Weddings and Parties
etc. I bought a Drum Kit [£27] and started
practising. I got the bug again for playing
and also decided to join a local Brass Band.
My father had played drums and
grandfather played cornet in Brass Bands,
so I was carrying on the family tradition.
My drumming experience progressed and I
was soon asked to play with various other
bands. By this time we had a daughter
Sharon, born 1970.
In 1974 I went to work for British
Caledonian Airways at Gatwick Airport,
(later to merge with B.A), as an engineer.
Working for an Airline enabled me to travel
at little or no cost world-wide. I stayed
with B.A until I retired in 2000 keeping my
Staff Travel.
My drumming took a new direction when I
was asked to join a newly formed Jazz
Swing Rock Band (5 players). This band
called Pendulum soon became a great
success playing clubs, dinner dances,
REFLECTIONS
It all started with Peter Knights in the 70
th
!
Page 4
Jack and his
first Drum
[aged 13/14]
hotels, from London to the South Coast. I
took over managing the band as well as
occasionally guesting with other bands
These were hectic times. The Pendulum
Band was booked to play at the Grand
Hotel Brighton but the hotel was blown up
just a few weeks before our gig that was a
big disappointment.
Throughout their teenage years my
children played in local Youth Marching
Bands, my son drumming and my daughter
playing the trumpet. My son is now a
Pastor of a church in Horsham. He
sometimes plays the drums in the Church
Band, but my daughter has given up
playing now.
By the mid 90’s the Pendulum Band could
not take on as many gigs due to full time
work commitments of band members..
Around this time I was asked to join a local
big band playing Swing and Glen Miller type
music, so again a new direction.
In 1995 I bought an electric keyboard and
taught myself to play, which I do most
days. Ideal for when I am too old to carry
the drums around anymore!
I am still drumming and playing with the
Horsham Legion Dance Band, the Bluebell
Railway Concert Band, plus I have gone
back to the local Brass Band so am still
quite busy.
I have to be careful I’ve got the correct
uniform on for the right band! My eldest
Grandson who is 7 now has just started
Drumming lessons, so I hope he will do well
and carry on the family tradition who
knows! It all started with Peter Knights in
the 70
th
.
I am still working part-time, and
occasionally work at the Blue Bell Railway
in the engineering workshops.
I have been very fortunate in my life to
have played all styles of music with great
musicians, had a good career which I
enjoyed, plus the bonus of travel perks and
especially lucky to have Margaret, my
family and grandchildren in my life.
Page 5
REFLECTIONS
Jack Fishpool…… continued
Jack Fishpool…… continuedJack Fishpool…… continued
Jack Fishpool…… continued
I have to be careful I’ve got the correct
uniform on for the right band!
Jack drumming his stuff - 2009
REFLECTIONS
Page 6
Roy’s Custom
-
Built
Bee Shelter
Whilst on the subject of Jack Fishpool…….
Whilst on the subject of Jack Fishpool…….Whilst on the subject of Jack Fishpool…….
Whilst on the subject of Jack Fishpool…….
Here we see Jack
having a great time at
Isle of Wight Camp
[1961]… but perhaps a
little too much
enjoyment for officer
Ernie Butcher of the 3
rd
Mid Surrey Company!
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
1912
1917
1
9
2
2
1
9
27
1932
1937
1
9
4
2
1
9
47
1952
19
5
7
1
9
62
1967
19
7
2
1
9
7
7
1982
1987
1
9
9
2
1
9
97
2002
20
0
7
Number of Boys in the 70
Number of Boys in the 70Number of Boys in the 70
Number of Boys in the 70
th
thth
th
The ebb and flow of the of Boys in the 70th over the life of the Company
Page 7
Friendship
FriendshipFriendship
Friendship
Alan Cadney reflects on BB
friendship post 70th
I have managed to keep in touch with only
two old boys in later life, [apart from
recently that is]. I am now in contact with
Jack Fishpool, only through his efforts and
his wife Margaret. Jack and I were pals as
very young boys and were ‘Best Man’ for
each other's weddings. We haven't got
together yet but maybe this year? The
other is Malcolm ‘Sam’ Smith and his wife
Thelma. We were mates during his time in
the 70th until his father's work and thus
the family moved to Suffolk or was it
Cambridgeshire? Anyway we have kept in
touch over the years by 'phone, email and
post.
Since his wedding in around '66 or’67?, we
had met just once when Sam and family
were returning from a holiday in the West
Country. That must be 25 to 30 years ago!
As it happened the Sam clan was h
olidaying
down this way again last year and we
arranged to meet up in Charmouth. It was
really great to see ‘Sam’ again after all
these years and we spent a very pleasant
few hours pottering around the town
including quite a while in "memory lane" I
very much hope we can do it again some
time before too long.
While on the subject of old pals, does
anyone know any contact info re. Reg
Williams I wonder? I'd be most grateful for
any assistance
By the way I should like to send my best
regards to.. Keith Bilyard, Dave
Richardson, Alan Rance, Alan Verrills, John
Ward, (so sorry to hear Willy has passes
away) and anyone else featured in
Reflections recently who I may have
forgotten.
ALL THE BEST TO YOU ALL!
REFLECTIONS
REFLECTIONS
Reunion 2012
Reunion 2012Reunion 2012
Reunion 2012
It may only seem a little while ago we all met at the last Grand Reunion at Tooting … but
plans for the next two yearly ‘get together’ are already taking shape and we have agreed a
date with the TJB Church Secretary of:
Saturday June 9
th
2012.
In fixing this time we have been mindful of the need to avoid certain dates: the FA Cup Final
and the Olympic Games. Some, we are told, might find these events to be more compelling
than a BB OBs reunion! Get a Life!
Alan Cadney and Malcom [Sam] Smith
renewing their friendship over a pint
Page 8
From the Archives
From the ArchivesFrom the Archives
From the Archives
Left:
Brian Taylor; Bob Taylor; Ray
Martin [Smoking!]; Jack Fishpool; Dave
Shaw; Alan Cadney; Eileen Clark;
Janice ? John Moor
Can anybody name ‘Where &
When
’
REFLECTIONS
Right:
Right: Right:
Right: BB Camp
Ian
Macpherson;
; ;
; John Hilsey; On Shoulders Unknown; Alan Smith;
Tommy Cheetham; Harvey Dunford
Can anybody name ‘Where & When’ and the unnamed
boy?
Left
1958 Camp Charmouth?
Standing: Barry Rowbotham;
Alan Rance; Michael Davis;
Alan Cadney; Unknown;
Martin Dennis; Willy Ward;
Colin Holton; Jonny Rowe
Keith Bilyard; Unknown;
Peter Ellis
Squatting: Unknown; Ralph
Price; Jimmy Brown
Names of any unknown
boys would be appreciated
Page 9
REFLECTIONS
Peter Ellis recalls going into SPACE!
Peter Ellis recalls going into SPACE!Peter Ellis recalls going into SPACE!
Peter Ellis recalls going into SPACE!
The picture of the OB's football team
Seveno in the last edition and seeing Dave
Huddy reminded me of the 1957 Annual
Inspection and Display titled the ‘Space
Pioneers’
Dave and I were selected to be the two
astronauts to be launched into space. With
Dave being tall and thin and me being
rather rotund [in those days], I think there
must have been an element of humour in
this decision!
Many OBs will recall the spacecraft
constructed by Roly Clark designed to be
launched through the loft hatch in the
main hall [as it was then]. To allow the
crew to enter this craft we would have to
be miniaturised To do this we had to
squeeze into a wheeled box, and after a
short time, two dolls clad in BB uniform
were produced from this box and placed in
the spacecraft. After some realistic visual
effects (smoke, flashes and roaring noises)
it took off through the loft hatch. At the
end of the Display the procedure was
reversed and we appeared from the box
back to our normal size.
The launch of the spacecraft was made
possible by a team of boys running along
boards in the loft pulling it up through the
loft hatch!
What ever happened to that space
rocket! Is it still in the loft?
Where Are They Now?
Where Are They Now?Where Are They Now?
Where Are They Now?
Names crop up occasionally in OBs’ conversations of individuals we once knew well, would like to
see again and who we think would wish to be part of what we are doing, if they knew of our
existence…
There are quite a few names but the following come to mind…
Ron Maxwell; Dave Huddy; Colin Holton; Bernard Matcham
If anyone has information regarding these OBs, please get in touch.
POST SCRIPT
POST SCRIPTPOST SCRIPT
POST SCRIPT
: We welcome all comments and suggestions on
Reflections
Please contact either Alan Rance:
alan.rance@tiscali.co.uk
01491 839164 or
Dave Richardson:
davri22@gmail.com:
01323 483066
Our next get together will b
e very much a
Special
Event.
We plan to hold a lunch on 6th June, for some
special people - Daphne Knights, Jim Ballard and
Barry Green.
Daphne
really needs no introduction; she was a
continuous presence in support of her husband
Peter and performed a le
ading role in the 7th GLB /
GB Company.
Jim
likewise is known to many of you, his
involvement with the 70
th
goes back to the 1970s
when he performed a variety of roles before
becoming a Lieutenant in 1981.
Barry
was a boy in the Company, who came
through the ranks becoming a Lieutenant in 1998.
Jim and Barry were the only supporting officers of
Chris Buss during the last eleven years of the
Company.
The date and venue
– MONDAY June 6
th
2011,
from noon at...
The Dukes Head
The Green, 6 Manor Road
Wallington, Surrey
SM6 0AA; T: 020 8401 7410
All OBs, wives, partners etc. welcomed for this
Special occasion.
REFLECTIONS
Page 10
We will be hiring a function room for
the occasion. Please let us know if
you can attend.
We hope to see you there!
Our next ‘meet up’ Monday 6
Our next ‘meet up’ Monday 6Our next ‘meet up’ Monday 6
Our next ‘meet up’ Monday 6
th
thth
th
June
June June
June
The Dukes Head
