120

2 Chris#

Newsletter of Old Boys & Friends of 70

London BB Company

REFLECTIONS

Welcome to the 6

Edition of

Reflections

The success or otherwise of a publication such

as ours, is the number of written contributions

OB’s and friends are prepared to make.

We know that some feel reluctant to put ‘pen

to paper’ in the belief that their personal

stories might not be of interest to others. We

would argue otherwise.

It is fascinating looking back over earlier

editions to read, not just of indelible boyhood

memories but of the wide range of hobbies and

careers pursued since leaving the 70th.

Our thanks therefore go to those who have

hitherto ‘taken the plunge’. We hope this will

encourage those yet to submit to have a go!

We are not looking for ‘posh’ writing, just your

own words in your own style.

• You may remember that the previous edition of

Reflections

had a musical theme. We showed

how several OB’s love of music was born out of their experience in the 70

. Reading these

accounts encouraged another OB, Alan Hemsley, to tell us of how his singing and keyboard skills

were fostered by his time in the 70

th.

• At last we managed to get Jim Ballard and Barry Green together for a tribute occasion to say

thank you to these two devoted servants of the company. 25 OB’s and friends were there to

witness the presentations made by Chris Buss to Jim and Barry. It was a very happy occasion for

all those that were there as our pictures show.

• Maybe us men folk sometime overlook the impact we, as boys and officers, have on the females

in our lives. It was great therefore at the above tribute occasion to give a big thank you to

Daphne Knights for her unstinting support for husband and Captain, Peter.

• Picking up the theme of the impact of the 70th on our ladies, Moreen Sore recounts her

memories of husband and officer Percy and the influence of ‘Longley Road’ on her life.

• Camp memories are usually the most indelible we have as OB’s and Martin Dennis recounts his

own particular stories.

We hope you enjoy the read…….

In this Edition…

In this Edition…In this Edition…

In this Edition…

Edition

October 2011

As you know all editions of

Reflections

are

now available via our website… and therefore

OB’s stories are made accessible via the

internet to any one in the world for ever more!

How great then to be able to leave your mark

on the world in this small but indelible way!

So why not have a go at writing a piece,

however small or large, for next time?

Previous authors should in no

way feel confined just because

they have written before.

We look forward to

hearing from you

any time soon!

6 Up -with Thanks

6 Up -with Thanks6 Up -with Thanks

6 Up -with Thanks

Thank you for the latest edition of

Reflections

. I

have read the previous editions but the article on

music caught my eye this time.

I started in Life Boys under Ivy Clark, Vera Bowbeer

and Will Ward (Snr) around 1962/63 moving to the

Company in 1965 under the Captaincy of Peter

Knights until I left in 1970/71.

Two things I remember about Life Boys were the

memory verse at the end of Matthew 28 and the

fact that it was through Vera that I had my first

piano tutor.

In those days the Lord's commissioning was relayed

as going to foreign parts as did Owen Clark and

later David Hurford. Today, of course, we recognise

that it actually means anywhere one finds oneself,

even here in Rustington, West Sussex.

As for the piano, I started that at the age of 9 and

played for my first Drill Parade around the age of

13/14/15. By that time I had taken up the organ as

well. I also sang in the choir at Longley Road, first

as a treble, moving down to Alto then to the back

row joining the basses.

Many's the time I have played "We Thank Thee O

Our Father", "Underneath the Banner" and "Will

Your Anchor Hold". I still play both piano and organ

at my local church on alternate Sundays; sometimes

modern songs from Mission Praise but sometimes

older hymns and really enjoy serving our Lord in

that way.

The discipline of Fred Bateman (and occasionally

Rolly Clark) in teaching drill on a Friday night has

stayed with me over the years.

It was interesting a couple of years ago at work to

be on a First Aid Course and having to use a Resusi

Annie for the first time in nearly 35 years. It was

like riding a bicycle to remember where to put the

hands, pinch the nose etc - thanks to Will Ward

(Jnr) and Peter Ellis.

I've lost touch with all those in the Company at the

same time as me but have met up with a few of the

older guys in recent years especially at Peter's

REFLECTIONSREFLECTIONS

Page 2

Thanksgiving Service. Please give Daphne my very

best wishes and those of my sister Anne (who was in

GLB/GB at the same time).

I had a chuckle to myself at Dave Richardson’s

comment about singing some of the older hymns

that we used to have on Drill Parades, at Bible Class

and on Church Parades… and those Battalion

Parades at the Methodist Central Hall and later at

the Granada cinema… and the forming up on

Tooting Bec Common. Oh the memories!

I hope you get a good response to your comments

on singing so that we might do something in June

2012. I'll put the date in my diary in the hope of

being there. The only comment I would add is why

should the singers be tucked away?!

Anyway, thanks for reading this and for your efforts

in the production of Reflections

Alan Hemsley

More Musical Talent

More Musical Talent More Musical Talent

More Musical Talent

Alan Hemsley writes on music and

memories

Resusi Anne 35 years on

…….It was like

riding a bicycle to remember where

to put the hands, pinch the nose etc -

thanks to Will Ward (Jnr) and Peter

Ellis.

Since the last edition of Reflections, the following have been added to our website...

‘Archive’ has four documents containing extracts from the 70th Archives, scanned as part of the 2008

Centenary Project. Three of the documents are based on a transcription of the only available Company Register

(from 1939-66) and the fourth is a scan of a booklet produced to celebrate the first 50 years of the 70

th.

Hopefully those of you of a certain age will find this of interest - I was amazed at the number of forgotten

names that jumped out. But, some of the handwriting in the Register is illegible, so guessing took place! If you

spot any errors please let me know.

‘Audio’ contains the existing Bugle Call and Band recordings plus a selection of pieces from the ‘Kool

Drummings’ Steel Band which was made up of members of the 70th and the 7th London Girls Brigade. From

1992 to 2007 the band gave almost 200 live performances.

Other changes are hopefully self-explanatory… as ever, ideas for new content welcome…

PS…Should the changes not be evident, try ‘reload’ or ‘refresh’ on each page

place if you were a camp ‘rookie’. Prior to going on

the trip to Charmouth I was told that part of your

essential kit was a brailling spanner. So after

several trips to camping shops and becoming more

and more worried about this spanner I was finally

told by my father that I had been had!

Wonderful days!

Martin Dennis

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Page 3

Martin Dennis

Martin DennisMartin Dennis

Martin Dennis

remembers taking on the

‘big’ boys

It was my first camp at Charmouth 1959 and I was

only 12 years old.

During the week a cross-country race was held.

Boys of all ages between 12 and 16 were asked to

compete against each other. I considered

this to be rather unfair for obvious reasons.

Anyway, lads from all tents were picked to run and

I drew the short straw. The day of the race arrived

and off we set. Two of us seemed to pull away from

the rest of the field. These were Alan Rance [aged

16] and myself. Alan went on to win the race with

me coming in a very poor second.

I thought not bad considering the age difference

but to my disbelief the officer in charge of the

event [Owen Clark] said the race had to be rerun as

only 2 boys had taken the correct course - Alan &

myself.

So 2 days later we raced again with me trailing last

and of course Alan winning.

Does anybody else recall that race?

As many will remember, a lot of ‘kidology’ took

www.70thlondonoldboys.org.uk

Website Update……..

Website Update…….. Website Update……..

Website Update……..

Dave Richardson writes:

‘Mini’ Reunion in Carlshalton

‘Mini’ Reunion in Carlshalton‘Mini’ Reunion in Carlshalton

‘Mini’ Reunion in Carlshalton

Jim, Barry and Daphne honoured

Page 4

REFLECTIONS

Those present:

Dave Richardson Avis Rance; Daphne Knights; Bettie Holbrook;

Keith Holbrook; Les Wright; Mrs Neil; Pat Neil; Harvey Dunford;

Jim Ballard; Gladys Ballard; Barry Green; Chris Buss; Geb

Rance; Alan Bilyard; Sue Ward; Peter Essam; Bob Verills; Alan

Verills; Gordon Macpherson; Alan Rance; Dave Golder;

Rosemary Essam; John Ward; Brian Munro; Martin Dennis.

A few years ago a number of us reckoned

that a ‘major’ OB’s reunion every 2 years

was perhaps about the right frequency for

this type of event [previously run every 5

years].

That being said, there was feeling that a

‘mini ‘get together every 6 months or so

would, for some, provide an enjoyable

means of bridging the gap.

We have now had 5 ‘mini’ gatherings over

the past few years and they have indeed

been enjoyable!

The latest such gathering took place in

June and was different for a number of

reasons. It provided the opportunity to

give a big thank you to Jim Ballard and

Barry Green for their long and devoted

service as officers in the 70

Presentations were made to Jim and Barry

by Chris Buss. We also took the

opportunity to thank Daphne Knights for

her unstinted support for Peter and the

Company over many years. So many

OB’s and ‘not so young’ GLB girls will

vouch for her steadfast loving and kindly

nature.

On this occasion wives and partners were

invited to the get together making up a

good party of 25 in a private room at The

Dukes Head Carlshalton.

Roy’s Custom- Built

Bee Shelter

Daphne’s writes to say ‘Thank You’

Daphne’s writes to say ‘Thank You’Daphne’s writes to say ‘Thank You’

Daphne’s writes to say ‘Thank You’

Avis Rance presenting a bouquet to

Daphne Knights

Dear All

Dear AllDear All

Dear All

I feel I must put to pen paper to say Thank You to

all the

‘

Old Boys

’

for a truly wonderful day on June

Special thanks to Dave for all his arranging and to

Keith for being my chauffeur.

Sorry I was too overcome after Avis spoke and you

gave me the beautiful flowers.

If l could have spoken, it would have been to say

thank you for all the joy Peter and I found with

you all when you were boys. He, like me, would have

been so pleased to see you all continuing your

friendships in the spirit of the 70

Once again thank you for a truly memorable day and

I hope to see you all on 12

June next year.

Best Wishes

Daphne

DaphneDaphne

Daphne

“

Jim’s involvement with the company started in

the mid 1970’s when his son Steven joined the

“blue imps”. From being a helper, he progressed

to being a Warrant Officer and then a Lieutenant

and had the longest continuous service in that

rank of any officer in the Company’s history. Jim

was never one for the limelight but was reliable

and ensured that basics were done and done well.

For many years he was Junior Section officer in

charge and latterly also helped with the Company

Section. He is one of those indispensable people

who prefer the background but without whom the

front line jobs do not happen.

Barry joined the company as a boy in 1982 and on

reaching the age limit became a Staff Sergeant

and then an Officer. He worked primarily with the

company & senior boys and was responsible for

much of the success that the company had in

London gym competitions acting as the gym

instructor for many years. Barry could turn his

hand to most things from being Camp QM to

minibus driver to, at one stage, being Battalion

Secretary! To boys in the company he will perhaps

be most remembered for his willingness to drive

the minibus anywhere in the UK for the various

events and competitions that the company took

part in over the past twenty years. Like Jim he

was totally reliable and could be trusted to get

the job done. Both of them were the real reason

the company reached its centenary as they were

always there when needed to open up.”

Chris Buss

Jim Ballard and Barry Green with their

glass trophies presented by Chris Buss

Chris Buss’ tribute to Jim & Barry

Chris Buss’ tribute to Jim & BarryChris Buss’ tribute to Jim & Barry

Chris Buss’ tribute to Jim & Barry

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Page 5

Page 6

A long time ago when I was a teenager, my

introduction to the 70

was when my brother, Ken

Hill, was in the Company. I remember in particular

the annual displays that usually had a theme

running through them. Also I recall the gym, sports

and camp which were regular events.

At that time I was in the 7

London Girls’ Brigade

under Captain Wright – I still remember the best

part of each evening for me, the figure marching

with Avis Porter. However, I digress!

Percy was in the 70

from a lad and worked

ceaselessly and tirelessly for the Company over

many years, eventually overseeing the 70

Old Boys

Association every Monday evening and the monthly

Bible Class.

Since my teens I knew Percy was around in the BB

and the Church, but I could never have foreseen

that in due course this would bring me to the next

stage of my association with the 70

– as Percy’s

wife!

Then came the devastating events that led to the

closing and demolition of the original Church. The

main hall of the Sunday School buildings which were

used for OB’s badminton was converted into the

Church Sanctuary. This left nowhere for the OB’s to

meet as the second hall was not large enough for a

badminton court. All this was a real tragedy in

Percy’s life, as well as for many other OB’s.

The third stage of my association with the 70

was

as a parent, as sons Vernon and Malcolm went

through the ranks. I’ve noted the many times in

‘Reflections’ that tributes have been paid to the

influence of the BB on the lives of boys and men. I

thank God that we never had any serious problems

with our three sons as they were growing up (David,

our youngest, was in the 14

London BB where

Percy became an Officer and led the Junior

Section).

In my opinion each became a fulfilment of the

object of the BB with ‘habits of obedience,

reverence, discipline, self-respect’. I put this down

in large measure to the influence and training of

the Boys’ Brigade (with a little good parenting too!)

plus of course the introduction to the Christian

faith.

Then came that fateful day of the Centenary Re-

union of the 70

– June 14

2008. Percy and I got

up that morning prepared to attend but while

talking about his beloved garden, Percy suddenly

lost consciousness in mid-sentence, never regaining

it before he passed away the next day.

I learnt later that Peter Knights had brought his

camera that day to take a photo of himself with

Percy and Les Wright, replicating an original photo

taken when they were young men [see below] but

fatefully this was not to be.

Photos and written memories are a great reminder

of the camaraderie that the 70

offered to so

many. A camaraderie that still flourishes and for

this reason I am pleased and proud to be associated

with the 70

Moreen Sore

REFLECTIONS

The impact of the 70

The impact of the 70The impact of the 70

The impact of the 70

thth

on a Teenager, Wife and

on a Teenager, Wife and on a Teenager, Wife and

on a Teenager, Wife and

Parent

ParentParent

Parent

Les Wright, Percy Sore and Peter Knights

Page 7

From the Archives

From the ArchivesFrom the Archives

From the Archives

Cricket Team 1948/49?

[Left to right]

George Parsons; Willie Harris;

Brian Flint; Alan Smith; Derek

Lee; Ted Pullen; Vic Earl; Brian

Richens: Alan Ridley; Tony

Short; Owen Clark

REFLECTIONS

All can be named

except the man in the

middle with his arms

crossed.[ Harold

Sporle?]

Any ideas on the name

or the occasion

thought

to be around

1954/55?

Off to Camp [1953?] in a

Removal Van!

We can recognise Ralph

Price, Alan Verrills and

Roger Nicklin, but

struggle to name anyone

else.

Any ideas?

locomotive made by Hornby that carried the BB

name. [see below]. It would certainly be a

collector’s item if one could be found!

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

website: www.70thlondonoldboys.org.uk

Keith Holbrook has been scouring the

BB Old Boys publication ‘The Onlooker’

for points of interest and has come up

with the following:

You may be surprised to learn that there was a

British Rail locomotive named ‘The Boys’ Brigade’.

This came about in 1983 when it was so named in

celebration of the BB Centenary.

The locomotive was built in Newton-Le-Willows in

July 1965 as a Class 86 Diesel.

It was designed for passenger and freight traffic

and went into service on the British Rail West Coast

Main Line numbered 86243.

It was withdrawn in 2002 and transferred to the

Eastern Region for a short period before ending its

days after privatisation with EWS Railways before

being broken up in a Rotherham scrap-yard in 2004.

The name ‘The Boys’ Brigade’ was kept until 1993.

One of the nameplates has been located but the

whereabouts of the second is unknown.

Also worth looking out for is the model of the

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Page 8

‘The Boys’ Brigade’

‘The Boys’ Brigade’‘The Boys’ Brigade’

‘The Boys’ Brigade’

the Locomotive

the Locomotive the Locomotive

the Locomotive

Above: The Hornby Model of

‘The Boys’ Brigade’

locomotive.

To see the video of the naming ceremony for the

real loco in 1986 link with:

http://youtu.be/R1x6LNsyjdE

Dates for your Diary

OBs who lunch…

The next informal OB’s lunch [‘Mini’ Reunion] will take place on:

Monday

10th October

2011 at the Victory Inn, Staplefield in Sussex from noon onwards. Contact Dave for

details.

‘Maxi ’Reunion 2012…

A reminder that the next two yearly ‘get together’ will take place at Tooting Junction Baptist

Church

on:

Saturday June 9th 2012. Full details in the next edition.