The 1st Stirling formed in 1886, started the movement in our area.
Our earliest photo reference shows the 1st Dunblane, round about 1905, marching on parade through Dunblane. The company was founded in 1900 it is now known as the 25th Stirling/Dunblane. Note the mock rifles which were standard issue in those early days.
Again note the rifles with this later photo of the 1st Bridge of Allan, taken on the occasion of the visit of King George 5th and Queen Mary.
The 2nd Stirling was part of the inaugural companies that in 1912 asked Brigade Head Quarters for permission to form Stirling & District Battalion. Indeed a letter was read from our founder Sir William A Smith advising the formation of an Officers Council.
Two years later the Great War started and many of the dedicated officers and boys were lost, dying in the service of their country. It wasn’t until 1925 that Stirling and District officially became a Battalion of the Boys’ Brigade comprising the:
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Stirling, the 1st St Ninians, 1st Logie, 1st Ashfield, 1st Bannockburn, 1st Alloa,
and 1st Plean.
On Saturday 27th September 1919 the first post war meeting of the Officers Council was held in the County Hotel, Stirling. The council was reorganised and the work of reconstruction began. Steady progress was made, new companies were formed and on the 1st of September 1925 the Brigade Executive granted the Council the status of a Battalion of the Boys’ Brigade.
By the late 20’s early 1930’s the Battalion had grown in number to 18 companies. Sufficient to hold a Battalion review at Kings Park.
Captain McPherson inspects the ranks.
During this period camp was a regular feature of our BB programme perhaps more so than today. It was considered an exciting adventure with companies travelling the length and breadth of Scotland.
1st Stirling - Kilcreggan 1928
Anstruther 1934 - 1st and 5th Stirling listening in!
The following is an extract from the notes of the Captain of the 1st Glasgow for the very first Boys’ Brigade camp – Dishes, knives, forks, spoons should be provided in sufficient quantity for all possible requirements, including a good margin for kitchen and store purposes. In determining the quantity for each Boy, it should not be forgotten that one of the influences to be used in Camp is refinement. Each Boy will, of course bring his own Bible and Hymnal, and unless in cases where it would leave the family with none, he will bring a blanket also. For his own health and comfort he should further be required to bring towels, extra socks, spare cap, brush or comb, and a change of clothes if he possesses such.
1933 – 31 was the session when the 1st started their Jubilee celebrations with the production of a souvenir booklet, highlighting the history of the company from 1906 to 1931.
In 1933 along with the rest of the movement we celebrated the Jubilee, producing our own souvenir brochure to commemorate the occasion. Among a plethora of events, from Hampden to Dechmont our Battalion played its part. Minutes of the time record 48 officers attending the Jubilee Meeting and 2 boys each at Dechmont Camp representing 15 companies.
Jubilee Review, Kings Park, Stirling
For the coronation of His Majesty King George 6th, Sgt Harry Haggerty 4th Stirling and Sgt James Heggie 9th Stirling represented our Battalion
Once again war interrupted in 1939, a wry note in Battalion minutes states- nothing much happening except the threat of war!
Companies struggled on as best they could with the help of retired officers. Out of 72 Officers 33 were serving in H M forces, also at this period officers and boys provided valuable voluntary assistance to the various local and A R P Services.
Some things never change in 1951 Carronvale held a training weekend entitled THE PROBLEMS OF A CAPTAIN. Stirling and District Captains were first in the queue!
1953 saw our first involvement with other Christian youth organisations from other countries. The 5th FDF- the Danish equivalent of the BB paid a visit to Stirling and were entertained to tea by the Battalion.
The following is an extract from the letter received from Henning Yorgensen, Company secretary of the 5th FDF in 1953 -
We are now back home in Copenhagen and we cannot talk about our trip to Scotland without mentioning your beautiful town of Stirling. We feel we met really good friends, and we certainly hope it that it is not the last time we are together. We are very thankful for all your kindness and I send the best regards to you and Stirling and District Battalion from the officers and boys 5th Frederiksberg Company.
Well it certainly wasn’t the last time we were together. The relationship developed and ever since regular visits have been made both to and from Denmark by many Companies, most recently our own company, albeit a few years ago now.
One year later in 54 we saw another first – a new venture for the Life Boys - (I still think that’s a better name than the Junior Section)- It was called SPORTAGAMA. Held in the Albert Hall the event highlighted the training and variety of activities within the Lifies!
More to follow in a future post…….