‘The Heart of the Matter’ by Izzy Pemberton and Mary Tomlinson

Our Brigade company has a very devoted captain, Craig Davey, who started in the Boys’ Brigade (BB) aged five. He joined his local church company in Gillingham after his mum brought him there one day and he has never left. He enjoyed it as all his friends were there as Craig himself said "it was all about fun and new experiences from the beginning to the end".

Throughout his time in Brigades he achieved his Presidents and Queens badges which are the highest awards you can earn. Following in his Dad’s footsteps, he became an officer after he had to leave at the age of 18. When his Dad retired he became the captain at the age of 38 - fulfilling the promise he made to his mother as a child.

He says his favourite thing about being Captain isn't having control of everything, but seeing the young people grow into adults. He treats all members in Brigades like his own family. Being Captain came naturally to him because he said "I had the best teacher possible, my Dad, and with God at the centre of Brigades and my company then everything will go successfully".

‘Captivating Young Minds’ By Charlie Kennedy and Kieron Booth

Glynis Davey has been at Boys Brigade for 35 years and has lead the Junior section for 30 years. Juniors has an age range of 8 - 11 and they meet every Friday between 6pm and 7.30pm. In Juniors, they participate in many activities such as cooking skills, learning about the Bible and learning about the community (to name a few). The Juniors also participate in many enjoyable activities throughout the year, such as the Bible quiz, the Fun quiz and Fun day. These involve companies from around Kent and are often a chance to meet new friends. Glynis feels the Boy Brigade has greatly influenced her. In an interview, she stated that Boys Brigade brings her "fun" and she finds it "very rewarding". Glynis originally joined the Boys’ Brigade when her son (Craig Davey) joined. She was instantly captivated by the group and continued to work as an officer. Glynis finds that, one of her most enjoyable moments is cooking at the Boys Brigade camps, where members take part in fun team building skills and often make many friends along the way.

‘One of the Highlights of my Week’ By Jon Williams

Jane has been helping out in Anchors for around two years and has recently stepped up to take Jenny Green's place as the Officer in Charge of Anchors while she is on maternity leave.

Jane enjoys coming to Brigades every Friday night and feels it is one of the highlights of her week!

Jane has two children involved in Brigades and said she feels it is a good place for them to meet new people and make friends in a safe environment. I asked Jane if she had previously been involved in a Boys’ or Girls’ Brigade. She said from a young girl until the age of 17 she was involved in a Girls’ Brigade in London where she grew up.

In Anchors (5-8 age group) they enjoy taking part in many different activities including: craft, cooking, sport, team games and learning about the Bible.