Boys brigade: 'A well grown set of lads of the right sort' (1895)

Post date: Jan 22, 2012 8:35:39 PM

The parish magazine of August 1895 reported as follows:

The Annual Battalion Parade of the Wateringbury, Snodland, and Yalding Companies of the the Brigade was held on the lawn at Wateringbury Place in the presence of a goodly number of friends and parents by the invitation of Alderman Davies, Commandant of the Wateringbury Company, and Mrs Davies. The strength of the Yalding Company under Captain Galpin is well known. The Snodland Company is a new one, but showed signs of youthful vigour. The Wateringbury Company is small, but its members appeared to be a well-grown set of lads of the right sort. Colonel Warde, M.P., after the inspection of the Wateringbury Company, complimented the lads and their officers and gave them some sensible advice. The Vicar also spoke, and here he may repeat that he came to the parish knowing nothing of the Boys Brigade, but that he has seen enough now to convince him that it is an excellent institution with a large present and a still larger possible influence for good, and he hopes it will receive the continued and increasing encouragement of its friends. Colonel Davies has the objects of the Brigade much at heart. Miss Edith Login, as is well known, does a great deal for it—in fact, does all the organisation: and the cheers which were given her at the Parade at Colonel Davies' call were given right heartily. General regret was felt and expressed on the part, of both officers and men that Sergt.-Major Curd's term of office had expired. One or two hard working lieutenants would doubtless increase the eficiency of the company as well as its popularity and usefulness. Who will come forward and devote themselves to the work?

A Church Parade was held on Sunday afternoon, July the 7th. The Wateringbury and Yalding Companies attended with their bands. The Yalding band accompanied the hymns. The processional hymn , ''Onward Christian Soldiers," after the band had played one verse, was Sung without accompaniment and in unison, and was very inspiriting. There was as usual on these occasions, a large congregation, and the Vicar in his address spoke of The Christian's privilege and the Christian's obligation from the text " Beloved of God, called to be Saints. "

The following is a complete list of the prize-winners. The prizes were distributed by Mrs. Davies after the March Past.

I. For attendance at Drill and Bible Class :—

1. First prizes to members who did not miss attendance throughout the year :—

Second Year : Sergt. Charles Smith,

Corpl. Charles Field,

First Year : Sergt. Newman,

Pte. Charles Cheeseman,

2. Other prizes (in order of merit) :—

Pte. William Lambert,

Corpl. Horace Lawrence,

Lance-Corpl. Percy Latter,

Pte. William Heath,

Col.-Sergt. Newman,

Pte. Henry Hook, Certificate.

II. For attendance at Bible Class :— ;

Prizes to those who did not miss throughout the year (excluding winners of medal) :— .

Pte. William Lambert,

Lance-Corp. Latter,

Pte. Albert Merrall,

III. For marks at Bible Class :—

Pte. Albert Merrall,

Pte. William Heath,

Sergt. Newman,

IV. For essay on Bible subject:—

Sergt. Charles Smith,

V. For Squad Attendance : —

Corpl. Lawrence (No. 4 Squad),

VI. Band prizes : —

For attendance :—

Corpl. C. Field,

Sergt. Newman,

For progress :—

Pte. Ernest Costin, Silver Scarf Pin.

VII. For good conduct :—

1. Awarded by vote :—

Corporal Horace Lawrence, Silver Medal with clasp and inscription, Mrs. Davies' Money Prize.

2. Other prizes : —

Col.-Sergt. Newman, Cane with inscription (Lady Login), with Money Prize (Mr. Amos Baker).

Lance-Corpl. Thomas Ralph, Money Prize (Messrs. R. & J. Taylor).

Pte. Ernest Costin, Money Prize.

3. For good manners :—

Sergt. Newman, Medal (Lady Login).

VIII. Squad Challenge Medal :—

Col.-Sergt. Newman (No. 1 Squad).

IX. Presentations :—

Sergt.-Major Curd, Silver Watch with inscription (Alderman Davies).

Robert Hook (Late Sergt. B. B.), Silver-monted Cane.

Lady Lena Login, widow of Sir John Login, lived at the Thatched House , then called Grace-Dieu, and wrote there her book Sir John Login And Duleep Singh, (original publishers W. H. Allen & Co., London. 1890 and now available on google books)