Memories of the 1stA Birmingham Boys’ Brigade
The Company began as the
1st Birmingham Boys
Life Brigade Company, and arose from a request by two Boys to Donald Finnemore. At the first meeting on 30th
September 1913, there were 18 Boys and 2 Officers.
In October 1926, the BB and BLB
were united and as there was also a 1st Birmingham BB company, an ‘A’ was added
and the Company became the 1st A Birmingham BB. Sir Donald Finnemore was a
guiding force in the almalgamation of the two organisations.
One of the many company photos
In 1938 the Silver Jubilee was
celebrated with a Camp in Denmark and many gifts, notably the Company Colours
(the gift of the Old Boys) and a Silver Mace (the gift of the 1st Epsom
Company).
Birmingham 1st A Boys Brigade at the opening of the John Bunyan church in Kettle house farm 1963
The 1st A Birmingham, based at the People’s Chapel in Hockley, started a branch at Kingstanding in the 1930’s when the estate was developed. They met (and still meet) at Kingsland Road School and at that time were attached to John Bunyan Baptist Church in Lambeth Road.
Both Hockley and Kingstanding parts of the 1st A worked closely together until he Kingstanding part became independant from the 1st A in the 1960’s and were renumbered as the 11th Birmingham. Although now under separate leadership there are still goood links and friendly rivalry between the 1st A at Hockley and the 11th at Kingstanding.
Birmingham 1st A BB at the opening of the John Bunyan church in Kettle house farm 1963
The11th now have no connection with the Lambeth Road church, which I think has changed its name to The Link Church.
For more information go to http://1abirmingham.boys-brigade.org.uk/History3.html
Voices of Kingstanding 
[…] There is now a series of photos and history describing the Boys Brigade at the John Bunyan Baptist church, Lambeth Road. Read more… […]
By: The Boys Brigade at The John Bunyan Baptist church « Voices of Kingstanding on August 17, 2012
at 2:26 pm
Hello we married at John Bunyan chapel on the 11th march 1967 I was at that time a member of The Peoples Chapel where I had attended as a baby, with my Dad who was in the Boys brigade 1st A company when Sir Donald Finnemore was captain.Many very happy memories . I was a sunday school teacher for many years at the old PeoplesChapel.Gods Blessings on your on going good works.
By: hazel bean on November 25, 2012
at 7:25 pm
Hi Hazel,
I was in the 11th in 64′ LCP David Buckton. I remember Sir Donald Finnemore well
Regards Dave
By: David Buckton on July 1, 2013
at 7:05 pm
Good day to you, I attended at the church as a young 9 year old lad to join the Life Boys, eventually growing into the seniors becoming part of the 11th.
After many fantastic years, under the guidance of Sir Donald and then Mel Inman Senior, I became an officer. After 7 years I eventually became a Christian and was Baptised at the Church, the end result of all that the Church and B.B was founded for. Many years later I am still there and can happily say that the fellowship is still going, better than ever, and is now called Cedar Church. There is no B.B of G.B but a great Youth work and a growing congregation. Hey, all are welcome, come and take a look
Gordon Smith 2016
By: Gordon Smith on November 13, 2016
at 3:07 am
i also was a member of the 11th company. joined in 78 and left as a sargent in 84 . so many happy childhood memories of camps and fellowship.mel inman the captain taught me how to swim .i am the man i am today because of him and otherofficers .what a fantastic period in my life
By: Danny morris on March 25, 2020
at 12:50 pm
I was a member of the church when it still had its original name as John Bunyan Baptist church and can testify that I learned lots of Christian truths there. I later went back when its name had been changed and found big changes. however that Christian witness of Gordon Smith the above commentator was still there faithfully serving. To all who have an interest our Christian heritage please look up the life and teaching of John Bunyan as he was a real hero of the faith and also wrote the amazing Pilgrims progress, well worth a read even for the modern pilgrim.
Pat O’Regan
By: Patrick O'Regan on June 20, 2020
at 5:38 pm
The picture at the top of your item appears to be the old Odeon Cinema on the Circle. The nearest Boys Brigade Company to the Circle was the 29th which was based at Kings Road Methodist Church, very nearby.
By: Brian Parkes on March 9, 2021
at 10:24 am