Reunion held for Brigade members (From Keighley News)

Reunion held for Brigade members

12:20pm Friday 10th December 2010 in News By David Knights

Former members of Keighley’s first Boys’ Brigade group have had a reunion in Oakworth.

They met to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the 1st Keighley Company.

There were many members and officers from both the Boys’ Brigade and its junior section the Life Boys.

Some travelled great distances, including one who lives on the south coast of England.

Organisers of the successful reunion hope to contact more former members for a second event.

The 1st Keighley Company was formed in 1960, primarily for boys attending Guard House Sunday School, a satellite of Temple Street Methodist Church.

Founded on the twin pillars of Christianity and discipline, it was a huge success in Keighley.

More than 100 boys came to the first night and in their heyday the Boys’ Brigade and the Life Boys had a combined membership of more than 100 boys, with 12 officers.

Brian Thurling, a former officer, said the ex-members — now in their 60s — enjoyed an evening at Oakworth Social Club reminiscing and meeting old friends they had not seen for many years.

He said: “Although the get-together was a huge success there were a number of former members who were missing.

“This was due to the fact that the organisers had lost contact with them. The organisers hope to hold another reunion in the future.”

Former members who would like to be invited should contact Harry Wellock on 01535 633306.