The Boys' Brigade celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2008. We are a successful "Boys-Only" Boys' Brigade Company in South Shields, we have approximately 65 boys across the three sections we operate, making us the largest Company in South Shields and one of the largest in the North of England District. We meet at different times at Bethesda Free Church in South Shields. We feel the key to our succ
ess is having an attractive programme and providing challenges to the boys as they and their parents demand. Programmes differ from section to section, being tailored to each age group. There are 8 officers and 7 helpers involved in the running of the Company. The Lieutenants have all been boy members of the 15th South Shields Company, many starting in Junior Section or Anchor Boys after its introduction over 30 years ago and remaining with the Company ever since, and the Warrant Officers have been previously registered as helpers, and this is something we are immensely proud of, and sets us apart from other Companies in the area. Even the youngest officers have been in the Company in various capacities for 20 years or more. Many of the helpers are parents of boys who have been in the Company, or have come through the ranks. All Officers have undergone Criminal Records Bureau checks on appointment, and all Lieutenants have also taken part in Youth Leader Training, run by the Boys' Brigade as well as other activity-specific courses where appropriate. We celebrated our 80th Anniversary in 2008 - records are difficult to come by, but most agree that the 15th South Shields Company was first enrolled in 1928, with Bethesda Free Church being the chosen meeting place throughout our existence.
