The Boys' Brigade launches alumni network to connect generations
The Boys’ Brigade wants to get in touch with former members to celebrate more than 140 years of shaping young lives
The organisation wants to connect with previous members to share their stories of how The Boys’ Brigade (BB) helped prepare them for their lives and careers. To do so, it has launched a new alumni scheme.
But the new scheme 'isn’t just about reminiscing about the past', the organisation states, 'it is about giving you the chance to reconnect with us and help build a stronger future as The Boys’ Brigade heads towards our 150th anniversary.'
The Boys' Brigade (BB) was founded in 1883 and today works with 1200 churches of all denominations, including Baptist churches. Currently 95 local BB groups across the UK are partnered with Baptist churches.
For generations, BB has provided 'opportunities to learn, grow and discover,' the organisation adds, and this positive influence 'is as important and as relevant today as ever.'
BB trustee Andrew Baldwin says, ‘One of the things that always makes me smile is hearing stories of people's connections to the organisation. There is a huge BB community out there – across the UK and around the world.
‘Former members are in every walk of life. We want to hear your stories, and the part that The Boys’ Brigade played in your life.
'The alumni scheme gives us the chance to reconnect and build a stronger future, as we head towards our 150th anniversary.’
Several alumni stories are already being shared.
Derrick Evans MBE (aka Mr Motivator), grew up in Jamaica, but when his family moved to Leicester, he joined The Boys’ Brigade.
He became involved in leading the BB band, taking part in performances at the church hall.
He says, ‘BB created relationships that lasted a lifetime. School friendships came and went, but the ones formed through BB were deep and enduring.’
He says BB gave him a sense of belonging and purpose: ‘It kept us away from trouble and taught us right from wrong.
'Older boys who had become leaders served as role models. You learned from how they behaved, how they treated their families, and how they carried themselves.’
With today’s young people facing challenges such as toxic masculinity and negative online influences, Derrick believes BB is more relevant than ever. ‘Parents are desperate to keep their kids out of crime and away from dangerous influences. BB can provide that alternative. I’m an example of someone whose life was deeply shaped by BB.’
Pete Markey was five times ‘Marketer of the Year’ and until earlier this year was head of marketing for Boots UK and Ireland, before moving to a new executive role at Cancer Research UK. He says his ‘proudest achievement’ is the box of BB badges he used to wear on his sleeve.
‘They’re a bit tired, and the gold sheen has faded, but they taught me that when you work hard, you get something back.
‘BB provides you with essential skills for life: a foundation on which to build yourself. I arrived as a boy and left as a man.’
Pete has held leadership roles in major brands, and he traces his first taste of business back to running the BB tuck shop.
‘Being king of Pick n’ Mix was my dream job. It did my confidence a world of good and helped me become a leader. By the time I left, I had a whole new life ahead of me. And I was ready for it. The Boys’ Brigade prepared me for that.’
BB, says Pete Markey, encourages young people to grow and to believe in themselves. And growing in faith is a key part of that. Each week, thousands of young people are brought into a church environment through the BB. Many have no other connection with the church.
‘Boys’ Brigade connect you spiritually and ground you in why we’re here. Faith was central to that: growing as a person, having belief, and realising you’re not on your own in life’s journey.
‘You’re given a sense of purpose. I know my life has worth and value, and I’m here to make a difference.
‘BB taught me how to become a leader, a good man and a better person. It pushed me to see what I was capable of. It gave me drive. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it hadn’t been for The Boys’ Brigade.’
Baptist Times, 01/12/2025