BB 161st Glasgow

A social history of the BB in Glasgow
photos and memories preserved on GlescaPals for future generations.
www.glesga.ukpals.com

TIMELINE
161st Glasgow Company, the Boys Brigade was formed 08 Dec 1914 attached to White St. Cong. Church, Govan
In session 1920-1921 the company closed

On session 04 Dec. 1922 the company's church changed to Glasgow YMCA
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In Session 1927-1928 the number was re-allocated 161st Glasgow BB attached to Dalmarnock UF Church

In session 1929-1930 the company's church changed to Hall Memorial Church, Summerfield Street, Dalmarnock.
In session 1971-1972 the company closed

My first BB Camp was to Cricceith in Wales when. I was 12 yrs old.
My company the 175th BB from Bridgeton with Captain Robert Smart, we amalgamated with the 161st BB company and I remember attending get-the-githers bringing along cans of soup, beans etc which helped keep the cost of the camp down.

Me outside mah tent, Cricceith in Wales, 1966

August 2002 .... Webmaister
I received an e-mail from a former member, Colin Cooper,. I was talking to a friend of mine Bob Clark who was in the 161 BB around the same time as Colin. He is a bit older, I think he is 53/54, and Bob was trying hard to put a face to the name. However Colin replied.........
.

Aug 2002 & Jan 2004, MEMORIES from a former member, Colin Cooper, Australia
"Hi Webmaister,......apologies to Bob Clark but he would have been one of the 'big boys' when I graduated from the Life Boys into the 161 company section. The 161 deserves a mention it was based in the Hall Memorial Church at the corner of Dalmarnock Rd opposite the White Horse pub and in the street with the old Strathclyde cimema/bingohall.
Some more points of reference that may jog some memories.
1. The Company went on camp one summer to Chaple St. Leonards near Skegness, early 60's - 63??
2. My pal was Allan Watson and I believe that his grandfather was the previous Captain to Steve Hall.
Others included, Bobby Steel, Toothy Murdoch. Rest are faces I'm affraid!
3. I remember an officer by the name of Cully or Culley, lived on Dalmarnock Rd up a close a couple along from the White Horse.
4. There was a band formed from ex 'Big Boys', 17 - 19 year olds, that used to perform at the annual Company show.
The lead singer lived in Sunnyfield St., opposite the church.
5. Pals there were Allan Watson ( moved to EK ), Bobby Steel. Have run out of brain cells but that was where I was when Kennedy's death was announced! A great community and bunch of lads
5. A major church parade involving all the local BB companies that took us to a fancy old church near a park in Cambuslang - why remember this, I have no idea!!

After we moved to Johnstone with the overspill housing programme, I kept attending until I was about 14 - 15 ( 1965 - 66?? )or so. Eventually the drag up to Dalmarnock each Friday became to much and I faded away from the 161. Will try to dredge up more!All the best, Colin."

Webmaister:-
P.S. Robert Clark (Bob) is a member of my bowling club and a good friend, he sends his regards.

Jan.2006, extract from GP messageboard, Irene Frost (nee Muir)
Re 161st B.B my dad Vince Muir was an officer at the same time that Steve Hall was captain both my brothers were in the brigade at that time. John and Gordon Muir. I can remember going to many camps with the 161 we went to Cricceith and Newcastle N.Ireland had lots of fun even if I was a girl just imagine me a young teenager and all those boys.
Unfortunately both mum and dad were there also. Some of my brothers friends were Robert Clark, Graham Hutchinson, Jim Findlay, Andy McKenna and the years would be about late 50s early 60s sadly both mum and dad are gone now but they both gave lots of love and fun to the boys from the 161st.

Webmaister : noo whit a coincidence Irene you and I were at the same camps, ah wis only 12yrs old when we went to Cricceith, I was also at the N.Ireland camp in 1968 !!!.