WESTEND BOYS BRIGADE
More memories from Joe Molloy 

The 1^st Westend Boys Brigade was formed in about 1925, and based at the Swaythling Road Methodist Church. It will be seen in Marjorie Bodman's history of the Church that it was Arthur Houghton and his family who were responsible for bringing this about by requesting a Westend group be formed.

As a result Captain "Tim" Smith, who lived at Bitterne, came to set it up. He was an excellent leader and took his job very seriously. He made us aware that in addition to all the sporting fun and games we enjoyed, that being in the BB (Boys Brigade) required us to be capable of doing many more useful activities.

We were lucky to have the full support of Mr Collins at "The Wilderness" where we played all our football, cricket and other various outdoor sports. We had games against other Boys Brigade companies at Bitterne and St. Denys. Mr Stuart, the Wilderness groundsman and gardener, was always helpful giving us tips on how to hold a "straight bat".

On the serious side all were encouraged to carry out the best objectives of the Boys Brigade by qualifying for the various badges. Tim Smith was quite strict and they were not obtained easily. First Aid was essential, and then for the Fireman's badge. In about 1927, several of us were taken to Southampton's Chief Fireman's house in Argyle Road, to be examined by Mr Hayward himself - I can't see that happening now! It was Mr Hayward's son who followed his father and was Chief Fire Officer in Southampton during World War Two. Swimming was also a must - most of us at this end of the village had learned to swim in the Itchen in the fields at the rear of Gaters Mill. Now it was going to the Inner Swimming Baths (Southampton Lido) in Western Esplanade, Southampton. There apart from swimming followed life saving. However, whilst there on many occasions we were able to see the Southampton Water Polo matches which interested us more. The tackling was very rough, almost as good as football!

In the early days a bugle, fife and drum band was formed and was there for the occasional Church Parade. At the weekly meetings there was always drill, P.T. and boxing, plus a variety of other interests. The Captain made sure there was a story with a moral - like Dr. Jeckyll and Mr Hyde to make us aware of the "good" and "bad" in us, but we weren't as bad as that! Opposite our Church was the Baker's Shop of Mr Emmans and his son Bob, who seemed to do most of the baking. He was very helpful because beneath the shop was a cellar and bench which we were able to use for any carpentry or similar work - very convenient in winter!

Christmas time, to help funds, we went carol singing. We carried a small collapsible pedal organ which was set up and played by Mrs Houghton. I remember one evening we were singing at the Hollingsworth's house on the Midlands Estate. Mrs Hollingsworth came to the door and asked what denomination we were. Of course these were rather class conscious times but Mrs Houghton, very quickly replied, "We're inter-denominational". It may have been wise not to say we were from the Chapel! Mrs Hollingsworth then held up her hand showing us a half-crown. We certainly then sang her an extra carol.

Times were difficult in the mid-twenties with the General Strike in 1926, but full credit must be given to Capt. Tim Smith for it was in this year that he started the Summer Camps. The first was at Bramshaw in the New Forest, and at our age to be suddenly sleeping in a sleeping bag on a groundsheet with our feet to the pole was a bit of a shock. The daily necessary jobs we were all given certainly toughened us up. However, the freedom of roaming in the forest and the evening songs and stories round the camp fire was a lot of fun.

In 1927 the camp was at Fort Gomer at the eastern end of Stokes Bay. The Browndown Military Firing Ranges were between it and Lee-on-Solent.

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