Life experiences were gained with participating as a member in the Boys Brigade. Goals achieved through many disciplines of activities and badges attained to show your progress. Sharing responsibilities and respect with others in the company with pride in what is achievable, both individually and as a team. The photograph only shows me, though the trophy represents the first aid team and coach/officer in 1970. Many bonds of friendship were established at that time and held in high esteem as one remembers back. The officers then coached in many ways with enthusiasm and dedication in their duties. A mantle to carry forward for future generations to aspire, a wonderful organisation to have been a part of in my life.
Photographs and details courtesy of Michael Hymer
Picture Stockton Archive 
I was a member of 10th Teesside around the same time as you Michael. The Drinkells from Stranton St in Thornaby were a big part of the organisation, Dad was an officer, John and I think his younger brother were in the ranks.
I have a funny feeling I was in the first aid team you mentioned, I remember we had to go to a St Johns place (could have been near the Five Lamps in Thornaby) and we had to deal with a mock up accident, broken bones etc.
Also remember going to camp at Hinderwell, first time away from home, felt like another planet. A lad called Derek Hobday was there among others.
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I lived in Oxford Road. There was John and Christopher (younger brother) in the BB, On this site, use “Mandale Road 1979” in the search box to see the St John Ambulance building. Any ideas on who trained us, as my mind is a bit fuzzy.
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I cant remember to be honest who trained us (over 50 yrs ago), I do remember it was pretty realistic, they had fake blood and moaning with pain “patients”.
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I joined, what was then the LifeBuoys, the 8th Stockton BB in 1953 and remained with them until I left home in 1963. I still have the badges I won from those days.
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Paul Featherstone (Captain) signed my Staff-Sergeant certificate in October 1972
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It’s a good thing that some people take the time to record these things.
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To be read in conjunction with article “1st Thornaby Boys Brigade Football Team”.
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I joined the first Thornaby in 1961 and enjoyed my time with them until I left home when I left school at the end of 1966 and moved to Birmingham.
My elder sister was also in the 1st Thornaby GLB from 1961 until she moved away to Uni in 1968.
Can’t remember the Captains name but the lieutenant was a Ginger headed guy called Les? Lawrence who lived in Humber Road.
First summer camp away I learned early and having got there on Saturday I volunteered for jankers on Sunday. (We all did 1 day). Was a winner because we all marched about 3 miles into Filey and back for church on Sunday morning, so I missed the spud bashing and only started after lunch with the pots.
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Les Kitchen and he worked at Head Wrightson.
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Officers
John Fuszard, Stan Dixon (Finance), Todd, Paul Featherstone, Allan Jones, and David Patterson are the ones I recall, as well as Les.
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My Dad is Les Kitching, he was BB Captain for many years. He is 80 now!
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Les Kitching, of course. Sorry I got the name wrong. Silly me.
I am a bit shocked your dad is 80, as a young lad joining the BB I thought he was a lot more than 8 years older than myself..
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Dear Lindsey, Many thanks for posting and please pass on my very best wishes to your father. I hold a special place in my heart and wonderful memories of time with him, as part of the family in the BB Company. An exceptional and caring person who I have never forgotten. Always a prominent figure, especially when carrying the company colours on a Sunday parade with pride. I do believe that Les and the other officers built my character in life to serve others. A debt of gratitude from me is always there in my heart and soul to your father and the other BB Officers of the 1st Thornaby [ aka 10th Teesside ] Company of the Boys brigade.
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Les Kitching served his time at Head Wrightsons, Thornaby as a millwright (maintenance fitter), he also played in goal for Head Wrightsons Juniors.
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John Fuszard. I remember having seen the name. He lived opposite the Pleasure gardens and his son joined the 1st as well.
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Stan Dixon an officer?
Blimey, I invited him to come with me to have a look round 1 week,(1965?), and he enjoyed it enough to join.
These comments are taking me back a lot of years in time.
I left when my parent split in late 1966 and I moved away to do an apprenticeship in Birmingham.
I only remember having the 2 officers Mr’s Fuszard and Kitchen. I do remember a few weeks we had to cancel because no officers were available.
I also invited Dave McDonald, Steve Merryweather, and Robert Wilson, all of whom had stripes before I left and other school friends such as Rodney Peeling and Steve Taylor.
Often wondered what happened to all my old school mates. The only 1 I could ever track was David Mills,(for obvious reasons).
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Do you have an email address for Michael Hymer please? I’d like to contact him. I think we may be related.
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You are right – 2nd cousin. Google “Roger Lee Hymer WikiTree”
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You may use the link on the above website page for the profile manager which I retain for contact.
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A Watson / Hymer family tree connection in Photoshop is available.
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