About us

The Boys' Brigade was founded in Glasgow on 4th October 1883 by Sir William Alexander Smith and is the oldest uniformed youth organisation in the world!

'The 8th' has been meeting at Westbourne for over 40 years since its reformation on 27th November 1967 and is still going strong. With a total membership of over 80, we are one of the largest BB Companies in the North of England District and key to our success is our programme which if it's good means our members bring their friends and our parents recommend us to their friends.

The content of our programme differs slightly from section to section but basically follows a traditional format of Fall In, Opening Devotions, Uniform Inspection, BB Awards (from the new programme material), Games, Tuck Shop and Closing Parade/Devotions.

In addition to meeting every Friday night during term time, we hold three annual holidays in May, July and October and make several visits including to the pantomime every Christmas time.

Putting the child first - our Child Protection Policy

Our Child protection policy is available to anyone who wishes to see it and all of the staff at the 8th are pleased to work within its guidelines of 'good practice' and a safe environment.

When do we meet?

All ages groups meet on Friday evenings at Westbourne Methodist Church, Stockton Road, Hartlepool. The hall is situated between the Tesco and Burn Valley roundabouts.

Anchors   

y1-y3 Anchor Boys 6.30 - 8.00 pm £1.50 andrea@the8th.co.uk

Juniors

y4-y6 Junior Section 6.30 - 8.00 pm £1.50 stu@the8th.co.uk

Company

y7-y9 Company Section 7.00 - 10.00pm £1.50 stu@the8th.co.uk

Seniors

y10-y11+ Seniors 7.00 - 10.00pm £1.50 andi@the8th.co.uk

All of the staff are volunteers and have undergone both general and specific BB training courses and external training. As well as this, the BB nationally checks each prospective officer through the Criminal Records Bureau. Our helpers are personally selected and complete a team that will have your boys interests at heart each week.

With a large number of 'new boys' joining us since September, we are very close to opening a waiting list for boys in school years 1-6. Current members be warned - you will need to maintain a good attendance to keep your place!

You can find out more about the BB by visiting The Boys' Brigade national website, which can be found HERE