On the morning of Tuesday, 04 October 2011, I was back at the Castle once more, this time to see the performance of a Fife and Bugle Band. The weather did not look promising at all: heavy clouds hung low over the city and a soft drizzle was falling, just enough to mist over one’s spectacles – and one’s camera lens. Luckily, the drizzle stopped just as the announcer spoke over the p.a. system:
“Ladies and gentlemen, we welcome you to the performance of the St Joseph Worker Church Lads and Girls Brigade from Bishop Lavis. …
Let’s give them a warm welcome!”
The Brigade marches in through the archway and takes up positions in front of the Kat balcony
I do not know much about the history of this group, except that the Brigade is a non-profit organisation that was established in 1952. It has grown to become one of the leading organisations to raise awareness on all social issues and to train potential leaders within the community it serves. The Brigade has thus been in existence for about 59 years, and the marching band has proved itself to be one of the most successful mechanisms of instilling positive values in its members.
The large crowd of spectators, comprising local and overseas tourists as well as several school groups, who were touring the Castle, showed their appreciation by applauding and cheering loudly, particularly when the very young drummers and fife players of the Youth Band displayed their musical skills on fifes, drums and bugles.
Grains of Sand 
Some of those kids are TINY – look way too young to be in a band. But its all good stuff – anything that keeps kids off the streets and out of the gangs is to be applauded.
I wholeheartedly agree with that – these groups offer far more positive support structures for youngsters who would otherwise be tempted to become involved with the wrong crowd. They really deserve more exposure in the media – I haven’t found much information about the various groups online, which is a pity.
Your photos capture it all so well. I also noticed how young some of the kids are. What a great way to keep them occupied and off the streets
Agreed. We have such a problem with lack of discipline in schools, and so many social problems, that it is quite hard for the kids here to grow up learning good and positive values.
The Church Lads brigade was formed At St. Andrews Fulham (London) in 1891. it almalgamated with the Church Girls Brigade in 1978 and celabrating it’s 120th year. Although struggling in the UK, it is good to see it doing so well else where.
With luck and the dedication of it’s leaders it will continue it’s good work for another centuary
Hello Alan – thank you for your comment – is this really the history of this Brigade? It sounds interesting!
the brigade is alive and kicking in south africa especially here in the western cape on the cape flats and outlying areas such as robertson bredaarsdorp and ceres cape town has at least 20 active companies spread across it and the all going strong.
Hello Winston – I was not aware of that. I think it is wonderful to give a creative and musical outlet to young people like this, and the discipline, teamwork and dedication involved in being part of such a group is definitely beneficial. Wishing you best of luck and much success!
Hi Reggie,
For a full history of the Church Lads Brigade can I suggest that you google http://www.clcgb.org.uk and then go onto the historical groups link.
Or just google Church Lads Brigade and follow the different links. As I said in my reply, at a time when society is crying out for such organisations, we are struggling in the UK and funding is very much year to year. I believe that the word “Church” is the big problem as it is seen as being uncool.
Thank you for the advice, Alan, I appreciate it.
The Brigade has a competition every year in october. You are more than welcome to come join in on our yearly competition. St Joseph the Worker, Bishop Lavis are the unbeatable champions for the last 24 years.
Hey
I was once part of the church lads and girls brigade when i was ‘n youngster. I moved out of my home town and i want to join again but it is hard to find a clgb. Any news on how to find one?
Hello Glenville, unfortunately I can’t help you with that.
yorh Y do I only see this now this is a Beautifull Pic of My Company St.Joseph The Worker C.L.G.B. I am Proud To be a member! “Fight the Good Fight” and lmk lol For Lindy Jane Thomas………..
there appears to be a bit of a bounce in the UK with regards to the CLCGB. Some funding has been achieved and some development officers employed so with hard work and a fair wind the organisation will start to grow again and serve all of our communities. keep up the good work.
Alan
Good to see the Brigade doing so well in SA.
Hello Robin, thank you for leaving a comment. This was the only time the Brigade performed as part of the CT Military Tattoo, unfortunately. But I hope that they are still going strong.