“BB has taught me that I should always try to learn from mistakes…”
My first ten years were spent in Jamaica. Where I grew up, the parenting style was very strict, and Church wasn’t just for Sundays; it was central to everyday life.
I learned discipline and tradition during this period, and I’ve tried to pass these values onto my own children. My adoptive parents weren’t particularly affectionate, but this has made me more determined to be emotionally expressive with my own children. Love and connection are vital.
My family moved to Leicester in 1962. My mother returned to Jamaica fairly quickly and my father was often at work, so from an early age, I had to fend for myself: making school lunches and cleaning the house.
It was also in Leicester where I was introduced to Melbourne Hall Evangelical Free Church which became a second family. It was the hub of my life for many years and everything revolved around it.
An essential part of Melbourne Hall was The Boys’ Brigade – which I quickly became involved with.
8th Leicester Company provided structure, a community, and endless opportunities for youngsters in the area, including camps in Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, and earning the Queen’s Badge.
I also became a drum major – leading the BB band – and took part in performances and variety shows including music, drama and gymnastics in the church hall.
BB created relationships that lasted a lifetime. My best friend, who sadly passed away last year, was someone I had known for over 60 years. School friendships came and went, but the ones formed through BB were deep and enduring.
The organisation also offered a sense of belonging and purpose. It kept us all away from trouble and taught us right from wrong. Older boys who had become Officers served as role models. You learned from how they behaved, how they treated their families, and how they carried themselves. We all need those kinds of role models: Not celebrities or sports stars, but people we’re in direct contact with: Real-life examples.
Despite the challenges I’ve faced in life, BB has taught me that I should always try to learn from mistakes. The difference between school and life is this: In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re tested first, and the lesson comes afterwards. The values I learned through BB and the Church help me navigate those tests.
Today, with issues like toxic masculinity and negative online influencers, BB has bigger relevance than ever. Churches are embracing new technology and reaching out in modern ways, and that’s what BB can do, too – using social media to create uplifting content, share real stories, and showcase what the organisation offers today.
Parents are desperate to keep their kids out of crime and away from dangerous influences. BB can provide that alternative. Rather than just talking about the past, it’s important to emphasise that BB is still current and meaningful. What I hope is that others see in me as an example of someone whose life was deeply shaped by BB. And maybe, by looking into my story, they’ll find something helpful for their own journey.
