1st Exeter Boys' Brigade

05/04/2026

03/04/2026

Yesterday we visited Exeter’s Salvation Army to deliver Easter egg donations from our Junior Section boys. The Salvation Army, South West Division

These donations were part of our “Be a Good Egg” event, which supports their community work as they progress through their badges.

If you’d like to join the BB adventure, you can sign up here: https://1exeter.boys-brigade.org.uk

03/04/2026

As we reach Good Friday, we remember that "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son" (John 3:16) - and rejoice in knowing that Jesus' death on the cross was not the end of the story 🙏

01/04/2026

We would like to share the arrangements for Glenn Bearne’s funeral and warmly invite you to join us as we come together to remember and celebrate his life.

The funeral service will take place at Exeter Crematorium on Thursday, 9th April at 1:30pm.

To honour Glenn’s dedication to the BB, we are organising a BB guard of honour with the colours at the doors—both as Glenn enters the crematorium and again as guests leave. This will be a meaningful tribute to his long-standing commitment.

Following the service, you are invited to join the family from 3:00pm at Winslade Manor, Winslade Park Ave, Manor Drive, Clyst St Mary, Exeter EX5 1FY, to continue celebrating Glenn’s life. There is plenty of parking available, and a light buffet will be provided. Everyone is welcome, and the family would be grateful to see you there.

There is no dress code. The family will not be wearing black, so please feel free to dress as brightly as you wish.

A retiring collection for Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) will be held at the service. In place of floral tributes, Glenn’s family kindly asks for donations to ELF—an organisation close to both Glenn and Bev, who dedicated so much of their time and energy to supporting its work.

Attached, you will find an invitation with further details about the afternoon, along with a link to a website where you can share memories, upload photos, and make donations to ELF if you wish.

https://glennbearne.muchloved.com

The Family would like to say thank you for your love and support during this difficult time. We look forward to being together to honour Glenn’s memory.

23/03/2026

RIP GLENN BEARNE 1951–2026

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend and former Captain, Glenn Bearne.

Glenn dedicated more than 60 years to the 1st Exeter Boys’ Brigade—first as a boy, then as an officer, and ultimately as Captain for over three decades. His leadership, warmth, and unwavering commitment helped shape our company into the welcoming, lively, and inspiring place it is today. Generations of boys have tried new activities, built friendships, and created lifelong memories thanks to his influence. His family—his wife Beverley, Daniel, Andrew and Sarah—have all played their part in the life of the company over the years.

Even after “retiring” (a word that never truly applied to Glenn), he continued to support 1st Exeter with enthusiasm. He loved encouraging younger officers and was a regular at Haytor camp, where he took great joy in helping with the cooking—a role he was planning to take on again this year. The kitchen at Broadleas will feel very different without his humour, energy, and unmistakable presence.

This loss has come as a shock to us all. Our company—and the wider Boys’ Brigade community—has always been like an extended family, and in times like this we come together to support one another.

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Glenn’s family, especially his beloved wife Bev, during this incredibly difficult time, and with everyone who knew and loved him.

From all of us at 1st Exeter, he will be deeply and fondly missed.” — Ashley Paull, Captain

20/03/2026

✨ Two of our senior boys are off to the Senior District Weekend from today through Sunday — and they’re both working towards their Presidents Badge, one of the highest awards in BB. ✨

It’s been a long time since we’ve had boys aiming this high, and we couldn’t be prouder of their drive and commitment.

Have an amazing weekend, lads. Go smash it and enjoy every second! 💪🔥

15/03/2026

Today we wish a very happy Mothering Sunday to all of the mothers and motherly figures out there! 💐

10/03/2026

Two of our junior boys teamed up with three from 5th Exeter Boys' Brigade for the District Sports Event in Stoke Sub‑Hamdon. 👍

Huge shout‑out to them for their gallant efforts in Endball, Unihoc, Dodgeball and Football. We couldn’t be prouder. 🏀🏒🏐⚽

16/01/2026

Do you, a family member or friend want to make a difference in young people’s lives?
We’re looking for new leaders to work with our 1st Exeter Boys’ Brigade company at Sidwell St Methodist Church.

Specifically for the Junior Section (8-11yo), but also welcome people who would prefer to help with our 11-18 year olds in Company Section.

We meet Tuesday evenings from 6-7:30pm for juniors; 7:30-9:30pm for company section.

No previous experience is necessary as training is provided. We are as keen to welcome leaders as helpers - extra pairs of hands are always needed.

You can also find more information here: https://boys-brigade.org.uk/volunteer/

We would also love to grow the number of boys in the company, specifically at the younger ages (from 5yo), so if you have anyone looking for a club which provides youngsters with the opportunities to make friends and build skills, please do forward this to them.

📧 Get in touch by emailing [email protected]

🌐 https://1exeter.boys-brigade.org.uk/

21/12/2025

Hope everyone who is celebrating Christmas is geared up and ready, and that you all have rest booked in! 🎄🎅

From all our Leaders - “Wishing you all a Christmas blessed with God's love and grace."🌟

We will be returning our normal Tuesday Evenings on 6th January 2026…. 😀

22/11/2025

We were joined by Joe Rice First Aid Training today running a First Aid Training course for some of our leaders and senior boys as well as from 5th Exeter Boys' Brigade.

Joe was absolutely brilliant, patient, clear, and made learning first aid really fun and easy to understand.🌟

The leaders & senior boys that attended have learnt and acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to respond as a Emergency First Aider. This course included:⛑️

- Responsibilities and reporting
- Assessment of the situation
- Dealing with an unresponsive casualty
- Basic hygiene in First Aid
- Anatomy
- Resuscitation
- Safe use of a defibrillator
- Choking
- Bleeding control
- Shock
- Fainting
- Epilepsy
- Burns
- Minor injuries

By doing this course they have earned the qualification and awarded FAA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work. 🙌

As they all showed they can provide treatment to casualties in a prompt, safe and effective manner.

We have to say a huge thank you to Joe for running such a professional and hands-on course. We feel confident and more prepared in ad a First Aider. 👍

( Unfortunately we never managed to take any photos. 😞 )

09/11/2025

On this Remembrance Sunday, we join the nation in pausing in memory of all those who sacrificed so much for our freedom. We will remember them.

Well done to all the boys who have attended our  remembrance service today. You were all a credit to the Boys Brigade and the church.

Special thanks to our colour party for their excellent parade of our colour.

Our junior section also made a poppy wreath that was presented at the front of the church.