1st Exeter Boys' Brigade

06/09/2026

As many of you will know, Sidwell Street Methodist Church has now ceased meeting, with its final service taking place last Sunday, 30th August 2026.

Over recent months, we have been actively seeking a new church partnership for our Company. We are pleased to share that this has now been arranged with St Mark’s Parish Church , Pinhoe Road, Exeter — with formal approval from BB Headquarters currently pending.

St Mark's Exeter, together with its Parochial Church Council, has expressed a strong commitment to supporting our officers and members, and to upholding the safeguarding, governance, and operational standards expected of a church‑sponsored organisation.

For the time being, our weekly sessions will continue at the Sidwell Street premises. The new owners, The Paulos Circus (The Circus), plan to make the building their permanent home for circus arts — combining a live performance venue, circus school, and museum within one of Exeter’s most magnificent historic buildings. Encouragingly, they are committed to preserving the church’s heritage and have confirmed that we will be able to continue using the premises. They are hoping to have their plans fully operational by early next year.

St Mark’s is holding a Welcome Service on Sunday, 13th September at 9:30am. (We wil be in uniform for this.)

Service Details
Time: 9:30 am on 13th September

Location: St Mark's Church, Pinhoe Road, Exeter, EX4 7HU

Ashley Paull - Captain of 1st Exeter Co

03/09/2026

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.

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/

30/08/2026

Today we had the privilege of presenting two Presidents’ Badges to two of our senior boys. Each of them has demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication in working towards this achievement, and it is important that we formally recognise the effort they have invested.

The President’s Badge is the second‑highest award a young person can attain within The Boys’ Brigade, marking a significant milestone in their personal development, leadership, and service.

07/07/2026

Today’s Company Section summer programme took us straight into the world of VR as we stepped into an immersive session at The VRVE. The boys threw themselves into every challenge, every game, and every virtual world with huge enthusiasm.

Thank you to The VRVE team for an excellent session. All the boys really enjoyed their time and are already talking about what they want to try next.

25/06/2026

Following on from my earlier post about the closure of the church, I want to reassure everyone that we will continue meeting at the Sidwell Street premises even after the sale is completed. Our activities and weekly gatherings will carry on as normal for the time being.

We are also in active conversation with several local churches about forming a new long‑term association for our company. These discussions are positive, and we’re taking the time to make sure we find the right fit for our young people and leaders.

We’ll share further updates as soon as we have confirmed information to pass on.

Thank you all for your patience, support, and trust as we navigate this transition together.

Ashley Paull - Captain of 1st Exeter Co.

25/06/2026

I’d like to keep you updated on what’s happening with our Sidwell Street Methodist Church building.

Many of you will already know that the premises are in the process of being sold — not because funds have run out, but because the congregation has grown smaller and older, and no longer has the people needed to maintain and run the building.

The church first opened its doors in 1905, serving the many families who once filled the surrounding streets. Times have changed, and with fewer families now living locally, the congregation feels that its mission in this part of the city has been faithfully completed.

The sale is progressing well. As a listed building, only minimal changes can be made, but there is confidence that it will be transformed into an exciting new events venue for the city — not left to fall into disrepair.

To mark the end of 125 years of mission and ministry, the final act of worship will take place on:

📅 Sunday 30th August
⏰ Service at 6pm
☕ Tea from 4pm

This will be a joyful thanksgiving service celebrating everything that has been achieved over the years. All Circuit congregations, former ministers, and anyone who has been part of the story are warmly invited.

Ashley Paull - Captain of 1st Exeter Co.

23/06/2026

This year, the boys from all sections have been collecting for Exmouth Lifeboat Station. We’re delighted to say we raised £83.83, which we delivered to the centre last Wednesday. As a thank you, the team was kind enough to show us around the station, including a close up view of their training and lifeboat launch.

Thank you to all the boys and parents who have contributed towards this excellent cause! RNLI Exmouth

01/06/2026

🙌 Message to All our Volunteers, past and present.

To all our incredible volunteers — thank you.

As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, we want to recognise the dedication, compassion, and energy you bring to our company. Each of you plays a vital role in helping children and young people learn, grow, and discover their potential in a safe, fun, and caring environment.

Whether you’re leading activities, offering a listening ear, planning programmes, supporting behind the scenes, or simply showing up week after week — you make a difference. Your commitment shapes lives, builds confidence, and creates memories that stay with young people for years to come.

We are proud to have such an inspiring team of volunteers who live out our values with heart and purpose. This week, and every week, we celebrate you.

Thank you for everything you do.

Today marks the start of Volunteers' Week and we want to say a huge thank you to our 6,500+ volunteer leaders for all they do! 🙌

In communities across the country our children and young people are provided with opportunities to learn, grow and discover in a safe, fun and caring environment, which wouldn't be possible without the tireless dedication of our volunteers.

Keep an eye on our social media channels throughout this week as we'll be sharing stories from some of our volunteers of why they do what they do!

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