MEMBERS of Redditch Boys’ Brigade have celebrated and given thanks to Mr H W Harris for his steadfast dedication and commitment to young people in Redditch, on the occasion of his retirement from the Boys’ Brigade.

Mr Harris has been in a leading role in the 1st Redditch Boys’ Brigade since it started in 1960. His leadership role started as an NCO (Non Commissioned Officer) and then Alan Sealy, the founding captain of the company, asked Mr Harris to take over the lead of the company as its captain in 1964.

Through the years Mr Harris has seen countless boys move through the 1st Redditch BB and at its height in the 1980s there were over 100 boys in the Headless Cross company.

Mr Harris reminisced on the times spent at company evenings and on the annual camps, visiting places like the Isle of Wight, Jersey, Swanage, the Scottish borders and France.

Our Anchor Boys and Junior Section members created prayers of thanks and read them out during the celebration service held at The Bridge Church in Headless Cross. The older boys performed a modern day drama.

The company then awarded Mr Harris an honorary membership of the 1st Redditch BB.

After the service, Mr Harris was given a chance to chat and catch up with past and current members of the 1st Redditch Boys’ & Girls’ Brigade. Also in attendance was Dennis Riley, Worcester Battalion chaplain, and his wife, along with Honorary Vice President of Worcester Battalion, Kath James.

A spokesman said: “Everyone at the 1st Redditch Boys’ Brigade wishes Mr Harris a long, healthy and restful retirement from the Boys’ Brigade.”