North West Durham Battalion - 1st Catchgate

Anchor Boys, Monday 17:00 - 18:00
Junior Section, Monday 18:00 - 19:30
Company Section, Monday 19:30 - 21:30

Captain :-

Website :-

Church :- Catchgate Methodist Church

Notes :- We thank God for the man who had the vision to start a Boys’ Brigade Company in the area. That man was Bob Birtle the founder of the company way back in March 1926. The company celebrated its 50 years anniversary in 1976 with a souvenir handbook and a weekend of celebratory events. The 75th anniversary in 2001 was celebrated on a smaller scale but with the same pride and commitment from Officers and boys. The company has had a small number of Captains over the years ; two have served for over 25 years each.

The company has always tried to take part in all Battalion events and competitions. In the eighties and early nineties the company was very successful within the Battalion and won the Harrison Trophy year after year. The company has entered race hikes over the last twenty years, particularly the Cleveland and Border Hikes. The enthusiasm for this type of activity has been passed down from boy to boy over the years. Some teams have been placed 2nd and 3rd. These successes are still remembered by many ‘old’ boys. The company also entered National events during the early nineties such as the Masterteam and table tennis. Unfortunately a fall in numbers prevented the company entering again until this year. The company has also hosted an yearly fun run since 1984. It is now regarded as one of the community’s annual events. The company has attended a yearly camp for most of the last 40 years.

This company has had hundreds of boys pass through it’s ranks. There have been times when there was a waiting list to join, there have been times too when there have been single numbers of boys in each section. The company at this time is small in numbers of boys and officers but as Captain Birtle our company founder would say we will "Keep the flag flying" and carry on with the same enthusiasm and commitment.