Company Spotlight: 5th Swindon
Formation
In the early 1970s, St. Margaret’s Church in Stratton St. Margaret supported Guides & Brownies but offered no dedicated service for Boys.
Coinciding with plans to build a new church hall, Albert Smith – veteran of the 1st Swindon – gave a talk to the Church of England Men’s Society Meeting on The Boys’ Brigade. Following discussions at the Parish Church Council, the ‘BB Method’ was approved, with Ian Campbell becoming founder Captain of the 5th Swindon who were officially enrolled on 17th May 1974.
Camping
Camping has been one of the central activities of the 5th Swindon and it is fitting that the Wiltshire Battalion camp in July 1974 was one of the first events the Company took part in, just weeks after its formal enrolment.
The 5th Swindon would join Companies from Devizes, Trowbridge, and elsewhere in Wiltshire on camps, often heading to the south west of England to camp at places such as Swanage and Torquay.
From the 1990s, these Battalion camps were replaced by Company camps, with the 5th heading further afield to spend a week away in the summer, travelling to Wales, the Isle of Wight, and Dorset amongst other popular spots.
In 1999, the Company was on camp in Exmouth during the solar eclipse. However, cloudy skies prevented a clear view of this historical event. This did not matter to the campers though, who were more interested in the waterslide!
Since 2008, the 5th Swindon have camped with friends in the Gloucestershire Battalion to enjoy a wide-range of action-packed activities.
The Band
Following a few failed attempts in the formative years, the 5th Swindon established a drum and bugle band in 1989.
Often performing alongside friends from the 3rd Swindon, the band was regularly seen on the streets of Stratton St. Margaret on parade Sundays throughout the year during the 1990s.
The Company band was a regular fixture at local carnivals and in 1995 played alongside the 1st Swindon at a special performance at Dyrham Park to celebrate the centenary of the National Trust.
In the early 2000s, the 5th Swindon performed at West of England District displays, playing alongside musicians from the 1st Malvern.
Figure Marching
Throughout the 1990s the 5th Swindon were renowned for their excellent figure marching team. Officers expected high standards and encouraged Boys to march with a smile.
The Company were regular winners of the Battalion trophy which meant the 5th Swindon would represent the Battalion at District events.
First competing in District competition in 1991, the Company would finish 3rd in 1994. This was followed by runners-up spots in 1996 and 1997, before back-to-back victories in 1998 and 1999.
At the Annual Company Display, the Juniors would demonstrate their competition-winning performances to friends & family, always to the musical accompaniment of ‘The Liberty Bell’ of Monty Python fame.
Company Milestones
In 2014 the Company celebrated its 40th anniversary with a reunion arranged by former Captain, Leif Edwards.
In 2024 the 5th Swindon celebrated fifty years of service to young people in Swindon.
To mark this occasion, older Boys and volunteers selected the Company’s 50th anniversary logo to be used during the year of celebration. The winning design was chosen in a knock-out style competition from creations submitted by designers from a local business.
For fifty years, the 5th Swindon has stood as a testament to an enduring spirit of community, service, and adventure, and continues to provide opportunities to young people thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers.
Does your Company have a story to tell? Share your history, milestones, and memories with us to preserve and celebrate the legacy of your Company. Get in touch via our Contact Us page: www.thebbmuseum.org/contact-us
Media Files
Video
50th Anniversary Logo
This specially commissioned design celebrates the Company’s 50th Anniversary in 2024, inspired by Swindon’s railway heritage. Additional anniversary designs are shown below.
Queen's Men
13 Queen’s Badges have been awarded to 5th Swindon members. Below is the list of recipients of this prestigious honour.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Jamie Edwards |
| 1997 | Jon Burston |
| 2000 | Andrew Edwards |
| 2000 | Mark Daglish |
| 2001 | David Lavin |
| 2004 | John Daglish |
| 2004 | Gareth Bailey |
| 2005 | Chris Spackman |
| 2005 | Adam Jenkins |
| 2006 | Tom Freeguard |
| 2008 | Ashley Glover |
| 2008 | Richard Spackman |
| 2008 | Matthew Young |
