Ashford Common Methodist Church

Our Clubs

Please click on the text below to find out more information

The Boys Brigade back to the top of the page

The Boys' Brigade is the oldest uniformed youth movement in the world and founded by Sunday School teacher William Smith on 4 October 1883 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK. Its' object is the "advancement of Christ's kingdom among boys and the promotion of habits of obedience, reverence, discipline, self-respect and all that tends towards a true Christian manliness".

A Boys' Brigade Company was established at the Ashford Common Methodist Church in the early 1960's and the 7th North Surrey Company remains part of the Church to this day with many hundreds of boys passing through the ranks learning more about Christ on their way. From September to May weekly meetings are held in the Church hall with separate age related and varied activity programmes being followed. These are based on the twin pillars of Christian teaching and discipline and can be split into five distinct areas "Adventure", "Leadership", "Community", "Interests" & "Physical".

Our youngest age group " The Anchor Boys" are aged from 6 to 8 and meet on Monday evenings from 5.30 p.m. to 6.45 p.m. "Junior Boys" are aged from 9 to 11 and they also meet on Mondays. Their evening begins at 6.30 and overlaps with that of the Anchors and concludes at 8.00 p.m. The Anchor & Junior programme consists of a mixture of badge work, craft, baking, singing, mime & drama and sporting activities. As part of the badge work each year, the Juniors participate in Scripture Knowledge, Figure Marching and Sporting Competitions with other local BB Companies.

The Company Section exists for those boys aged from 12 to 18 and they meet on Thursdays from 7 to 9.15. Following a similar programme to the Juniors, but adapted for their age, Company boys also have the opportunity to learn bugle, drum or cymbals in the Company Band which often plays at public events including the annual Remembrance Day Service at Ashford. Regular outings to the cinema, swimming at Coral Reef in Bracknell and Laser Quest in Kingston all form part of the Company Section programme.

During the summer, all boys meet together at a local school for outdoor activities. As the weather improves Junior & Company section boys enjoy traditional BB Camping with a weekend Camp during the Easter period and a weeklong event at the beginning of August. The older boys also attend Firm Foundations, a magnificent festival held over the Spring Bank Holiday.

Recorder Group back to the top of the page

We meet every Thursday at 6pm - 7.15pm. and play various types of music and often play for the singing in the church.

Many have learnt to play the Recorder whilst coming to the group and some are now leaving the familiarity of the usual Descant recorder to learn the new fingering of the Treble recorder or to stretch their fingers for the larger Tenor recorder.

Once you have gained a little knowledge of the fingering and where the notes are on the music and recorder you are able to join in with the playing in the Church, but before then percussion instruments are available so that all those who want to can join in.

Ocarina Group back to the top of the page

We are a small group who meet at the same time as the recorder group.

The Ocarina is an old instrument that has recently seen a bit of a revival.

It is a stone like shape that you blow into with four holes on the top which are covered in different ways to produce different notes. You do not need to be able to read music to play the ocarina as there is always a picture box showing you which holes to cover.