The 2nd Alton Boys’ Brigade has good reason to celebrate – its ruby anniversary has arrived.

Forty years ago, in January 1984, five boys turned up to find out what this new Boys Brigade thing might be. And since then, hundreds of boys have passed through the ranks. The 40th anniversary is being celebrated on Sunday, January 28 at Alton Methodist Church, home of the 2nd Alton.

There’s a Service of Thanksgiving at 10am, when all the current members will be present. Ex-members and supporters are encouraged to take part.

Next there’s a lunch, camp-style, for former members. Spaces are limited and booking is essential – phone 01420 84739 or email [email protected]

And from 1.30pm to 4pm there’s a drop-in session where photographs, videos, scrap books and other brigade memorabilia will be on display. More importantly, the afternoon will provide an opportunity for ex-members to catch up with old friends and former staff.

David Allan, the founder captain, said: “It’s great that we can celebrate this significant milestone, and I am really pleased that we have former members from as far afield as Cornwall, Cambridgeshire, Yorkshire, Merseyside and Scotland coming to Alton to mark the occasion with us.”

The picture shows the brigade marking its silver jubilee in 2009.