IT HAD been another successful year for these members of the Boys’ Brigade. The 1st Oxford company had a reputation for winning trophies – and judging by the number on display here, this year was no exception.

The certificate at the front indicates that the boys had performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

The picture comes from reader Sheila Charles, of Wendlebury, near Bicester.

We are not sure when it was taken, and Mrs Charles knows the name of only one of the company – Doug Pearce, sitting sixth from the right in the second row.

However, there is one unmistakable figure in the picture – the clergyman in the centre of the front row, sitting behind the drum and shield.

He is Canon David Stather Hunt, whose name is forever linked with the Boys’ Brigade in Oxford and farther afield.

It is likely that the picture was taken at his church, St Matthew’s in South Oxford, where he was vicar for many years and where the company was based.

Canon Stather Hunt has appeared in numerous Boys’ Brigade pictures we have published over the years.

The movement celebrated its 120th anniversary in Oxford and its 125th anniversary nationally in 2008.

It was founded on October 4, 1883 by William Smith, a Scottish Sunday school teacher and an officer of the 1st Lanark Rifle Volunteers, when he formed a company of boys in Glasgow.

His idea was to create an organisation for boys, based on religion and discipline.

Initially, 59 boys joined, many of them out of curiosity, and 35 stayed.

Drill, gymnastics and games were introduced and these proved very popular.

A uniform was chosen and soon other activities were added. The first camp was held in 1886. Today, there are companies in more than 60 countries.

In Oxfordshire, companies exist in Witney, Bloxham, Kidlington, Deddington, Chipping Norton, Kings Sutton and Wallingford.

For more details, call the president, Walter Mullis, on 01295 811353.

Do you recognise anyone in the picture? Write and let me know.