The Boys’ Brigade, 1st Kempston Company takes on a cycling challenge to raise much needed funds

The youngsters will be virtually cycling from Kempston to Glasgow
The youngsters will be taking part in a virtual cycling challengeThe youngsters will be taking part in a virtual cycling challenge
The youngsters will be taking part in a virtual cycling challenge

Youngsters in Kempston are putting their pedal power to the test by taking part in a charity cycling challenge.

Members of The Boys’ Brigade, 1st Kempston Company are undertaking the challenge to virtually cycle from Kempston to Glasgow to help make up the shortfall in its finances caused by the Covid-19 lockdown.

The group, based at Kempston East Methodist Church, has now returned, Covid securely, to face to face activities and is seeking much-needed funds for it to continue to provide opportunities for young people to learn, grow and discover through a varied programme of activities.

The Boys' Brigade have been taking part in socially distanced activititesThe Boys' Brigade have been taking part in socially distanced activitites
The Boys' Brigade have been taking part in socially distanced activitites

The 1st Kempston Company will be raising funds and awareness by taking part in a Fundraising Challenge. Each section within the group has been challenged to cycle 350 miles, from Kempston to Glasgow, where The Boys’ Brigade was founded in 1883.

So far the Anchors (aged five to seven) have cycled 59 miles, and the Juniors (aged eight to 10) 19 miles. Company (aged 11 to 18) will be setting off this on Friday, May 14.

Company captain Philip Timms said: “The pandemic has had a significant impact on our company finances, we hope that by cycling virtually from Kempston to Glasgow that we will be able to make up for this shortfall, so do please help us.”

And the Brigade's Rob Ciantar added: "We have been enjoying active activities online with the young members, for example calling out a colour and the young people have to rush around their houses to find something that colour. The older members have enjoyed having banner while playing various online games such as Uno and Skribl.

The Boys' Brigade has been holding events online during lockdownThe Boys' Brigade has been holding events online during lockdown
The Boys' Brigade has been holding events online during lockdown

"It feels very exciting to be back face to face. It was amazing to see nearly a full turn out the first face to face meeting back after lockdown 3 restrictions were lifted."

The new online programme from The Boys’ Brigade is called #BBatHOME and has provided over 300 different activities for young people from 5 to 18 years of age to take part in at home.