
eil joined the BB in early 1966, serving as a boy and then an officer
until going into ministerial training in 1988. I will try to avoid what has
been said earlier and some of what I will say is repeating Neil’s own
words written in 2007.
Neil explains how he joined the BB and what happened next…
“It was my Mum’s idea! You just did not say “no” to my Mum. She
invited Curly (Peter Knights, the Captain) round for a cup of tea
as I recall and that was that. I have got to admit I was not keen to
start with but the boys were very friendly. The first night was a
Drill Parade just a week or so before the Annual Display. That fi
night really sticks in my memory. I felt a little bit in awe of the
discipline and the need to clean uniform etc. Rolly Clark inspected
me, calling me “mate” and telling me that
brush and comb. I got to watch the drill session as Fred Bateman
put them through their paces. Then there was some pretty
spectacular gym practice for the display. Why did I stay? I guess BB
intrigued me. A bit scary, but it demanded something. Besides,
no-one had ever called me “mate” before. You could just sense
the friendliness, even through the strong discipline. I just went
home and asked Mum to buy me a brush and comb.
I was a bit of slow starter when it came to the activity side of
things, but things like First Aid, Communications (Morse code etc),
and Expeditions all held their attractions.
My BIG hate was cross-country running. We HAD to do it at camp. One cross-country run could wipe out a
whole year’s good experiences. I always came back from camp vowing to leave the Company before the new
session started – I never did though.”
Reaching the age limit in 1973 Neil undertook basic training - in 1975 becoming a Lieutenant and then Company
Captain in 1980. As has been explained Neil took the drill book on honeymoon with him, becoming the 2nd 70th
captain to do such a thing, also, at the 2008 centenary event, Neil admitted that he chose his wedding day October
4
th
- Founders day, so he would never forget his anniversary.
It was in 1982 that I met Neil and we served together for six years until he went to Bible College. During that time
we had a great number of humorous and serious occasions which would take many hours to recount. We also had a
great group of lads who made it a delight to serve even if it did involve most weekends travelling around London
and further afield… I will try and summarise as best I can…
Neil as captain and as an officer had what can best be described as an interesting sense of humour with his bad
puns and one liners and his descriptive wit - when at one camp, where we were visited by some robust GB officers
who were complaining about a nocturnal visit by some of the boys, he described them as “castors” as they
appeared to have no visible means of perambulation!
A tribute to Neil Pheasant
A tribute to Neil PheasantA tribute to Neil Pheasant
A tribute to Neil Pheasant
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