Peter Nash (20 Nov 1928 - 11 Mar 2016)

Peter was/is my grandad and I have fond memories of him, I was a member of two different boys brigade groups partly due to my grandads role in the Croydon group, he lived for the boys brigade and I feel he was very upset when he retired from it, I have all his medals and badges and wear his boys brigade belt to this day with pride,im currently making a framed display of his badges,i was genuinely annoyed when the boys brigade who peter gave 100% commitment too didn't even mention his passing on theyre website, the boys brigade has changed totally from what it was in the 80s and 90s it was a Christian version of the scouts I always thought with camping in the summer and football competitions etc, my favourite part was the marching, drill I think it was called. not living in Croydon as a child I was unable to attend my grandads boys brigade group unfortunately but his passion for it inspired me to join juniors then progress to company section, the uniform was smart in company section and I know my grandad was strict on polished shoes and a smart uniform. my grandad loved cricket and camping in his younger days and I wish I had spent more time with him when he was more able bodied and active as his camping trips I know would of been great fun. Peter Nash, grandad you are missed. love your grandson Dan Walk

Sorry I couldn't be there. But I said my goodbyes as the hearse passed by.

My thoughts are with all the family xx

Peter will always be a BB Captain Of God who share his encouragement & Knowledge with all with the love to everyone..... bringing light to our hearts he has touched R.I.P Peter
With All Our Love Keith & Karina Henry with Love from our children & Woodside Church xxx

I remember Peter as someone of tireless dedication and commitment to the work of the Boys' Brigade. His principles came first, and for that he will always be respected. At the heart of this commitment was a clear Christian conviction, a devotion to duty and a desire to see others discover and share the faith that sustained him.

Love and best wishes to all who mourn his passing. I am truly sorry that unforeseen changes to my circumstances prevent me from being at his funeral service.

In 1967, my brother Phil & I started to attend Sunday School at New Addington Baptist Church. It was our first encounter with a man who became a major influence in our lives for the next 15 years, Captain Nash. I couldn’t call him Peter until my 20’s, he was always Captain Nash. He took bible class for our age group (I was 7 and my brother was 5) and within weeks he persuaded me to join the junior Boys Brigade, the 17th Croydon, but my brother was too young. At the age of 11, I transferred to the senior section which he presided over throughout my teenage years and into my 20s.
He was a principled man who is inspired generations of 11-18 year olds in New Addington which in the 1970s wasn’t the easiest place to live in. When old members met at various anniversaries of the 17th, countless boys of my era and others reminisced and remembered a remarkable man who changed many a boy into fine young men. All of us could recite the weekly BB timetable: Monday band practice, Tuesday PT, Friday parade night which included drill and badge work, Saturday football and on Sunday bible class, which had high attendance, and the highlight of the year was always the annual camp, which in the 1970s was normally at Hastings, Reculver or Walmer.
He will be affectionately remembered by us all.

One of the first acts I can remember doing after becoming the secretary of the Croydon Boys' Brigade Battalion was to write to Peter and Terry Bexley (who also recently passed on) to explain why there had been a mess up over Jack Petchey award applications. As was typical of both gentlemen, they generously accepted my proffered explanation and were stalwart supporters of the activities of the battalion as it sought to bring the boys of the Croydon Battlalion together in a Christian spirit.

Peter was the very model of a Boys' Brigade officer, always mindful of the aim of the movement, always a fine example, always putting the boys first and setting standards that he expected others to follow.

Joined the Boys Brigade when I was in junior school , Peter had such an effect on my life a true man of God , you will be missed by so many . My thoughts go out to Esther and family.

I joined the boys brigade in 1984 and loved it,Peter was the man who taught me how to do a perfect drumroll,never forgotten it to this day,also the gymnastics and how to march correctly.a lovely man,I wish I could attend your funeral but sadly I can't,rest in peace Peter I enjoyed my time at boys brigade,you were brilliant.

R.I.P Peter you will be sadly missed

Well what can I say about Mr Nash other than what a wonderful, kind considerate man he was I often spoke to him we'd chat about boys brigade as my son went for a short time we'd put the world to rights too your be missed greatly by many I'm sure rest in peace Mr Nash God bless love from all of us xxx

I shall miss our chats peter that we had. A very respectful man and you never forgot to ask about how mark is. Such a loss. But God had something better in mind for you. God bless.

I first met Peter when I joined the Boys Brigade in about 1966 or 1967. Went through the junior section into the seniors I was very nervous as a child Peter helped me get over this. I remember the summer camps we had, We would never be allowed to do them now. 30 or so boys in the back of a removal van on top of the camping equipment flying down the motorway with the shutter up. Camps were such fun with Peter. And there was the Famous FIRE BUCKET which was an old fashion tin bath full of ice cold water which I always ended up in. Peter always tipped me off when they were going to get me but it did not help. The only time I received a disapproving look from Peter was when I invented porridge sandwiches. Peter has gone to a far better place but I am sure he will always be keeping an eye on HIS boys (as we all are) RIP Peter you will be missed If you knew Peter you did love him.