Wow what a day. We, 1st Newport and 3rd Ryde, were incredibly privileged to be invited to represent The Girls' Brigade in London in the VE80 Procession, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Despite having to get up at the crack of dawn to catch the 6am Car ferry to Portsmouth, a quick taxi ride to the station and a train to London Victoria; we arrived ready to face the challenge.
We were greeted, security checked and wristbands fitted. We met up with the other youth groups at the Treasury building alongside Horse Guards Parade. We were quickly assembled ready for a practice march. The youth section of the procession was to be led by the Boys Brigade & Girls Brigade band from Margate and we were at the back.
In the youth section, along with us were members of the Boys’ Brigade, Scouts, Guides, St John's Ambulance cadets, London Fire Brigade cadets and other youth groups.
During the practice march we learnt that the band would lead us to the ceremony in Parliament Square and we would lead back after an about turn at the end of the ceremony. We hoped we could remember the way!
Following a quick break we reformed to join the procession down The Mall and to march past the King and Queen, other members of the Royal Family and the veterans that were gathered in the VIP box by the Queen Victoria Monument. It was great to be cheered on by members of other Girls’ Brigade groups along the way.
After a quick lunch break, we went into St James’ Park to watch the fly-past.
The girls were very excited to be seeing the King close up and to being on TV. Betty, Vanessa and Hannah (Team Leaders) thought they were all fantastic, a credit to their groups and to Girls’ Brigade in general. Their behaviour was impeccable throughout the day and it was a very tired group of youngsters that boarded the 19:20 ferry back to the Isle of Wight. We pray that the memories made yesterday will remain with them and the enthusiasm they showed yesterday can be bottled up and shared with the younger girls. Our grateful thanks to The Girls’ Brigade for offering the opportunity and making it possible.
We would also like to express our thanks to Wightlink who kindly gave us free travel on the Wightlink Victoria car ferry.
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