Rebecca shares about her experience below...
'As an almost lifelong member of Girls’ Brigade, it is fair to say that I have had some phenomenal opportunities and experiences both as a member, and more recently as a leader. Girls’ Brigade is such an important part of who I am, and I love working with our wonderful girls, leaders, parents and community around 1st Amesbury Girls’ Brigade group, and our excellent national support team in Derbyshire.
'I represented Girls’ Brigade England and Wales (back in 2018) at the 125 Year celebrations in Dublin (my first time flying without my parents), attended a leadership course at Cliff College, served at the late Queen’s summer garden party at Buckingham Palace, received my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award as a garden party guest, and co-led a Remembrance parade in Amesbury (when our Team Leaders and older girls were representing Amesbury at The Cenotaph Parade in London last year).
'I have organised a sailing day on a 1913 Tall Ship for our older girls, set up group outings to Paultons Park (53 of us went in April 2025 and 40 in 2023), and visited Girls’ Brigade groups in Western Australia (where I ran some weekly sessions all about England & Wales for their badge work). Girls’ Brigade is full of exciting opportunities. I have friends all around the world, who have been made from being a part of this wonderful organisation. My recent adventures might have topped what I have done before, though...
'After a train trip into Paddington, I spent a bit of time in the shops on Oxford Street, had a lovely lunch, and then made my way to Downing Street. I met the other ladies representing the Methodist Church in the security queue and actually knew one of them from the Methodist Church Junior Leaders course that I attended in 2016…. what a small world!
'We got through security together, with no hiccups, and took the obligatory pictures outside number 10 (see attached). Upon entering, we gave in our phones and then climbed the central staircase (of Love Actually fame!) to the reception rooms. There were a couple of dozen representatives from different faiths, including Ukrainians, Catholics, Jews and ourselves. There were lots of labour MPs and support staff too. Two local primary schools had brought in a class each of young people to sing some Easter songs and then do some arts and crafts in another reception room - lucky kids!
'The Prime Minister gave a short speech about Easter, the Pope, Faith and Easter…. then he mingled. The big group of MPs were largely in chatty form, and I had some really lovely conversations about life and GB with three or four different northern MPs. The elderflower squash and nibbles were lovely, and the time flew by.
'At the crack of 4 pm, everyone disappeared to other duties, and we were escorted back out of the building and retraced our footsteps back through security to the real world! After saying our goodbyes, I took the short trip back across London and caught the train home after a very exhausting but exciting day!
'I received plenty of comments on my GB uniform and badges so hopefully GB is a little more forward in many people’s minds after today! It was lovely to represent our wonderful organisation and The Methodist Church.'
If you're a Girls' Brigade member interested in getting involved in similar opportunities, check out how you can become a Young Ambassador for The Girls' Brigade England and Wales here.
