On Thursday 8 May, 1st Leyton and 2nd Leyton attended the Westminster Abbey Thanksgiving Service, where King Charles III let the commemoration of the sacrifices made during the Second World War by veterans and their generation. Chloe Twist, Network Executive Member and leader at 1st Whitton, also attended the service. Chloe tells us "I feel honoured to have been able to represent GB at these events ensuring that we continue to remember the past as we look to a future of peace." . Jackie Watson, Team Leader at 1st Leyton, tells us “It was a beautiful service much enjoyed by the girls and leaders and a great opportunity to represent the Girls’ Brigade on this special occasion.” Inaiya, from 2nd Leyton, was lucky enough to hand out flowers to veterans of the Second World War!
That same day, over 120 members, volunteers and family members attended the VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember Concert at Horse Guards Parade. These attendees came from 1st Wallsend, 1st Burnham, 1st Belfairs, 3rd Chelmsford, 1st Orpington, 1st Laindon, 1st Hawkwell, 1st Marnhull, 3rd Hornchurch, 2nd Billericay, 1st Leyton and 1st Kingshurst. Emma Wilkin, Team Leader from 3rd Hornchurch, tells us it "was lovely to send time as a large group getting to know each one and to see first hand the impact of the war."
Girls from 1st Orpington took part in the VE Day Parade down the Mall as a part of the London Massed Bugle Band! They were the only youth band to play, closing the procession after the military bands. Hannah Wolfe, Leader at 1st Orpington, told us "It was a real honour to be asked to take part and playing in front of the King is something
I'm sure the girls will never forget." The group's n:counta and n:gage girls also attended the concert in Horse Guards Parade, where they danced to music and listened to the stories of those who lived through that time.
Several groups celebrated VE Day in their regular weekly meetings. 21st Castleford focused on learning what VE Day means and celebrating with flag waving.
1st Wallsend held an indoor street party, played circle games and pass the parcel, and shared party food and ice cream whilst listening to 1940s music.
2nd Barnsley held a VE Day themed evening for extended families and Church, where they did quizzes, crafts (including poppy making), and finished with refreshments.
1st Chapeltown joined forces with 7th Sheffield Boys’ Brigade in the VE Day Parade organized by their local parish council. They also made banners and badges, decorated their Church community room, and tested their knowledge of VE Day with a quiz.
8th Portsmouth and 2nd Leigh Park members and leaders represented Girls' Brigade in a local VE Day service at Winchester Cathedral. The service was attended by dignitaries and other uniformed youth groups.
On Saturday 10 May, 1st Yorkshire District took a day trip to Beamish to take part in their flag weekend. Flag Days were held during the First World War to raise money for causes including support for soldiers on the front line, prisoners of war and disabled servicemen. After the girls took time to explore the open air museum and joined other uniformed groups for a parade through the town. Ruth Haigh, District Team Leader for 1st Yorkshire, tells us “it was a lovely sunny day and the girls and leaders had a great time.”
Thank you to all groups for making the effort and for letting us know what you have been up to!
