Gracehill girls celebrate 25 years of GB

There were demonstrations of marching and drill. All sections gave dance presentations and the Juniors displayed some of their sporting skills.

Parents were challenged to show their sporting prowess and to join the Explorers in their cha-cha dance.

Explorers and under fives retold the story of Noah with a wonderful selection of animal costumes (made by one the officers) and the under fives sang a song from Jungle Book and danced, again challenging parents and grandparents to join them.

Company section took part in ‘Stars in their Eyes’.

The Junior Section explained why this was a special celebration and then the Brigaders and Officers presented a wonderful finale, ‘Thrill the World’, performing the 1980’s record-breaking dance to the music of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’. They gave a truly remarkable display.

The Company Chaplain, Rev. Jan Mullin, presented awards.

Captain Heather Steede made personal presentations to thank her leadership team, and they presented her with a silver plate to mark her 25 years’ continuous membership of the Company.

A huge birthday cake, complete with candles, was shared by everyone at supper afterwards.

It was a truly memorable evening for all, Company Captain, Heather Steede told the TIMES how hard the girls worked to make it happen:

“It is always a lot of hard work but fun preparing for a display, but this year it had to be special as it was a celebration year. We started preparing for it early. There was a lot of painting and printing and the sewing machine was working hard to make our costumes”, she said.

OPENED

Gracehill GB first opened its doors on Thursday, September 5,1985 with five officers and 36 girls. It was officially recognised as Gracehill Moravian 330 Company the following November.

One of those first 36 girls has remained with the company throughout the 25 years and is now the Company Captain – Mrs. Heather Steede.

Her predecessors were, Mrs. Caroline Lyttle and the inaugural Captain, Mrs. Kathleen Kitson.

Together with their dedicated team of Officers, they have worked tirelessly with girls ranging from three to 18 years to fulfil the Girls Brigade motto, which is, ‘To Seek, Serve and Follow Christ.’

Describing what happens there each week, Heather continued: “At G.B, our officers and leaders follow a varied programme of fun activities designed to educate, challenge and inspire young girls in a safe environment. We also try and help the girls escape from the pressures of their everyday lives.”

“Some of the activities include cooking/baking, crafts, PE and dance and a 16-week scripture course. Many of these activities are linked to badge work”, she added.

At present, 35 girls go along to Gracehill GB. Two officers, two sub officers and three helpers mentor them with three Brigaders hoping to become sub-officers in September.

Gracehill Moravian Church is proud of its Girls’ Brigade and wishes to thank the officers and helpers of the past 25 years for their commitment and hard work with the Company.

Company Chaplain, Jan Mullin, added: “We hope that dedicated people will continue to offer themselves to serve the church, the Girls’ Brigade and the young people of our neighbourhood, and we hope that girls will continue to be attracted to the fun and challenges of GB so that the Company will go from strength to strength into the next quarter of a century.”