YOUTH group members from across Teesside are invited to Hartlepool to celebrate the 120th anniversary of Girls’ Brigade International.
The organisation reaches the milestone age this year and Brigades across the country will be holding events and parades to mark the occasion.
Last year the 1st Hartlepool Girls’ Brigade held a parade and church service to celebrate its own 90th anniversary – and this year members have decided to hold a similar event to mark Girls’ Brigade International’s birthday.
Girls’ Brigades from Billingham, Darlington and Stockton will all be making the trip to Hartlepool for a parade on the Headland before a service in St Hilda’s Church.
And similar to last year’s event, which was hailed as a huge success, 1st Hartlepool Girls’ Brigade captain, Ana Bates, is hoping members from years gone by will join current members in marking the occasion.
Ana, 64, a mum-of-three who has been involved with the brigade for more than 50 years, said: “There will be things going on all over the country to celebrate 120 years of Girls’ Brigade International and this is what we decided to do.
“Girls from Brigades all over Teesside are joining us so it should be a fantastic event.
“Last year was absolutely brilliant and it was such a delight to see all of the faces from years gone by, it would be lovely if past members joined us again for this event.”
An array of archive material including dozens of old photographs will be on display at the event, which is taking place on Sunday, May 12.
The parade will get underway on the Headland at around 1.45pm before the service starts at 2pm.
“Girls’ Brigade began in Ireland in 1893,” explained Ana, a retired cleaner and office worker who lives on the Headland with husband, Barry, 64, a retired brewery worker who also served in the army.
“We now have companies all over the world, in Asia, Australia, Africa and even the Falklands.
“It will be fantastic to play our part in the celebrations and it’s another chance for former members to have a chat about the ‘old days’.”
The Girls’ Brigade meets at the Borough Hall every Monday night from 6pm-8.30pm.
The youth group is aimed at youngsters aged from five to 18 years old.
For more information about the anniversary celebrations or the brigade call Ana on 07722 154809.
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