Ballyarnett ‘Girls’ to celebrate their Golden Jubilee

The current Captain, Mabel Dinsmore, has launched an appeal for memorabilia for an anniversary display spanning the 50 years since the formation of the company, and is hoping there will be a large turnout of former members of the company at the reunion planned for November 19 at the White Horse Hotel and at the church service planned for the following day at Ballyarnett Presbyterian Church.

A life-long member of Ballyarnett GB, Mrs Dinsmore said the company was formed in 1962, and she had enjoyed her years of association.

“Now as a Captain I loved being there and seeing the girls grow up and grow into themselves. I like to think that I am giving something back. In my younger day the Girls Brigade was the only thing to do, and through it you met up with your friends and you did all the different activities,” Captain Dinsmore said.

In addition to social activities, the girls did badges and while uniforms and activities and music have changed over the years, the basic structure has remained the same.

The ‘Vision’ of the GB is to re recognised as “a dynamic, relevant, Christ-centered organisation effectively reaching out to all girls to value, nurture and equip them for life” and the motto is ‘Seek, Serve and Follow Christ’.

Captain Dinsmore also appealed for those interested in attending the soiree on November 19 to get in touch as soon as possible so that the hotel could draw up the catering plan. The number to call to register interest and to offer photographs, certificates and uniforms is 07759107817.

Those who have already confirmed their interest are the past captains Vera Colhoun (1962-1963; Ann Thompson (1963-1967); Mavis Brown (1967-1972); Ruby Thompson (1972-1975); Lily Gilliland (1975-1992) and Captain Dinsmore.