Weston-super-Mare Girls' Brigade celebrate joining Bristol District

A celebration service to mark two North Somerset Girls' Brigade companies joining the Bristol District was held at Clarence Park Baptist Church on Sunday.

The Weston-super-Mare District of the Girls' Brigade closed at the end of 2012 and its  two remaining companies, 1st Weston-super-Mare and 1st Nailsea, joined the Bristol District from January 1, 2013.  

The service was attended by current officers, helpers and girls from both companies, national and regional representatives, past officers and leaders from the district and the Mayor and Mayoress of Weston-super-Mare, councillor David Hitchins and his wife Carol.

The service was led by outgoing district chaplain, the Rev Mandy Briggs of Nailsea Methodist Church with assistance from Clarence Park Baptist Church minister, the Rev Steve Christian.

During the service outgoing district commissioner Mandi Hawkins reminded everyone of the many events and activities that had been attended during the past 36 years the Weston-super-Mare District had been in existence.

On show was a historical pictorial record including photos of the Queen Mother's 100th birthday celebrations, a regional parade at Exeter, Millennium parade at Bath and the National Rally at the Royal Albert Hall.

National and regional representative Lynne Rogers who travelled especially from Plymouth for the service talked about some of the changes that had taken place and the celebrations being held this year to celebrate 120 years of Girls' Brigade in England and Wales.

A formal laying down of the District Colour  - its flag standard - also took place.

The service heralded new beginnings and thanksgiving for the past and ended with the companies parading out of church behind their new district colour.

Following the service a tea was held where everyone had plenty of time to chat and reminisce about the years they have spent in GB also to meet representatives of the Bristol District.