LOCAL members of the Girls' Brigade received
the prestigious Queen's Award at a ceremony in Belfast's City
Hall earlier this month. Thirteen girls from 1st Lisburn GB,
Drumbo Presbyterian GB, Magheragall Presbyterian GB, and
Priesthill Methodist GB at the Maze were presented with the
honour at the ceremony on Friday May 11.
The Queen's Award, an internationally
recognised award, is the highest award attainable in GB, and was
presented on the night by Guest of Honour, NI writer and
storyteller, Lynda Neilands.
Belfast's Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Ruth
Patterson attended the ceremony, saying how it gave her great
pleasure to welcome everyone to the City Hall, to recognise the
commitment and dedication of the young people present.
'I am a former member of GB myself," she
said, "It set a firm foundation for my future and I have very
fond memories of all the fun, the jokes and the work for badges
and awards. Your contribution being recognised here tonight
should not be undervalued."
Girls receiving the award all completed two
years of work including community service, service in their own
GB Company and Church, two initiative tests, a written test
paper on Girls' Brigade knowledge and a final interview with
GBNI officials.