YOUNGSTERS in Billericay have helped to mark the 120th birthday of an organisation that, through Christian teaching, has had a "lasting impact" on the lives of young women.
Although arguably less well known than the Girl Guides, the Girls' Brigade has in fact been in existence for longer.
Earlier this month, festivities took place all over the country to mark the organisation's 120th anniversary.
As part of this, around 100 girls from the 1st Southeast Essex District of the Girls' Brigade gathered at Hannakins Community Centre in Billericay on February 11 to release dozens of balloons.
The release was part of a national balloon race organised by the Girls' Brigade and was attended by companies from Billericay, Hullbridge, Rayleigh and South Woodham Ferrers.
Liz Bulkeley, 2nd Billericay Girls' Brigade Captain, said: "The balloons represent the seeds of God planted in people's lives through the faithfulness of the Girls' Brigade leaders over the past 120 years.
"The girls were very excited and loved releasing the balloons.
"It's fantastic to be part of an organisation that has had lasting impact on girls' lives for 120 years.
"It's a privilege to support and encourage the girls we have in our company."
The 2nd Billericay Girls' Brigade is 45 years old and has more than 60 members from the town and the surrounding area.
Mrs Bulkeley added: "1893 is a year we weren't personally part of, but it is a year that has left a legacy and impacted on each of us.
"The Girls' Brigade is a place to make new friends, play games and experience camping.
"Badgework encourages the girls to develop a wide range of skills and interests from within four areas, spiritual, physical, educational and service."
The Girls' Brigade was founded in Dublin and in 1965 it merged with The Girls' Guildry, founded in Scotland in 1900. Two years later it merged with its English counterpart, also named The Girls' Brigade.
The three groups formed The Girls' Brigade, which set out to offer significant opportunities for girls and young women as well as giving them Christian teaching.
Lis Moody, a teacher from Hillhouse Close, volunteers at the 2nd Billericay Girls' Brigade and remembers her time as a child with the company.
In 1968, Mrs Moody joined the Girls' Brigade aged four and was a member until she was 18.
She explained some of the differences she has seen over the years.
"There was a strict uniform when I was a member," she said.
"The younger girls wore a beret and the older girls wore blazers and gloves.
"There were regulations for the length of the skirt and the condition of our shoes when we had drill.
"Today the girls aren't so smart and just wear sweatshirts.
"But we didn't mind having to dress so smartly and we had great fun.
"I wouldn't have stayed on for so long if I hadn't enjoyed it."
She added: "We played lots of games as well as learning and in those days we were quite happy occupying ourselves with skipping.
"Today the girls need something more exciting to keep them focused – they need more razzmatazz."
Mrs Moody said the Girls' Brigade has had to change with society to keep the girls of today occupied, adding: "The fact it's still so big is a real compliment.
"I had such a great time with my friends in the Girls' Brigade, particularly on camp, and made some great friends who I am still in touch with.
"It's a shame there's no longer a Girls' Brigade band in Billericay but the religious side remains.
"The Christian part of the organisation is still very important and brings out the best in the girls and they learn things that might not be taught in school.
"My daughter was also a member and stayed on until she went to university, helping out with the younger girls as she got older.
"There is currently a waiting list to join the 2nd Billericay Girls' Brigade, testimony to just how popular it still is."
