Girls’ Brigade members from the Isle of Wight travelled to London earlier this month (Sunday 5th May) to take part in the official VE Day 80 celebrations, proudly marching past The King and Queen as part of a national youth parade.
The group set off at the crack of dawn on the 06:00 Wightlink car ferry to Portsmouth, followed by a short taxi ride and train to London Victoria. Despite the early start, they arrived ready to face the day’s big occasion.
On arrival in central London, the group was security checked and issued wristbands before assembling with other youth organisations outside the Treasury building near Horse Guards Parade. They joined representatives from the Boys’ Brigade, Scouts, Guides, St John Ambulance Cadets and the London Fire Brigade Cadets.
After a practice march, the youth section was informed they would be led by the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade band from Margate into Parliament Square, with the Isle of Wight contingent marching at the rear. At the end of the ceremony, the youth would take the lead on the return route.
The parade took them down The Mall where they passed The King, The Queen, members of the Royal Family, and gathered veterans near the Queen Victoria Monument. Other Girls’ Brigade groups lined the route, cheering them on.
Following lunch, the group watched the ceremonial fly-past from St James’ Park. The girls were thrilled to catch a glimpse of The King and appeared on national television during the broadcast.
Team Leaders Betty, Vanessa and Hannah have praised the girls for their behaviour and energy, calling them a credit to their groups and to Girls’ Brigade as a whole. The day concluded with a tired but happy return journey on the 19:20 ferry back to the Isle of Wight.
Surely Wightlink let them travel
free of charge for such a special occasion.