Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade mark anniversary with exhibition
The Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade has mounted an exhibition in Armagh County Museum to mark 125 years since being founded on St Martin’s Day, 11 November 1891. The exhibition will run from now, through March and April, with a possible extension until mid–June. It should appeal to all those ex members who remember the square bashing, marching in bands, going to camps, taking part in sporting competitions and receiving badges on display night. It should also appeal to those who are interested in the history of youth organisations.
The exhibition, of course, focuses on the history of the Brigade in Ireland from its earliest days in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Drogheda, Belfast, Derry, Ballymena, Portrush and Lisburn, right up to the present time. As the display is in the City of Armagh, a small part of the exhibition deals with Armagh Companies. There are many photographs on display, some from the 1890s. They have been professionally mounted on photographic board, along with much interesting information telling of the Brigade’s development.
Also on display are many items of memorabilia including attendance medals, sporting medals, commemorative medals, cap badges, lapel badges, proficiency badges, band instruments, a CLB sword, drill manuals, company colours, old trophies and a selection of uniforms. It is well worth a visit and the admission is free. The Museum is to be found in the Mall East and is open daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. It closes for lunch on Saturdays.
Down and Dromore has Brigades in Seagoe, St Elizabeth’s, Dundonald and Killinchy.