Nichola Allen, a member of Ballinamallard Methodist Girls’ Brigade, was recently presented with the Queen’s Award – the highest award attainable in Girls’ Brigade.

The Queen’s Award is an optional award which takes two years to complete and involves six different elements, each designed to stretch and challenge while also developing faith, leadership, personal responsibility and service.

To achieve the challenging award, Nichola had to complete company and community service, two initiative tests, a project assignment, a study paper as well as be involved in church and pass a final interview.

Along with the Queen’s Award, Nichola successfully passed her Sub-Officer training course.

A Sub-Officer is a young leader of at least 16 years of age, appointed by the church and trained by Girls’ Brigade.

She is responsible to the Captain and her role is to provide practical help with the younger girls in the company and to act as a link between girls and Officers.

During her Sub-Officer training course, Nichola worked alongside the leaders in the Explorer section [the youngest section of the Girls’ Brigade company, for girls aged three years to P4], providing practical help, leading craft, baking and taking a scripture lesson.

Due to lockdown, Nichola had to complete her training online, but she still managed to deliver a full programme through video format, which the Explorers enjoyed.

Nichola also achieved her Brigader Brooch. This is the highest compulsory badge that all Brigaders [the eldest section of the Girls’ Brigade company] work towards. It takes four years to achieve the Brigader Brooch; therefore, commitment and effort is required.

As per tradition, the awards were presented to Nichola by her mother, Linda Allen, an Officer with Ballinamallard Methodist Girls’ Brigade for many years.

On behalf of Ballinamallard Methodist Girls’ Brigade, Captain Lee McDaid congratulated Nichola on all of her achievements, commenting that she was a “a real asset” to the company.

She continued by wishing her “God’s guidance and protection” as she starts her new life chapter at university.

Ballinamallard Methodist Girls’ Brigade have started planning for a safe return this autumn and new members are always welcome.

The company meets Thursdays in Ballinamallard Methodist Church Hall from 6.30pm onwards across three groups: Explorers (three years – P4), Juniors (P5 – P7), Seniors and Brigaders (Years 8 – 14).

Due to ongoing Covid-19 guidelines, the earliest start would be in October, subject to change, with meetings usually running until Easter.

If you have a daughter(s) interested in joining, or know of others who would, contact the company via email ballinamallard@gbni.co.uk.