All aboard for Girls’ Brigade sleepover 

Girls’ Brigade members enjoyed a sleepover with a difference – spending the night on a Wightlink ferry

Ten members from the Isle of Wight District were invited to spend a night of adventure on the Wightlink flagship car ferry Victoria - a first for both Wightlink and for Girls’ Brigade.

Members from the 1st Newport and 3rd Ryde groups, plus leaders, boarded the 20.20 sailing from Fishbourne on Wednesday 29 May 2024 and disembarked at 08.05am the next day. 1st Newport is based at Castlehold Baptist Church and 3rd Ryde at Ryde Baptist Church.

Throughout the night they visited the engine room, Captain Sam’s Bridge, the car deck, the café area, and learnt how to operate the sprinkler system.

They had sole use of deck 5, which was sealed off to all other passengers, for playing games and eating snacks but not a lot of sleep was had.

Isle of Wight District Team Leader Betty McComb was one of the adults to accompany the girls. She said, ‘Wow – what an experience it was for a sleepover in a very unique place.

‘The girls had a great time, and everyone was so helpful and kind.

'Everyone had ample opportunity to drive the ferry and sit in the Captain's chair on numerous occasions - both in the dark and in the early morning.

'Many thanks to Karen Woods and Wightlink for allowing us this unique opportunity.’

Betty is a deacon at Ryde Baptist Church, and her minister Kerry Birch highlighted how she has long been committed to supporting children and young people. 

'Betty is not only the well-loved and respected senior Girls’ Brigade leader on the island but now well into retirement,' he said. 'She has been engaged with Girls’ Brigade locally, nationally and internationally all her life, and currently serves as International Treasurer for Girls’ Brigade, which takes her all over the world. 

'She has influenced youth work and youth leaders across the island, is our safeguarding trustee and our go to when we need a risk assessment undertaken. 

'At Ryde Baptist Church we celebrate Betty, for her care and creativity among children and young people. This became really important during the Covid lockdown when she went overboard in keeping the young people and their families engaged in lots of creative ways.'

Girls’ Brigade helps girls and women explore and engage with real life and Christian faith in fun, informative and hopeful ways through community groups, leadership training, retreats, and conferences, both onsite and online.

With more than 6,000 members and 2,300 volunteers, Girls' Brigade provides leadership opportunities, skill development, mentorship and spiritual growth for all girls aged 4+.
 

To learn more about Girls’ Brigade and their work in communities around England and Wales, visit girlsbrigadeministries.org.uk