Girls’ Brigade chair Tracey committed to the future of organisation

12 February 2025

A KILLYLEAGH woman, who is the chairperson of the Girls’ Brigade in Northern Ireland, has been reflecting on the importance of the organisation.

Tracey Davies is also the captain of Killyleagh Girls’ Brigade, which celebrated its 70th anniversary recently.

Tracey, who works as a curriculum manager at South Eastern Regional College and lives in Killyleagh with her husband Tony, has been the chairperson of the GB in Northern Ireland since 2021.

She has worked her way up the ranks, previously holding positions as a sub-officer, officer, captain and district commissioner before taking up her current province-wide role.

Being a part of the Girls’ Brigade runs through the family’s veins as Tracey’s mother, Heather, was involved with the organisation, as is her daughter Bethan, who is currently a sub-officer at Killyleagh GB.

“I started at Girls’ Brigade as a precocious two year-old. My big sister, Pamela, went and I wanted to go too,” Tracey explained.

Discussing what attracted her to the organisation, Tracey said it “allows you to find your place within it.

It empowers young women to be the leaders of the future”.

So, has the Girls’ Brigade changed over the years since she joined as a girl?

“There are certain traditional aspects like marching in the church parade and reading Bible stories which remain, but a lot of the activities are driven by the girls,” said Tracey.

“There’s something for everyone, from dodgeball and arts and crafts to the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

“One of my favourite events is the Teddy Bears’ Picnic for five to eight year olds; it’s lovely.

“For the older girls, GB is a way for them to catch up with friends who they don’t see as often anymore due to being at different secondary schools.”

No job is too small for Tracey, who enjoys tasks such as directing parking at major GB events.

“I love a high-vis vest. We have a small staff team so we all have to muddle in.

“Many don’t see a lot of the background planning by staff and parents, but a lot goes into running the organisation.”

While Killyleagh GB is a small rural group, it is part of a much bigger GB community.

“Killyleagh GB is part of a district which stretches from Kilkeel to Comber and there are around 28,000 girls involved in GB all over Northern Ireland.

“We are also part of what is called the European Fellowship along with England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland,” Tracey explained.

In her role as GB chairperson in Northern Ireland, Tracey has witnessed some historic moments, including being invited to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla at Hillsborough Castle in the wake of the death of Queen Elizabeth.

“Camilla recognised the GB uniform, which is the same uniform that’s used around the world.

“She was very gracious and knowledgeable about the organisation,” Tracey said.

Tracey will also be one of nine delegates from Northern Ireland along with her daughter Bethan who will be taking part in the GB World Conference in the Cook Islands in the South Pacific in March next year.

Discussing the aims of the conference, which takes place every four years, Tracey said: “We realise in Northern Ireland that we are much more privileged than other countries.

“The Girls’ Brigade has an ethos for promoting development. We work with others around the world to discuss ways to support and advocate each other.”

To help raise travel funds for this event, Bethan will hold an afternoon tea event at Killyleagh Castle later this year.

Now in its 70th year, Tracey hopes Killyleagh GB will continue to go from strength to strength in the years to come.

“Our team is very committed. Our hope is to continue into the future and support the female leaders of tomorrow,” she said.

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