Fun, faith and fellowship

Dragon boat racing in Oldham


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Published: 02 October 2009

The Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade (CLCGB) is the uniformed youth organisation of the Church of England. It encourages young people and children to explore their spirituality and respond to the Christian faith. Its members enjoy 'fun, faith and fellowship, and through the Brigade are better equipped to cope with the demands that society places upon them'.

The CLCGB’s largest concentration in England is in Manchester Diocese. The Manchester Regiment is subdivided into the battalions of South, Central, North East, Oldham, Rochdale, Bolton, and Tameside. Battalions are further divided into parish companies, of which there are 33, serving over 900 young members ranging from the age of 4 to 18, supported by 30 young leaders and 65 commissioned adult leaders (all volunteers).

There is plenty of scope for growth in the diocese, and to encourage more churches to take a fresh look at the Brigade as a way of providing a valuable community service and encouraging youngsters to regularly attend church services, the organisation has appointed Audrey Simm as Regional Training and Development Officer for the North West.

Activities and camps

Members of the CLCGB enjoy all kinds of activities as they meet in their community week by week. They take part in church parades and the Whit Walks, and are encouraged to play in the band or sing in the choir. They enjoy sporting events, including the Great Manchester Run, and can train in teams for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Last June the Oldham Battalion took to the water to challenge 15 other teams from a variety of organizations in Oldham to Dragon Boat Racing. Each heat pitted two teams of 10 plus a drummer against another team. The combined age of the team had to be less than 165 years so there was always a mix of ages in the boat. The Brigade won all three heats but weren’t quite quick enough to make it to the semi finals. They’ll be back next year!

A highlight of the year is the annual regimental camp at the Dounans Centre at Aberfoyle in Scotland.

View from the churches

Revd John Faraday acknowledges the CLCGB in Gorton. He said, “I am delighted that Saint James' has an active CLCGB Company. At a time when many churches are pulling out of youth work our CLCGB is demonstrating what is possible. Their activities include a band, which draws the attention of many people in our own locality and beyond. Because of their work, many younger people are introduced to the life of the Church and are able to consider the deeper things of life in a caring atmosphere. The leaders faithfully and generously give of their time and effort.”

For more information, contact Audrey Simm on 07950 676860.


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