The company, originally formed as 1^st Totton Girls’ Life Brigade at the Congregational Church in Totton High Street, relocated to the United Reformed Church in Bartrum Rd in the 1950’s.

Amalgamating with the Girls’ Guidry of Scotland and the Girls’ Brigade of Ireland in 1964 The Girls’ Life Brigade became the Girls’ Brigade. 1^st Totton company went from strength to strength under the leadership of Mrs Glynis Arnold who encouraged girls and young women from all parts of the local community to get involved and use their talents in an award winning marching band and choir.

The company regularly appeared at both local and national events, being invited to sing and/or play at the Royal Albert Hall, The Royal Tournament, the Dell football ground and the Jersey Opera House as well as taking part in many competitions around the county.

Most Friday evenings and weekends were spent practicing and taking part in local fates, concerts, parades and carnivals, helping to raise money for various charities.

In the early 80’s the company was asked to represent the youth of Totton as part of the twinning between Totton & Eling and Le Loroux Botteroux (later the CC Loire Divatte) in France. This resulted in a number of visits to France, and on one occasion Germany, to play and sing as part of the twinning celebrations.

In 1991 the Company moved to West Totton, when the Untied Reformed Church merged with Totton Methodists and built Trinity Church on the newly developed housing estate at Hazel Farm, where the company still blossoms today.

Anyone who has information, stories and photo’s about any of the above events please visit the 1st Totton Boys and Girls Brigade past and present face book page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/58693379972/