Top award for CLCGB leaders

Thursday October 13th 2022

The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, the Most Rev John McDowell, President of the Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade in Northern Ireland, presenting Jennifer Lockhart, Captain of Dobbin Church Girls’ Brigade and Melvyn Lockhart, Deputy Governor Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade, with the Brigade Cross.

Two members of the Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade (CLCGB) have been presented with the highest award – The Brigade Cross – for exceptional service.

Melvyn Lockhart (Deputy Governor) and Jennifer Lockhart (Captain of Dobbin CGB) accepted the awards from the CLCGB President, the Archbishop John McDowell, in the presence of other Regimental staff.

Melvyn began life as a member of Christ Church, Lisburn, Church Lads’ Brigade (CLB) Company and came up through the ranks, eventually becoming an Officer and then a Training Officer.

In 2014, he was appointed Commanding Officer of the CLCGB NI by the Archbishop of Armagh and served in this position for two four-year terms. This year, Melvyn was one of the nominees who received Maundy Money from His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, at Windsor in recognition of his contribution to the Church and Community.

Jennifer joined St Saviour’s, Dobbin, Church Girls’ Brigade Company at primary school age and went up the ranks, eventually promoted to an Officer and then Captain – a position she has held for many years.

She was a Battalion Commanding Officer from 1985, completing two four-year terms. Until late last year, she also held the post of Communications Officer for the CLCGB NI.