Girls’ brigade split in Prestwick church row
Mass walk- out blow
The leader, her officers and three parents from a girls’ brigade unit, have dramatically quit.
It follows a schism with Prestwick North Church.
Minister David Clarkson is trying to rally the congregation into saving the Monkton and Prestwick Girls’ Brigade.
Captain Sue Christie left last week, taking three parent helpers with her.
Two weeks earlier, her two officers had also bailed out.
The row centres on claims of alleged verbal abuse towards the girls.
Sue is said to have reported the allegations to the Girls’ Brigade’s headquarters and to the Rev Clarkson and his Kirk Session.
It is understood Sue, who started the group seven years ago, felt her worries were not being taken seriously.
She said: “I don’t want to say anything about this, it is too upsetting. We have all resigned and that’s that.”
Sources say Sue has also quit the church, where she has been a member of the congregation for 38 years.
It is understood most of the girls will now join brownies and guides.
In a statement, Sue said: “It is with deep regret and much sadness that I have to inform you that all my officers and myself have made the painful decision to resign due to lack of support from certain individuals within the North Church.
“We had built this up to one of the largest Companies in South Ayrshire with 34 girls.
“I would like to thank all the parents, helpers, and officers since 2010 for their kind support and wish all the girls all the best for the future.”
Caroline Goodfellow from Girls’ Brigade Scotland and Rev Clarkson issued a joint statement, saying: “The leadership of the Girls’ Brigade Company was already under review when Sue Christie tendered her resignation last week. Both the Church and Girls’ Brigade Scotland have thorough procedures to investigate serious allegations, but no formal complaint has been received. We will use the Easter break to complete our review.”