Published each March, June, September and December
National president Della Salway
National chair Jean Kelly
The Trefoil magazine team
Lydia Clarke, Marie Burgess, Jean Kelly, Sheila Leete, Sheran Oke, Elaine Diack, Jean Lawrowitsch
The Trefoil is issued subject to the following conditions, namely that it shall not be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of in mutilated cover or in any unauthorised cover by way of trade or affixed to or as part of any publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever.
The Trefoil Guild takes no responsibility for statements made in any advertisements or from any matter arising whatsoever. Readers should be aware that The Trefoil is not in a position to investigate goods or services advertised in
inserts included in the magazine, and the inclusion of the inserts is not to be taken as an indication that the goods or services concerned have been investigated or approved. Responsibility for the failure of any advertiser to fulfil his or her obligations to customers gained from an advertisement or insert in The Trefoil cannot, and will not, be accepted by the Trefoil Guild or The Trefoil
If you would like to advertise in The Trefoil, please write to Trefoil Guild, Advertisements, at the postal or email addresses above.
Design and Production
Newhall Publishing Ltd, New Hall Lane, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 4BQ
Tel: 0151 668 0493
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Managing Director Richard Woolliams
Editorial Director Fergus McShane
Managing Editor Gill Hook
Art Editor Owen Moran
Picture Editor Tracey Pocock
Print Buxton Press Ltd
Hello everyone
I can’t believe that I have already been in post for 5 months. How time has flown. I have spent time getting to know our staff, who work so hard on our behalf, and now have a better understanding of what they do for all of us. I’ve been meeting Girlguiding friends at their offices in London and discussing with our trustees the way forward. In 2024, I have also been fortunate enough to be able to attend the Anglia, North East England and LaSER annual meetings and, of course, our national meeting in Portsmouth, which has let me meet so many amazing Trefoil members.
I am really looking forward to 2025. Trefoil has so many opportunities for all of us. For those who like the outdoors, we have the Trefoil Walk in Ilam, Derbyshire in September, international opportunities with TRIO and TOPAZ and, of course, the Trefoil Annual Meeting in Belfast – a city with so much to offer. I would love to see you there. Our Voyage award has been refreshed, so if you haven’t started your journey yet, please check it out. Our Motivate challenge has really captured your imagination across all things air, land and water. Our advisers are working on a new initiative for 2025, which we hope to bring you in the next magazine, so watch this space!
I love hearing about Trefoil in this magazine, on the Trefoil website and on our social media but we all know how great and wonderful our organisation is. My challenge to you is to also tell our friends in Girlguiding and your wider community about us – they won’t know what they are missing unless we tell them.
My best wishes for 2025!
Jean Kelly National chair
Welcome to your new roles
We meet 2 members who have taken on important roles and find out a little more about them
Sally Hollingham, national international adviser
I live in Didcot, South Oxfordshire, with my husband, and between us we have 7 children, 8 grandchildren and a great-grandchild due. I must say it is much easier to run a large-scale Guiding event than to organise our family get-togethers!
On a dark November evening, as I was dropping my twin daughters at Guides, I was asked to stay because they were short for their adult-to-girl ratio. 25 years later, I am still here! I have just finished a 2nd 5-year stint as district commissioner, and as county international adviser.
Along with my husband, I joined Ridgeway Trefoil Guild 24 years ago. After completing 5 years as secretary for my Trefoil, I stepped straight into Anglia region secretary and international adviser roles. I was lucky enough to be asked to go on the TOPAZ Sri Lanka 2024 trip, where I had an amazing experience (see p26).
As international adviser, I would like to bring international opportunities to everyone. I feel that to get to know a country, the people or their customs,
you don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds to travel there. I am sure with the help of country, region and county international advisers, we can bring the experience closer to home.
Karen Batten, chair of Trefoil Guild Anglia
I have ‘Geordie’ roots – born in Blyth in the North East – and eventually settled in Buckinghamshire with my very supportive husband and family. Although I was a Brownie many years ago, and a unit helper in Guides, I do not have a background in Girlguiding, as there was no unit in my area when I was ready to move up. I joined Trefoil when I was taken along to a meeting by Jean Kelly and haven’t left since.
I was Anglia region secretary for 5 years, which included the difficult pandemic, and I am currently the Buckinghamshire county chair. During my time in Trefoil Guild, I have really enjoyed getting out and about and meeting members, joining in activities
and generally having fun – and eating lots of cake! I am excited to continue this journey and work with familiar faces whilst welcoming new ones, encouraging members to join the Trefoil family while striving to uphold our values and commitment to our promise. Following on from the outgoing chair, Evelyn Walker, is no small task, but I am dedicated to fulfilling my role with the same warmth and friendship I have received from Ev and members in and around the Anglia region.
I look forward to being invited to meetings and events around the region and continuing the fun and friendship that Trefoil is known for, inspiring new members to join us and motivating current members to take on new roles within the Trefoil family.
Noticeboard
Bulletins and information for all our members
It’s never too late!
Have you taken up the Motivate challenge yet? Motivate is a personal challenge to enable you to step outside your comfort zone. You can complete a challenge alone, or with other Trefoil members. Now is the time to find out what you are truly capable of achieving, all the time following our four key messages: find friendship, give support, get involved and get active.
Choose 2 activities from each of the 3 Motivate areas – air, land, water – to complete your challenge. Already many of you have posted some wonderful photos and descriptions
of your personal challenges on Facebook. Don’t forget, you can always submit a snapshot to the office. You never know, you might see your name in The Trefoil!
Did you know that there is a Motivate at home section specifically for our members who may be housebound or less able. This can be found on the Motivate tab of the the Trefoil Guild website. Motivate badges are available through your country or region team. Your county team will be able to help you. Any other queries? Check out the Motivate questions and answers section of the Trefoil Guild website.
New Voyage award record book
The Voyage award record book has been refreshed. It’s bigger and better than before. Each level of the Voyage award costs just £7. When you sign up for your bronze award you will receive your record book in the post – don’t worry if you’ve already started your Voyage, just continue with the record book you already have.
Who to contact
Need your Voyage award book signed off? Have a question or a query? Do you know who to contact? The country and region pages on our Trefoil Guild website have the email addresses for the people you need including your county, country or region chairs and Voyage award coordinator. Not sure who you want? Just select the ‘email us’
Calling all members…
Are you a Trefoil that’s doing things differently, got a story to tell, or are you demonstrating how inclusive and diverse Trefoil is? If so, we would love to hear from you. Any member can submit
blue button and someone is sure to point you in the right direction. If you don’t want to use the website simply contact your county chair for advice. Counties, countries and regions – are your areas of the Trefoil Guild website up to date? Our website is public, so remember to just use generic email addresses rather than personal ones.
photographs or articles for inclusion in
The Trefoil, or for our website, and the process couldn’t be easier. Use the pro forma, which can be downloaded from the website, and email it to the office at
Submissions to The Trefoil and website
trefoilguild@girlguiding. org.uk
Remember that photos need to be good quality – camera or phone photographs usually work well. We can never guarantee publication, but you never know until you try!
We welcome all submitted items using the appropriate pro forma, which can be downloaded from the website. Please state whether you’re happy for items to be considered for the website if there is too little space in The Trefoil. Submissions date for the March 2025 issue is 20 December 2024.
Your snapshots
We take a look at what Trefoil members have been up to
Animal antics
We visited Mayfield Alpacas Farm and Animal Sanctuary and enjoyed our time with ponies, pigs, rabbits, ducks, goats and, of course, alpacas, which enjoyed the food we had purchased for them in the coffee shop.
Jo Taylor, Dore Trefoil Guild
Double luck
How lucky we’ve been in Buckinghamshire. For the last 3 years our county has been led by Karen Batten (now to be Anglia chair) supported by Jean Kelly (now national chair). What a fantastic duo! Always full of enthusiasm, encouraging and supportive. Our county gatherings have been filled with fun and laughter. We’ll miss them but we wish them every success in their new roles.
Jane Graham, Gerrards Cross and Denham Trefoil Guild
High note
Hafren Trefoil Guild visited Pauline Owen at the Vyrnwy Nursing Home and joined in with some Guiding songs that Pauline had written and other Guiding songs too.
Good Games
About 40 members from Shropshire enjoyed their summer county event where the theme was the Paris Olympics. Chris Cannon, archivist of the Wenlock Olympian Society, gave a fascinating talk about Dr William Penny Brookes and his part in starting the modern Olympics. We tried a variety of activities based on the Olympics whilst looking at the Motivate challenge, with two members trying out ski walking.
Miranda McCartney, Shropshire East Trefoil Guild
Gwyneth Brown, Hafren Trefoil Guild
Annual review
Guernsey Trefoil members enjoyed the South West England annual review in Jersey.
Jenny Falla, Sarnia Trefoil Guild
Fairground attraction
We visited the Scarborough Fair Collection and Vintage Transport Museum, where members could have a ride on the old carousel and bumper cars and enjoy seeing classic gaming machines and vintage cars and bikes – it took us all back to the 60s.
Chris Bulmer, Priory Trefoil Guild
Eggy bread
Our annual cook out at Snowball Plantation Scout Activity Centre, York, was attended by 12 members. The compulsory eggy bread and toasted marshmallows were consumed, plus, of course, there was a campfire sing along.
Chris Bulmer, Priory Trefoil Guild
Pursuing penguins
Spa Trefoil Guild members enjoyed a brilliant day trip to meet the ‘Waddle of Worcester’ penguins, as one of our landthemed activities for the Motivate badge. Over the course of the day, we tracked down 61 of the penguin sculptures spread throughout the city, enjoyed a walk along the canal and even found time to stop for some well-deserved cake.
Caz Coker, Spa Trefoil Guild
Keep the flame on
Members from across Cornwall enjoyed an Olympic-themed afternoon tea. We played croquet, skittles, hula hoops, table football, archery and more. Everyone had a brilliant time and the weather was good for the afternoon. We are pictured playing with the parachute trying to ‘keep the flame on’, and to finish we had a cream tea and cake.
Lynne Gouldsmith, St Austell Trefoil Guild
Mayoral inauguration
Several members of Wrexham Trefoil Guild were honoured to be invited to attend and celebrate the inauguration of Beryl Blackmore as Mayor of Wrexham Borough Council. Beryl is our guild chair and we were so proud to have this opportunity to show our support. She is a credit to Wrexham and to our guild.
Sue Davies, Wrexham Trefoil Guild
Summer holiday
Members of 19 Scottish Trefoil Guilds travelled to the Cotswolds for an idyllic summer holiday, staying at the 4-star Stratford Manor Hotel.
On the way, there was a fun stop over at the seaside town of Morecambe and the obligatory photo with the statue of comedian Eric Morecambe, which looked great draped with a Trefoil scarf.
During their holiday, some members enjoyed a morning punt on the River Cherwell, while waiting for the group bus tour in the afternoon. In the evening, they enjoyed a night of culture at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratfordupon-Avon.
Patrice Graham, Ayr and District Trefoil Guild
Flower power
We entered the Community Group section of the Shrewsbury Flower Show, where the theme was unusual containers. Ours were jeans, boots and music cones. Members helped construct it, using traditional Guiding skills of lashing, knots and gadget building. They also produced the flowers and handicrafts and we were awarded a 1st. Our entry was based on a Guide song ‘We’re Altogether Again’ – the three pairs of legs sitting on a bench referencing being together after Covid. Gold and red along with the blue of Girlguiding were used throughout.
Miranda McCartney, Shropshire East Trefoil Guild
Tour of Parliament
Jean Kelly, our new national chair, joined 15 Trefoil members and 1 grandson on a tour of Parliament. We were met by a guide in Westminster Hall, who told us the history of the buildings. We then went into St Stephen’s Hall, where brass studs on the floor marked the original Speaker’s Chair. New artwork and old bars on windows paid homage to the struggle for women’s suffrage. The Lobby featured mosaics representing the 4 parts of the UK represented by MPs. As Parliament was still sitting, we had the unexpected bonus of being able to go into the public galleries to see the Members of the Houses of Lords and Commons debating, including Rachel Reeves. And, yes, we had drinks in the café and perused the items in the shop.
Margery Nash, East Grinstead Trefoil Guild
Fun and friendship
Members of Cambridgeshire West Trefoil Guilds got together for a weekend of fun and friendship. We cooked many puddings, either in billies or on campfires. We made gadgets and woggles using our knotting skills; we whittled wood; we kayaked and boat tripped, and we had a wonderful battle involving wet tea bags and catapults. We presented Janet with a beautiful handmade rabbit, flowers and vouchers. We enjoyed an enormous pot of chili and jacket potatoes and excellent campfire singing. A really lovely time was had by all.
Elaine Hickey, Peterborough Trefoil Guild
Narrowboat trip
Members of Burwell Trefoil Guild and Linton Trefoil Guild enjoyed a trip on a community narrowboat. We sailed the Great Ouse river to Waterbeach for lunch at The Bridge pub before returning to base. Much tea, coffee and cakes were consumed, and some of us tried steering, with huge success. Linda Larner, Burwell and Linton Trefoil Guilds
Harvest evening
During our harvest evening, some members had to try to guess the flavour of the packet of crisps they were holding.
Bridget Elliott, Goldsworth Park Trefoil Guild
If you’d like to see images of your own guild’s activities on the pages of The Trefoil, please email your photographs to trefoilguild@girlguiding.org.uk for consideration.
Investing in impact
Olave Baden-Powell Society is empowering girls and young women all over the world, as Alison Plummer, chair of Trefoil Guild Scotland, discovers
For more than 100 years, the Girl Guide and Girl Scout movement has been providing opportunities for girls and young women to learn and lead. For the past 40 years, the Olave BadenPowell Society has magnified this impact, directly supporting the empowerment of thousands of Girl Guides, Girl Scouts and their leaders around the world.
To celebrate this achievement, the 40:40 Challenge was launched at the Olave BadenPowell Society event last year in Kuala Lumpur. The purpose was to celebrate and highlight the Olave Baden-Powell Society anniversary by growing its membership and increasing the funds raised for WAGGGS in this special year. The Challenge aimed to recruit 40 members, 40 young members, 40 associate members and to encourage 40 members to reach a new giving level.
Benedikte, our Patron for the last 40 years, warmly welcomed us to Copenhagen in August – the place where the first Olave Baden-Powell Society Gathering took place back in June 1986, when we had just 90 members. The opening of the event was in the Great Hall at Christiansborg Palace. During the event, we took part in plenary sessions and WAGGGS activities. We visited the youth island, which was an old military fort, where all the activities are based on the values of the Guide and Scout movements. We went on a canal tour of Copenhagen, showing us some of the traditional sights and lots of stories about the impact women have had on the capital’s history.
Her Royal Highness Princess
There was a gala dinner at Ledreborg Castle, with entertainment and award presentations. It was a truly unforgettable and amazing event with lots of chat and laughter,
giving us a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the impressive achievements and growth of Olave Baden-Powell Society but most importantly it brought us together to strengthen our connections and friendships. It was truly ‘wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen’.
The theme of this year’s event was ‘Guiding the future’ and it celebrated the accomplishments of the past 40 years of the Olave Baden-Powell Society while looking forward to building on those successes. At this event it was announced that the 40:40 Challenge had been met, with 60 new members, 40 new young members, 42 new associate members and 81 members rising to their next giving level. The Olave Baden-Powell Society now has more than 1,840 members from 64 countries.
Olave Baden-Powell Society members invest in the future leadership of girls and young women, who will lead their families, communities, countries and the world. All donations to the Olave BadenPowell Society go directly to WAGGGS, to support its vision and mission. This ensures girls and young women are valued and empowered to create a better world together and achieve their fullest potential as responsible citizens.
I joined the Olave Baden-Powell Society in 2018, and have found it fascinating, fun and very worthwhile.
Next year’s event will be held in October 2025 in Limassol, Cyprus with the theme ‘investing in young women, transforming our world’.
For more information see wagggs. org/en/support-us/ob-ps/about-us/
Enjoy a world view
You don’t have to go abroad to visit a World Centre, says Sue Bowles, South West England international adviser, after members from Hampshire East county visited Pax Lodge
The long-awaited visit to Pax Lodge, for 30 participants from Hampshire East, finally took place from 21-23 February. This had been in the planning for some time, as it was originally organised as our first trip to a World Centre following the pandemic.
We left home in the pouring rain – which continued for the rest of the morning – however it didn’t dampen our spirits at all as we set off in the coach, with our red ‘goodie bags’, for London.
When we arrived, we received a warm hello and quickly settled into our rooms. The Pax Lodge programme leader, Liz Tranter, warmly welcomed us and we then started doing the ‘Pax Challenge’. We learnt about the running and history of Pax Lodge, which included a booklet with questions about Pax Lodge that resulted in a stamp and badge.
That evening, following a take away supper of fish and chips, we prepared to go to see ‘Mrs Doubtfire’ at the Shaftesbury Theatre, which we all
thoroughly enjoyed. Our coach was able to drop us off at the theatre and take us back afterwards.
The following morning, which was Thinking Day, we all gathered around the flagpole for their flag ceremony where we all sang the World song. Then we set off on a very informative guided coach trip with a hired guide, who highlighted locations with connections to Girlguiding history and places of interest in London. We were also able to get into Westminster Abbey to see the memorial to Lord and Lady Baden-Powell. Supper on the second day was a truly international feast with various foods! We ended the trip with a special evening of presentations by the staff and volunteers from various countries working at the centre – from Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria and New Zealand, plus Guiders from Sussex and Buckinghamshire. We then had some games organised by the programme manager and some camp fire songs, which we enjoyed singing with a leader from Canada.
Our final activity was our ‘pinning ceremony’ (each World Centre has their own unique pin that can only be purchased by being at Pax Lodge in person) followed by a renewal of our promise – it was really special.
The next morning, we rejoined the coach for our trip home, and by the time we got back to Hampshire
Pax Lodge – did you know?
Fact number 1: All the World Centres have a unique pin which you can only buy at the World Centre in person. Pax Lodge will present their pin at a special ceremony usually alongside their morning flag ceremony.
Fact number 2: There have been 3 centres in London. Our Ark opened in 1939, Olave House, which opened in 1959, and Pax Lodge, which opened in 1991.
it was raining again! It hadn’t dampened our spirits, and a great time was had by all.
Why not consider visiting a World Centre, and enjoy the uniqueness of being part of a wonderful international organisation? After all, we have one on our doorstep!
Fact number 3: You can get hostel-style accommodation for yourself, friends and family at Pax Lodge, which is located in the north west suburb of Hamstead in London.
Fact number 4: Check out the WAGGGS website to find out about events that Pax Lodge run, or contact them to arrange a programme for your Trefoil when you visit.
Away day in… Belfast
Welcome to Northern Ireland’s capital city with its varied history and attractions, says Karen Cochrane, chair of Trefoil Guild Ulster
Beginning with your arrival at either Belfast City Airport or Belfast Harbour, the choice of attractions on offer will cater for everyone. The city itself is compact and offers both historic sites and, with the river at its heart, a choice of water activities to allow opportunities for even the most adventurous person.
One of the main must-see attractions is the museum
Titanic Belfast, sited in the heart of the city and well within walking distance,
a short taxi ride or guided bus tour. The story of this historic ship is presented in a fascinating way and the centre itself caters for all needs including mobility access. Tours can be pre-booked for this.
There is also has a hop-on bus service, which will give you an overview of the city with sites covering its history. Some of the city buildings are also open to the public and Visit Belfast (visitbelfast.com) can supply any information you
are likely to need before and during your stay.
Most things are situated in the centre, but several attractions just outside the city are definitely worth a visit. Just over 4 miles away is Ulster Folk Museum and Ulster Transport Museum. Parking is free and access is good. These museums are also easily accessed by public transport links. Both these museums tell the story of life from over 100 years ago, and the folk museum is a living museum filled with authentic buildings, rich in tradition.
Breathe in the fresh air and explore the beautiful countryside so close to our capital city. The River Lagan and Belfast Lough also offer the opportunity to take part in beautiful walks and water sports for all. The Let’s Go Hydro Resort and Bryson LaganSports companies cater for the more adventurous among us. The water sports are only 0.7 miles
from the International Convention Centre (ICC) being used for the Annual Meeting.
Don’t miss out on the challenges that await you on this trip to Belfast. If, however, you would like to take things at a more leisurely pace, Belfast caters for you too. The city offers a vast number of restaurants, coffee shops and snack bars. Retail therapy is also catered for, with a number of shopping centres and main high street shops, all in a compact area.
And finally, we have our 2025 meeting venue. The ICC, situated along the river’s edge, offers a great location for our event. The venue can cater for large numbers if needed, and access is good with the central location. Belfast is excited to be hosting this event for the Trefoil Guild. Everyone will receive a special Ulster welcome, and you can be guaranteed a visit you will not forget.
Trefoil Annual Meeting 2025
There is so much to see and do in Belfast, and this is the perfect opportunity to make a trip of it and see what else Northern Ireland has to offer. Greatdays are on hand with holiday opportunities for Trefoil members and provide a hassle-free way to get your accommodation and excursions planned.
Our Annual Meeting is being supported by Visit Belfast. It has lots of suggestions and offers to help you get the most out of your visit, which you can find on our website. These include:
Our next annual meeting is 7 June 2025 in Belfast – order your tickets today! meeting will start at 2pm and includes updates, information, and a fascinating talk from this year’s speaker, Clodagh Dunlop. Trefoil Guild Ulster will be hosting the evening entertainment, which will also be at the ICC. More details can be found on the Trefoil website. We welcome friends, family, and future Trefoil Guild members to join us in the evening.
• The best places to eat and drink
• Exciting things to see and do
• Free experiences like walking tours. The Annual Meeting itself will be held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Belfast. Join us in the morning to browse stalls and meet up with friends old and new. The
For tickets, you can book directly on our website by visiting trefoilguild.co.uk. If you’re booking tickets for someone who is not a member, please use the form on the next page.
If you or anyone in your booking needs a designated wheelchair space in the auditorium, with or without an additional carer seat, please email us when you book with the specific details so a space can be allocated for you: trefoilguild@girlguiding.org.uk
Ticket order form
7 June 2025, International Convention Centre (ICC), Belfast
Your ticket price includes a badge which will be posted with your ticket before the event in 2025.
Return to: Trefoil Guild, 17-19 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PT
Name:
Membership number:
Guild:
Email address:
If there are any health, access, or disability requirements for you or anyone in your booking, provide specific details below. You must tell us if a member in your booking needs a designated wheelchair space in the auditorium, and whether additional carer seats are needed, so that they can be allocated.
Annual Meeting – Saturday 7 June 2025
I would like non-refundable tickets at £10.
Total: £
Evening entertainment –Saturday 7 June 2025
I would like non-refundable tickets at £15.
Total: £
Postage and packaging for tickets
Please add the amounts shown below to your total payable. Packaging will be provided:
Ordering 1-10 tickets in total (day and evening) add £1
Ordering 11-20 tickets in total (day and evening) add £2
Ordering 21 tickets or more in total (day and evening) add £3
Total amount payable (tickets and p&p): £
I have made payment by:
Bank transfer: The Trefoil Guild, account number 20344898 sort code 608301. Please use your membership number followed by AM as a reference when making the payment.
If you have booked travel with Greatdays, please book your Annual Meeting tickets directly through Trefoil Guild.
The 2025 Annual Meeting is being supported by Visit Belfast who would like to follow up with some members afterwards. It is important to note they will not follow up with any promotional material.
Please tick the box if you do not wish us to share the email address on your member account with Visit Belfast.
Cheque: Payable to Trefoil Guild and sent to: Trefoil Guild, 17-19 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PT
If you are ordering tickets for more than 1 person, please attach a full list of all members in the group to your form with the following details:
• membership number
• name
• Trefoil Guild
• email address
Centenary World Camp 2024
Berkshire members enjoyed recreating the first World Camp from 100 years earlier,
says Rosie Healy of Newbury Trefoil Guild
The very first Girl Guide World Camp on 16-23 July 1924, at Foxlease, attracted around 1,100 participants from 40 countries. Olave BadenPowell camped in a tent there, while husband Robert, staying close by with friends, came along to meet delegates and give talks.
Earlier this year, masterminded by county archivist Gill Brunsdon exactly 100 years later, around 40 Trefoil Guild members from all over Berkshire –ranging from mid-40s to over 90 –descended on Girlguiding Berkshire’s Thirtover Place, staying in the house, camping outside, or as day visitors.
Organised into patrols, our first task was decorating pennants and carry bags with patrol emblems. The original Berkshire pennant, contemporary Girl Guide handbooks and Malta delegate, Marjorie Palmer’s logbook from that camp had been retrieved from archives and were eagerly consulted for inspiration!
Patrol leaders checked the duty roster to discover what chores lay ahead. Thankfully, wood and water
had already been sorted and modern sanitary solutions supplied.
Miraculously, the previous unsettled weather abated. Breakfasts, taken outdoors, commenced with porridge simmered overnight in a replica haybox oven followed by bacon and beans cooked over a wood fire. The whiff of woodsmoke prompted much nostalgia and sharing of past camp anecdotes.
Over 2 days, patrols worked their way round a variety of indoor and outdoor bases. Sending semaphore messages using 1920s signalling flags, practising knots, constructing gadgets, lighting
fires without matches, cooking dampers and baking cakes in a cardboard oven. Owls were created from wooden disks cut from a branch while all ages and abilities happily kept fit playing boules, quoits or tossing wellies. The scavenger challenge had folk roaming the site upending rocks in search of armoured insects, acorn cups and other assorted oddments! Everywhere there was an excited buzz, infectious smiles and laughter as folk reminisced over the joys of canvas camps, cleaning sooty dixies and travelling to camp in removal lorries sitting atop canvas tents, wooden poles and burlap screening.
Perhaps the most inspirational (and poignant, if you know the history of Girl Guides) moment was the escape room challenge entitled ‘Where’s Agnes?’. Using archive items from that period, Agnes’ quarters had been recreated in a green canvas ridge tent. Self-led patrols had to solve clues, each leading to a number to unlock the next clue in the trail to discover where Agnes had gone. Brilliant!
Meticulous research ensured healthy meals from that era – shepherd’s pie, cabbage, swede, curried parsnip soup, jelly, pink custard, eggy bread and semolina pudding – so different from today’s spaghetti Bolognese, cereal and yogurt! Nonetheless, every meal was refreshingly delicious and many returned for seconds.
Displays of photographs from the original World Camp plus facsimile
handwritten extracts from Olave Baden-Powell’s diary offered a fascinating glimpse into Guiding life then. A sprinkling of historic facts and background material for each activity made us feel very much part of the original experience. Three of our members paraded contemporary VIP uniforms, complete with leather gauntlets and cockade hats, which reawakened in some those girlhood feelings of terror when the district commissioner visited!
On the final night, after flag down, we all gathered round the campfire to join in singing songs of that era, many still sung today. Everyone was reluctant to leave but perhaps the words of Olave Baden-Powell writing in her diary at that time, said it all –‘perfectly splendid, cheery friendly spirit shown by all… and lovely weather to help’.
Meet a Trefoil
Members of Folkestone Trefoil Guild all contribute to its many activities, says Amanda Duckett
Folkestone Trefoil Guild will be 40 years old in 2026, and knowing our members, we’ll be having a great time celebrating! Our guild has 43 members at the moment ranging from people in their 40s to people in their 80s, and it’s this wide age range that has enabled us to offer lots of different opportunities to try, as we always have enough people to make everything work.
A monthly walking group, ‘The Truffles’, is well supported – it must start and end at a bus stop and we offer to pay the bus fare for anyone unwaged who doesn’t have a free bus pass. We have recently set up a
book club, an idea promoted by one member and organised by her, which has already proved to be a success. Members bring friends along, who have then joined our guild, and we invite individual members of the local Guiding division to join us if we have an interesting talk or activity and then encourage them to stay with us!
One of the issues we have struggled with is to ensure that everyone can access activities. We have members who are working and we have tried changing days and times of outings to offer a rich programme to everyone. We do try and set up our visits and outings well in advance, so
people can take annual leave, or we do a weekend event. However, some members have a 24/7 rota at work, so this can become difficult. Our annual programme is available at the beginning of each year, based on requests and ideas put forward, and we weave county and regional events into the diary. Curling, croquet and bowls have all featured this year. We love hearing about other guild activities and exchange ideas – which is why we had a great evening doing ‘laughing yoga’ (inspired by Ashford Trefoil Guild) and saw the wonderful ‘Sing-A-Long-A Sound of Music’ at our local cinema for our anniversary –thank you KE Links Trefoil Guild. We love joining with another guild to make visits economically viable –a great trip to London to do the Royal Parks walk and one to Dungeness Lifeboat Station – thank you Canterbury Trefoil Guild!
We have a very active committee running the guild plus a trips and visits group, who investigate all suggestions and come up with possibilities. On top of that we have a member who
makes amazing cards and is our official birthday herald. We have members who do special roles each year, like appropriate table decorations for feasts, collating all the Christmas cards.
In fact, it would be very hard to find a member who does not contribute to the running of this guild.
The journey to TOPAZ Sri Lanka
From flowers to games to elephants, Jane Causebrook, Sally Hollingham, Manda Monsell and Liz Purt witnessed world Guiding and Trefoil at its very best
The whole Trefoil Overseas Partnerships: Adventure with Zest (TOPAZ) Sri Lanka journey has been amazing. We were selected ‘TRefoil International Opportunities’ (TRIO) weekend and then met for a planning day. We had regular online meetings talking through fundraising and programme ideas. We had been invited by the Trefoil Guild of Sri Lanka to support the delivery of Guiding to community Guides.
We were met at Colombo airport by the Sri Lankan President of Trefoil.
Our first official engagement was afternoon tea at Girlguiding and Trefoil HQ with so many Trefoil and Girlguiding members.
Guiding in Asia is often part of the school programme. Sri Lanka Guiding, with the help and inspiration of an amazing lady called Priyanthi, has developed community Guiding in the
less privileged areas. She has trained leaders and opened units in the orphanages. We spent 5 days in Galle in the south and 4 days in Jaffna in the north. Our sessions opened with our version of ‘Good evening friend Brownie’. WAGGGS beetle and promise activities were well received. It became obvious that handicrafts were the favourite of the girls. Friendship bracelets, knitting, macrame, crocheting, sewing and decorating bags all came into the programme. First aid was also included. Action songs were a challenge as well as great fun.
The girls all managed ‘Edelweiss’, ‘head, shoulders, knees and toes’ and the room erupted with laughter doing ‘I am alive, alert, awake’. Too soon it was time to close with ‘this little Guiding light’ and the Rainbow story. We headed north towards Jaffna, including a quick visit to the
orphanage in Anuradhapura. Before we left the UK we had been warned to expect the unexpected. This came true. We were expecting 25 girls, but 53 turned up, including enthusiastic 8-year-old boys. With a bit of onthe-spot adaptation of the activities, and a few late nights preparing, we managed. Along with friendship bracelets, the parachute games were the favourites here.
We were invited to several units to take part in their programme, spent a day with a school Guide unit and were guests at an International camp with over 4,000 participants. Priyanthi and Wathsala (the commissioner for community Guiding), accompanied us, acting as translators and great tour guides. Our driver, Dinesh, was with us for all of our 3 weeks and we could not have been in better hands on the slightly chaotic roads.
Our trip wasn’t all work! We swam in the Indian ocean, visited temples, forts and other interesting buildings, ate lots of interesting foods bursting with flavour and colour. We shopped,
went on safari, saw elephants in the wild, travelled on a Sri Lankan train, experienced wonderful hospitality and watched the Perahera (the Festival of the Tooth).
Our programme to Sri Lanka finished with a meal hosted by the Trefoil committee – involving more photos and gifts.
We are all extremely grateful for the help and support we have been given, by so many, to make this amazing experience happen for us. We all agreed we witnessed world Guiding and Trefoil at its very best and can thoroughly recommend anyone, with a sense of adventure, to go on a TRIO weekend.
The heritage of West Glamorgan
Members enjoyed exploring the sights, tastes and history of Wales, says Tigi Higgins of Yeo Vale Trefoil Guild
Yeo Vale Trefoil Guild saw 8 members depart North Somerset and head over the River Severn and into Wales. We were staying at West Glamorgan Guide Centre at Parkmill, Gower. The site was once a Victorian primary school and we were in the old headmaster’s house. It’s really comfortable, sleeps up to 15 and has a large sitting room, dining room, full kitchen, plenty of parking and as well as a grassed area and altar fire. We all especially liked the amazing mural in the dining room.
We arrived on the Friday, set up the bedrooms and then several of us headed outside to explore the immediate surroundings, finding a lovely footpath through the woods just opposite. Our evening meal had a Welsh theme with homemade leek and potato soup, cheese and leek scones and crusty bread. This was
followed with homemade Biscoff cheesecake. Following dinner, one of our members entertained us all with a brilliant Welsh quiz. We learned how many castles there are in Wales, Tom Jones’ real name, and how to say various words in Welsh. Saturday morning dawned with a bit of damp in the air. Following a hearty breakfast of Welsh rarebit, we ventured down the road to the nearby Gower heritage centre. The centre is based around a waterpowered cornmill originally built over 800 years ago by William de Breas, a knight from Normandy. The mill is one of the oldest toll mills in Wales, so called because local farmers were compelled by law to bring their crops there for grinding, and it still grinds flour to this day. Several of us bought flour to bake with.
We saw ducks, golden pheasants,
various other birds, goats, sheep and chickens, as well as weaving and spinning, bara brith making and cider making. Some of our members couldn’t resist trying out the children’s tractors in the sand playground, and we put 2 of these naughty members in the stocks!
The gift shop sold lots of local produce including laverbread, which we bought to try with our breakfast the following day. We decided that our visit would fit the water section of the Motivate challenge, sat down to our packed lunch and planned our afternoon. Most decided to go on a 6-mile walk down to Three Cliffs Bay and meet the less mobile of us at a nearby coffee shop. We also visited the Guide depot back at the Guiding house and bought badges for all to mark our visit.
Dinner was a mix of Welsh and Italian, as we had homemade leek and courgette lasagne and homemade bread pudding for dessert. After dinner, as the sun began
to set, we made good use of the altar fire and burned a Scandinavian log, over which we toasted marshmallows, and our newest member made her Trefoil promise by the light of the campfire.
Sunday dawned sunny, so several of us decided that after lunch we would visit nearby Mumbles before we set off for home. We had a leisurely breakfast of Welsh sausages, laverbread, scrambled egg and toast. Laverbread is derived from seaweed, so this too fit the water clause of Motivate for trying a new food from the sea.
The Mumbles were busy with people making the most of the sunshine, but we managed to park and have a leisurely stroll along the seafront and of course, we had to try the local ice cream, which was delicious.
Achievements
Best foot forward
A ‘bellathon’ and a sponsored walk helped raise funds for the charity Medical Detection Dogs. Members of Gerrards Cross and Denham Trefoil Guild used Girlguiding Buckinghamshire’s extensive collection of handbells and chimes to play the largest orchestra ever led by the county’s bell maestro, raising £700. Meanwhile, Libby Atkison (pictured) walked the 89 miles of Hadrian’s Wall in 9 days, raising a further £1,004. The guild has been able to add to these achievements and will present the charity with a cheque for over £2,000.
Riding high
Members of Kenilworth and Warwick Guild visited Riding for the Disabled Association’s national training centre at Shrewley, Warwickshire. In 2018, Trefoil Guild raised funds for the RDA, and on this visit members saw the Trefoil Guild kitchen and the outdoor arena, both of which had been sponsored by Trefoil funds. They were introduced to two ponies and a mechanical horse – and enjoyed a delicious clotted cream tea.
Walk this way
Members of Chester Grosvenor Trefoil Guild completed a sponsored walk called ‘7 miles 7 locks’, because the course ran for 7 miles along the Shropshire Union Canal towpath, past 7 locks. After a few ‘training walks’, Linda Turner, Sue Pike, Angie Bithell and Helen Hockley completed the walk alongside 200 other walkers, and raised £1,000 for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Chester.
Passion for fashion
When their local Cancer Research UK shop decided to hold a fashion show to raise money for the Bowelbabe Fund, members of Royal Forest of Dean North Trefoil Guild helped by making and selling tickets, then organising the refreshments and a raffle for the event. The guild raised more than £660 for the charity while the shop raised a further £100 from selling clothes. The event was supported by other guilds, Girlguiding Gloucestershire and other members of the local community, raising awareness of the charity’s work, and of Trefoil.
Cream of the crop
There was drama when members of Bude Trefoil Guild were serving cream teas to raise funds for the RNLI, as during the event the lifeboat had a callout to rescue people stuck in a rip tide, so tables had to be moved out of the way very quickly! Despite the interruption, the event raised £229 for the charity, and raised awareness of Trefoil.
All dressed up
Members of Sarnia Trefoil Guild are pictured enjoying themselves at Royal Ascot Ladies Day, FOGGs fundraiser for Girlguiding Guernsey.
Have you received an award, or do you know someone who has? Send the details and a photo to The Trefoil. Contact details on page 2.
Subscriptions in 2025
Here’s our easy-to-follow guide to paying your subscriptions for next year
It won’t be long before we have to think about subscription renewal! To continue your membership in 2025, you must pay subscriptions in 1 of the ways detailed here. We are grateful for guilds who pay early, but remember, new members who join before 22 February must also pay subscriptions, so let’s all make sure we all know how to pay.
To continue your Trefoil Guild membership for 2025, you must pay your subscription fees by the deadline of 22 February 2025. Online payments (option 1) can be made right up until 22 February but any guilds paying by the cheque and form method (option 2) must have both sent before the deadline. Subscription fees are due for all members, including new members who join before 22 February, to ensure that they continue to receive their copies of The Trefoil magazine and all the other Trefoil benefits, like access to our programme materials and events in 2025.
How to pay
Your guild must pick just 1 of the following methods with all members in the guild paying the same way. We would ask that if you are able to pay online as a guild, please use option 1 where possible.
Option 1: Pay online using our secure Trefoil website.
Remember that all members in the guild should pay the same way: either each member logs into their Trefoil website account and pays individually or one member (such as the guild treasurer) collects the subscriptions for all members and then logs into their account and pays for all the members in the guild. Payment is straightforward and stress-free. Simply add the membership(s) to your virtual basket and go through an online checkout where you can pay securely. Your membership will be instantly renewed, and a receipt is emailed to you.
Option 2: If you are unable to pay online, you can still pay by cheque but this must:
be for the whole guild be the full amount for all members who are renewing accompany the 2025 version of the subscription payment form for guilds paying by cheque Incorrectly filled out cheques incur bank charges and generate high administration costs so please take care when writing it out.
Please note that payment should not
2025 Subscriptions payment timeline
November 3 January 22 February May
Guild treasurers received email with a membership list, rates and information.
Payment window opens.
Members pick 1 way to pay: online (as a guild or individually) or by guild cheque and form in post.
be made by bank transfer as this increases the workload of matching payments and making members active.
In November your guild treasurer (or relevant guild contact) received an email which included the following info:
the national rate for the 2025 annual subscription fees which is £18 your country or region and county levy information a list of existing members due to renew and their membership numbers ready for the payment window – remember to add any new members when paying the 2025 version of the subscription payment form for guilds paying by cheque
If in doubt about how your guild is
Payment window closes. All guilds must pay by this time.
Guild treasurers receive follow-up email confirming who has paid. Check this list carefully.
paying subscriptions for 2025, please check with your treasurer or chair. You can update your own contact details by signing into the Trefoil Guild website or you can call the dedicated membership helpline on 0151 668 0493 to update your contact details or obtain your membership number.
Mexican adventure
Once Nuestra Cabaña had reopened, Janet Baird of Harrogate Trefoil Guild couldn’t wait to go and explore all it had to offer
I decided to visit the World Centre Nuestra Cabaña in Mexico after I had heard it had re-opened. My mission was to inspire other Trefoil Guild members to visit it.
I stayed for a week in July and I enjoyed activities including visiting art galleries and museums in the city of Cuernavaca, where Nuestra Cabaña is based, serving breakfast at a local project for people in need, meeting Rainbows, Brownies and Guides who meet at Nuestra Cabaña on a Saturday morning
and visiting an after-school centre called Vamos (‘come on’ in Spanish!).
I also visited the pyramids at Xochicalco (below) and loved riding on the local buses. The staff were the best part of the trip, as they were so supportive – arranging trips and the service projects.
After my week there, I would encourage any Trefoil Guild member to visit Nuestra Cabaña, as it’s steeped in Guiding history and is situated in such a beautiful part of Mexico.
Reflections of an adviser
Sheila Leete looks back over her time as programme and development adviser
Coming into post mid-October 2019, I was like a rabbit in headlights! So much to get to grips with, trying to make sense of my role. As this was pre-Covid, meetings were face to face and few and far between.
I remember my first editorial team meeting, held in the office. Catching the train to London, thinking it can’t take too long to pull together the layout for the next magazine edition. I had never visited Buckingham Palace, so I calculated that if the meeting finished mid-afternoon, I would just have time to fit in a tour – not a chance!
A few months later, lockdown happened and very quickly we had to decide how to meet as a team online. Producing The Trefoil 2020 booklet - images and reflections at this time, is a wonderful reminder of the support and care given by Trefoil Guild members.
Over my time in office, I have
coordinated the national conference, organised the national gathering and along with Sheran, national international adviser, coordinated the annual country and region advisers residential training. I also organised two walking holidays, alongside Dianne Bollom, my wonderful side-kick and walk lead coordinator. This all alongside the strategic part of being a trustee, part of the editorial team, plus responsible for keeping the country and region programme and development advisers and the Voyage award coordinators onboard and updated. In addition, responsibility for the Voyage award and STARS challenges, along with any special challenges, including the one for our 80th Anniversary.
I couldn’t have achieved any of this without the support and friendship of all of you.
Trefoil Adventures at WAGGGS World Centres
Enjoy rich cultural experiences, spectacular views, timeless traditions, and pinch me moments with your fellow Guild members – adventure awaits...
colours and cultures of Pune, India
Our experienced team will work with you to craft an unforgettable tailor-made trip. Everything designed with your guild in mind! Call
Nuestra Cabaña Our Chalet Sangam
In the heart of vibrant Cuernavaca, Mexico
Nestled in the picturesque Swiss Alps
The
A group tour to Our Chalet & Adelboden, including ights to Basel, coach airport transfers, accommodation and dining, with a tour and pinning ceremony at the famous Our Chalet.
The Swiss Travel Pass is included, allowing free travel for the duration of the tour to include excursions on the Rigi Railway, Lake Lucerne and to the Sherlock Holmes Museum!
Countries quiz
How many questions can you get right?
1 What country is known as The Emerald Isle?
A: Maldives
B: Ireland
C: Philippines
2 What country has the longest coastline?
A: Russia
B: Indonesia
C: Canada
3
Which of these countries is NOT in Asia?
A: Bosnia
B: Israel
C: Thailand
4 Which country has the largest population?
A: India
B: USA
C: Russia
5 Patagonia is part of what two countries?
A: Chile and Argentina
B: Brazil and Argentina
C: Chile and Peru
6 Which country is known as the Hexagon?
A: France
B: Spain
C: Germany
7 Sofia is the capital of what country?
A: Belgium
B: Bulgaria
C: Belarus
8 What animal is the emblem of Canada?
A: Beaver
B: Moose
C: Bear
9 What country’s residents refer to themselves as Kiwis?
A: Australia
B: South Africa
C: New Zealand
10 What EU country has the largest population?
A: Spain
B: Germany
C: France
belfast
TOUR PROGRAMME
Fri 06 June – Travel to Belfast.
Sat 07 June – Trefoil Guild Annual Meeting.
Sun 08 June – Optional day excursions.
Mon 09 June – Travel home or take the optional four day tour to Armagh and Fermanagh Lakelands
PRICE INCLUDES:
n ATOL Protection
n Return coach transfers from Belfast International Airport and the ICC
n 3 night’s accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis in Belfast
n Services of Greatdays staff
n Return ights from Bristol, Manchester, London Stanstead, London Gatwick, Birmingham or Glasgow
3 NIGHT PACKAGE HOTEL SELECTION RAMADA BY WYNDHAM BELFAST CITY CENTRE ***
BELFAST ****
GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL BELFAST *****
room sharing £1,018 | Single occupancy £1,318
OPTIONAL DAY EXCURSIONS
Titanic Belfast and Panoramic City Tour
Book online: www.greatdaysholidays.co.uk/tour/trefoil-guild-portsmouth or contact Claire for an information pack on 0161 928 3242 or email sales@greatdays.co.uk
