The Trefoil Guild
Annual Meeting
2018
Annual Report
presented by Pat Downer
National Chair Trefoil Guild
Madam Chair,
guests &
fellow
members.
It gives me
great pleasure
to present our
annual report
on behalf of
the trustees…
But first I would like to wish you all a very…
In the Guider Magazine August 1943, there was an article about the meaning of ‘Guild’ and it suggested that it
meant “larger than the family” which fits well with today as we are like an extended family to Girlguiding. It also
said that a Guild was formed for protection, instruction and conviviality and good cheer whilst watching over &
protecting the interest of the craft or trades, to see if they were honorable, solvent and to help needy members.
It was also mentioned that a Guild would ensure equal pay…well that is still correct, we all volunteer and earn
nothing but get rewarded in different ways!
The article also stated that a section for over 21 year-olds was fully discussed by the Executive committee with all
the Branch Commissioners and it was agreed to form a Trefoil Guild. Details would be appearing in the September
Magazine but in the meantime, would commissioners & Guiders refrain from writing to headquarters on the
subject!
Guider Magazine September 1943
Did you read the article in August Guider? It was published for more than its historical interest. A coming event
casting its shadow before it; in that story of old associations of master-craftsmen, banded together, for “the
guardianship of the craft”. It foreshadowed the founding of our own Guild of Guiding – a Guild that one-day may
be as ancient and as honorable as that of the merchant adventurers. As our guild rises out of guiding in response
to and as the fulfillment of a very definite need. It will lie with its first members to crystalize it into a definite
form, to decide how it can best be organized to give service to Guiding and the community and will need to be
modified and adapted according to local needs and possibilities
We will now hear from fellow trustees how it has
developed over the last 75 years
This year the report will be a little different from usual as I thought it
would be good to reflect on our history before bringing you all up to
date with what is happening now.
1943 – 1958 Presented bySouth West England
1943 – 1958The Trefoil Guild initially started as Old Guides!
What and who were Old Guides? These young folk were girls who became
too old to attend Guides or Rangers or Cadets or were unable to take an
active part as Guiders or Commissioners and started to wonder what they
should do next. Unofficial Old Guides groups began to set up enabling the
Old Guides to stay in touch with former members.
1943… The middle of the 2nd World war! Bing Crosby and Vera Lynn were
making musical hits brightening the world whilst tragedy happened all
about us. It was also the year that a decision was made in light of recent
changes to Policy and Rules (remember those?) within the Guide
Association, to review the situation regarding the introduction of a
maximum age for Rangers of 21 years. Provision was needed for members
to retain their connection with the Movement.
1943 – 1958The Girl Guide Association's 29th Annual Report from the Council included the
following:
1943 has seen the beginning of a new development of Guiding – The Trefoil
Guild. Membership of the Guild is a privilege open to any members of the
Movement who have ceased active Guiding and who are over 21years of age.
1946 saw a setting up of an ad hoc Committee to inquire into the
development of the Guild idea. In 1947, the Old Guides, Ranger Clubs,
Guidons, and new Guilds were amalgamated under the title of Trefoil Guild
and a special Promise badge was introduced. It wasn't long before specialist
groups were set up, i.e. The Scottish Handcraft Circle in 1945 and the Golf
section in 1966. In 1951, the first Trefoil Guild magazine as we know it was
produced at a price of 2d and called ''Notes and News''. It proved so popular
that within a year it had increased in size and price!
1943 – 1958
In 1952, the Trefoil Guild was granted full recognition as a self- governing
and self-supporting organisation within the Girl Guide Association and
responsible for former Guides in the United Kingdom and Overseas
Territories. In the 1953 Trefoil Guild, there is mention of the Guild's
Biennial Conference which was at the Hayes in Swanwick, with
approximately 160 Guilds being represented. Lord Baden Powell had
accepted the invitation to speak about the B.P. Guild of Old Scouts.
1953, being the Coronation year of Queen Elizabeth II, the Trefoil Guild was
allocated a seat in the Guide stand in Piccadilly to see the procession
One of the subjects to be discussed at the Swanwick Conference 1954, was:
''Now that 'Notes and News' is a quarterly magazine and not an occasional
news bulletin, a more suitable name is needed.
What about ''The Trefoil''?
1943 – 1958According to the 1955 Trefoil magazine, a member of the Rock Ferry Trefoil
Guild, in response to the idea that guilds were just social clubs, stated that
''The Old Guides were started in her area when it became obvious that there
was going to be an acute shortage of Guiders in the area. Since then, the
Trefoil Guilds have 'kept warm and returned a total of 12 members back into
active Guiding‘’.
Two Trefoil members went to Denmark in 1956 as Observers at the start of
the International Fellowship. In 1958, a new medal, the Oak Leaf, replaced
the Certificate of Merit for Good Service in the Guide Movement. The title
was the suggestion from Miss Eileen Ford (then Division President, Horndean,
Hampshire), made as the result of a request in the Guider for ideas.
When looking back at some of the reading material I have come across, I
cannot but fail to think on the commitment and vision of those fabulously
staunch women who pioneered the Trefoil Guild for us to enjoy.
1959 – 1973 Presented by
North East England
1959 – 1973
Like me, many of you probably began your grown-up life in the 1960s.
When I went off to university the third-year students looked exactly like
their parents: girls with permed hair, pearls, twin-sets and the boys in
sports jackets and collars and ties. When I was a third-year student, I was
dressed in black from head to foot and with my hair cut resembling a
pudding basin. Later in the decade I grew my hair, adorned it with
flowers, modelled myself on Ali McGraw in ‘Love Story’ and waited for
Ryan O’Neil to pop along! This was the decade of change and unrest;
Martin Luther Kind, Yuri Gagarin, CND, the first heart transplant, the
advent of the pill, the death of John F Kennedy, the mini skirt, Mary
Quant, Twiggy, the Beatles and the Stones.
Was Trefoil on the move? I’ll leave it to you to decide.
I have based my Trefoil research on this decade on my own county, East
Yorkshire. There seemed to have been guilds especially for ladies with
physical or mental health problems. I quote, “the matron of the Mentally
Deficient Home at Brandesburton is looking for a new leader and the Hull
Post Rangers have joined with the Tilworth Grange guild to form a promising
union”. Tilworth Grange was a centre for girls with learning difficulties.
Another interesting fact was that the Trefoil had produced many active
guiders from their ranks, rather the reverse of today where we tend to
recruit members when they finish active guiding. I have noted that service to
the community seemed to be the main thrust of Trefoil in the 60s. One
report tells of visiting the aged, the sick, homes, hospitals, helping the
handicapped; supporting the NSPCC, cancer research, Dr Bernardo’s and
displaced persons; distributing Christmas parcels to the sick and needy, as well as helping active guiders raise their funds.
1959 – 1973
There didn’t seem to be the same emphasis on fun and food as we have.
There does seem to have been a very close link between Trefoil and the
Local Association with a joint conference held at the Royal Festival Hall in
London. The aim of the Local Association was, I believe, to give support to
Guides and Brownies in their area. When I became a Queen’s Guide, my
mother was instantly asked to become a member, which she found rather
daunting as all the ladies wore hats!
Another interesting quote, “as our Area Recorder said referring to the phrase
‘Active Guiding’ - we are just as active as any good guide company. The
phrase should be ‘Uniformed Guiding’”! She had the right idea, didn’t she?
1959 – 1973
I have another interesting quote, “many members can look back over more
than 40 years of guiding to the days when they wore umbrella hats and
carried staves. They are joined by delightful and enthusiastic young
members, many of whom bring their babies to afternoon meetings and
organise crèches in adjoining rooms”. Do we today succeed in attracting such
young women? I am very pleased to say that in North East England we do have
a few such groups.
I suppose I have to close this decade with an analysis of numbers. In 1964
there were 302 members in 11 guilds in East Yorkshire, in 1967 there were 15
guilds. In 2018, we have around 200 members in 9 guilds. So, do you think
Trefoil was on the move in the 1960s, and have we things to learn from that
decade to improve Trefoil today?
1959 – 1973
1974 – 1988 Presented by
North West England
1974 – 1988: A Period of Great Change
The period of 1974 to 1988 was a period of great social, economic and
political change – both in the UK and globally. This time saw key major
developments with:
• Major industrial and technological advancements
• Greater equality in the areas of sex, race and disability
• An evolution in the area of communication
The impact of these developments was also felt by the Trefoil Guild; which
reacted and developed its services to incorporate these changes. This was
all achieved whilst continuing to stay true to the Guild’s mission of:
• offering members the fun and friendship of guiding and scouting
and
• supporting the guiding ethos of helping others
1974 - 1978: Major Industrial Change
and DevelopmentI begin in 1974 where the three-day week was introduced, which led to problems
developing in some areas; it was found that CFCs were destroying the ozone layer which
protects the Earth from harmful UV light; the first black model was on the cover of
Vogue magazine and ABBA won the Euro-vision Song Contest in Brighton!
In 1975, the first woman climbed Everest, the Vietnam War ended, the Microsoft
organisation was founded and in the Trefoil Guild: WAGGGS Africa Region was formed.
Then, in 1976 Steve Jobs and Stephen Wosniak founded Apple computers, which helped
to ignite the digital age which we have today. Also, Concorde was introduced, giving
supersonic commercial flights and in the Trefoil Guild: Central Office moved to
Girlguiding CHQ, which gave more social cohesion between Trefoil Guild and Girlguiding
In 1977, lots of parties were held for the Queen's Silver Jubilee - a happy time amid a
troubled period and in Trefoil Guild one of our key leaders, Lady Olave Baden Powell
sadly passed away.
Finally, in 1978, the world's first test-tube baby was born in Oldham!
1979 – 1983: Trefoil Guild Evolves
In 1979, Margaret Thatcher became the first woman Prime Minister and Mother Teresa won the
Nobel Peace Prize - a great step forward for women, and the Trefoil charitable fundraising
project for the year was raising money for the Olave Centre. In 1980, the wreck of the Titanic
was found then, in 1981, the Humber bridge - at the time the worlds longest single span
bridge - was opened. Prince Charles and Diana Spencer' wedding saw celebrations across the
country, the NASA space shuttle flew for the first time and the Trefoil Guild put its information
on tape for visually impaired members - showing disability awareness and inclusiveness.
In 1982 Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands triggering the Falklands War - a frightening and
sombre time. However, more positive events were happening with the Trefoil Guild:
LINK approached the Trefoil Guild about the future of LINK and the possibility of absorbing
these young adults into the Trefoil Guild was discussed – forward thinking and age equality in
play.
In 1983, astronaut Sally Ride was the first American woman in space, and Trefoil presented
CHQ with a Blue Plaque commemorating the fact that the outer doors at CHQ had been given
by Lord and Lady Baden-Powell and celebrated being 40 years old!
1984 – 1988: Environmental and
Social Change
In 1984, Indira Gandhi, the Indian prime Minister was assassinated, whilst in Trefoil Guild, sexual
equality arrived when a resolution was passed to admit men as members. In 1985, a hole in the
ozone layer was found over Antarctica and the first Red Nose Day raised £15 million for Comic
Relief. Then, in 1986, there was a terrible environmental catastrophe with the Chernobyl
nuclear power station meltdown in Russia, major national industries were privatised and in
Trefoil Guild a new training scheme was introduced and the Handbook was completely revised
reflecting that a more formalised structure was required. In 1987, there were severe
earthquakes in Los Angeles, DNA was used in a criminal court for the 1st time and Trefoil
members raised over £51,000 towards the appeal for Pax Lodge study bedrooms. Membership of
the Guild reached 20,000 for the first time. Lastly, 1988 saw the first computer virus reported
and the Lockerbie air tragedy which killed 270 people.
So, in summary, I think you will all agree that the period of 1974 to 1988 was definitely a period
of great social, economic and political change – both in the UK and globally, and I am sure you
would also concur when I say the Trefoil Guild has responded well to these changes over the
years, successfully developed and expanded its services to stay relevant all whilst continuing to
stay true to the Guild’s mission - something about which we can all be proud.
1989 – 2003Presented by
Anglia
1989 - 1990The world is still reeling from the
shock of the Lockerbie air disaster in
December 1988, but in 1989 there
was cause to celebrate when Berliners
rejoice at the fall of the Wall.
1990 saw Freedom for Nelson
Mandela in South Africa, 27
years following the relaxation of apartheid laws.
1991 - 1994
In 1991, the Giant of rock,
Freddie Mercury died aged 45,
just one day after he publicly announced he was HIV positive.
Its hard to believe, but it was only in
1994 that thousands of shops
throughout England and Wales opened after Sunday trading was legalised.
1996 - 1997
Dunblane
Tragedy struck in 1996 when a lone
gunman went on a shooting spree at a
school in Dunblane, Scotland, killing 16 children and their teacher.
And then the following year in
1997: Diana, Princess of Wales died after a road crash in Paris.
2000 - 2003
Millennium
celebrations in the
year 2000… and we all
kept our fingers
crossed that our
computers and
electrical appliances
would still work after
midnight!
Sadly in 2002, the
beloved Queen Mother died at the age of 101
And the end of a
different kind of era
in 2003 when
Concorde flights ceased.
1989
By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50914525
But what about Trefoil changes
during this time period?
In 1989, the title “President of the
Trefoil Guild” was changed to
“Chairman of the Trefoil Guild” and a new office of “President” was created.
The first president was the Honorable
Betty Clay, the younger daughter of
Lord and Lady Baden-Powell.
As you would expect Betty had a long
history in Guiding and was a Brownie, a
Guide, a Cub leader, a Colony
Commissioner in Rhodesia and on
returning to the UK was President of SW
Guides and then Vice President for the
Guide Association before taking this
appointment.
1993 - 1994
Then in 1993:
Celebrations
abounded when
the Trefoil
celebrated its
Golden Jubilee
with many
members
purchasing their
tea towel
memento of the event.
1994 and the Guide
Promise was revised.
The words “I promise
that I will do my best,
to do my duty to God”
were changed to “love
my God” and a new
logo and design for
the Promise Badge,
now shared by all
members of The Guide
Association and the
Trefoil Guild was introduced.
1994 - 20021994 also saw Lady Juliet
Townsend succeed Betty Clay as President.
In 2000 a new handbook was produced.
And in 2002 the Queen’s Golden
Jubilee was celebrated by Trefoil and Girlguiding alike.
2003
Finally In 2003 - Prince
Edward's wife Sophie, the
Countess of Wessex,
became President of
Girlguiding UK bringing this period to an end.
2004 - 2016Presented by
Scotland
2004 - 2016
In 2004 we saw the world really begin to open up. The age of the
mobile phone changed radically following the introduction of 3G
the year before, which saw the beginnings of the age of mobile
internet. A favourite sound was the Nokia ring, which saw everyone
reaching for their own phone, often amidst great confusion.
Mark Zuckerberg saw an opportunity for people to communicate
directly with groups of friends, and launched Facebook from his
dormitory room in Harvard on 4th February 2004 with four friends.
By 2012 it had reached one billion users. The name was based on
books called Face Books which included the names and pictures of
everyone who lived in the student dorms.
The Queen christened RMS Queen Mary 2, the largest ocean going
passenger ship built for the British Cunard Line since the QE2 in 1969.
Queen Mary 2 had the Royal Mail Ship (RMS) title conferred on her by
Royal Mail when the ship entered service in 2004 on the Southampton
to New York route, as a gesture to Cunard's history.
The summer saw the Summer Olympics return to Athens, and Team GB
won 9 Gold, 9 Silver and 12 Bronze medals, finishing in 10th place
overall.
The end of that year saw the tragedy of the Boxing Day Indonesian
Tsunami, which affected people around the world and had an
estimated death toll of 280,000, the second deadliest
natural disaster since 1900.
2004 - 2016
Trefoil Guild marked some major events between 2004 and 2016. Here are just
a few of those highlights:
In 2004 following the death of the Honourable Betty Clay, Lady Juliet Townsend
became Patron of the Trefoil Guild and Jane Garside became President. In 2005
a range of “Occasion Wear” was introduced, with the addition of a necker in
2016, following high demand for this to be made available. 2008 saw Welcome
to the Trefoil Guild updated and renamed The Trefoil Guild Handbook. In 2009
our then National Chairman Elizabeth Ferrier shared her vision and encouraged
Trefoil members from across the UK to visit the then four World Centres: Pax
Lodge, Our Chalet, Sangam and Our Cabana to commemorate 100 years of
Guiding in 2010. To celebrate, guilds from across the UK also organised and
planted commemorative flower beds. One spectacular example was the
transformation of the Floral Clock in Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh.
2004 - 2016
2011 saw the WAGGGS Conference welcome over 550 delegates to Edinburgh,
and a group of Trefoil members agreed to make boxes and fill them with tablet,
“A Hundred Thousand Welcomes”, much appreciated by those who received
them.
The first record books for the Voyage Award were published in 2013, following a
pilot in Anglia Region. To date over 60 Gold Awards have been achieved. 2014
saw Trefoil members from across the UK help with the 100th Birthday
celebrations of Brownies.
In 2015 TOPAZ, Trefoil Overseas Partnership Adventure with Zest was launched,
and the first participants travelled to Russia in 2016. 2016 saw the introduction
of our new membership database and the distribution of membership cards,
which allowed a change to be implemented in the subscription process.
2004 - 2016
We started 2017 with further development on our new constitution with the main
change being the devolvement of our Council. Other ways of asking our wider
membership about ideas has included a readership panel, a planning weekend for a new
programme and partnership opportunities. If you would like to have your voice heard,
then please ask your country or region chairs about these opportunities.
Also agreed was the changing of ‘chairman’ to ‘chair’ which sparked debate and so
many continue with the tradition of being referred to as chairmen, and a priority to
keep up to date with social media, our website, and our communication with our
members has been identified. The magazine does an excellent job in doing this & I must
thank our editorial board for producing such a vibrant magazine 4 times a year.
The Voyage award continues to be very popular with nearly two & a half thousand
members participating. Another programme opportunity for our members will be
launched in 2019. TOPAZ continues to develop too.
That brings us up to date and we can see
how we have adapted to change, as it was
needed.
Somerset Trefoil appreciated that not all their members could attend an event
and so decided to produce a booklet that would enable all their members to
contribute called “Thank You Guiding” and so in conclusion I would like to share
one of the pieces with you.
If it wasn’t for Guiding I would have had more time for housework, had
a tidier garden, eaten less ready meals and had fewer sleepless nights.
However, I wouldn’t have made so many good friends, risen to so many
challenges or explored so many new places. Guiding has so many
opportunities on offer and I am fortunate to have been able to take up
some of them.
As I come to the end of this report I would like to wish
you all the very best for all the continuing birthday
events you have planned and I look forward to meeting
many of you on these occasions.
8 June 2019
See you next year at
SOUTHPORT