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