You have probably heard the name Trefoil Guild circulated within the arena of Girlguiding but maybe have no idea of what it stands for or have misconceptions as to its role within the Movement so here is a little background information as to who and what is TREFOIL:-
1920
Ex-Guides began to form unofficial groups with the purpose of maintaining contact with their old Guide companies.
1935
An organisation named 'Old Guides' was formed.
1943
The Girl Guides Association amalgamated the various groups of ‘Old Guides’ and the name ‘Trefoil Guild’ was adopted.
1947
Trefoil Guilds were first registered.
1952
The Trefoil Guild, while remaining part of the guiding movement, was given recognition as a self-governing, self-financing body and became responsible for former Guides in the United Kingdom and overseas territories.
1954
The first constitution was ratified and a President appointed. The central office was established and a governing body, consisting of a Central Council and a Central Executive Committee, was formed. The Girl Guides Association gave the Trefoil Guild an initial grant of £1,500, and it became financially independent.
1971
The minimum age for membership of the Trefoil Guild was lowered to 18 from 21.
The Trefoil Guild brought its administration into line with that of The Girl Guides Association. Country/Region Advisers, later known as Chairmen were appointed.
1973
LINK International Fellowship, devised by the Trefoil Guild, was established to enable young adults to remain in contact with the Guide and Scout movements.
1982
LINK approached the Trefoil Guild about the future of LINK members, male and female, who reached the LINK upper age limit of 30. The possibility of absorbing these young adults into the Trefoil Guild was discussed.
1984
A resolution was passed to admit men into The Trefoil Guild
2005
A range of Trefoil Guild occasional wear was produced for sale through Girlguiding UK Trading Service
The Trefoil magazine changed to three full colour editions a year with a new designer and printer.
2007
The Trefoil Guild became a corporate member of Girlguiding UK.
2008
LINK was disbanded.
2009
The National Internet Guild was launched.
2010
Girlguiding UK marked 100 years of guiding with Trefoil Guild members sharing a large part in the celebrations.
2013 The Constitution of the Trefoil Guild was revised.
Trefoil Guild celebrated their 70th anniversary.
The Voyage Award was launched.
2014
The Trefoil Guild Handbook was updated.
Girlguiding UK marked 100 years of Brownies with Trefoil Guild members actively supporting and taking part in the many celebrations.
That is some of the History behind Trefoil but what about Now!
Why not find out where your nearest Guild is and see what they have to offer!
Contact Marilyn Edwards, Chairman of Durham South Trefoil on 01740 652498 or
e-mail for details or look on www.trefoilguild.co.uk.
Guild News
Landmarks in 2014
Mrs Vera Barber, a much loved and highly respected member of County Durham Trefoil Guild, was awarded the Chairman’s medal (Durham County Council) for her services to the community. The following is taken from a section of the nomination form entitled……
“What difference has the nominee made?”
Over the years, Vera has shown huge commitment to helping people in the community, particularly families on the Woodhouse Close Estate. When the need for a church was identified for the then newly established community of Woodhouse Close, Vera volunteered to fund raise to help build the church, by going door to door and “selling” bricks.
Her administrative and organisational skills were well suited to taking on leading roles, such as leading the Women’s Bright Hour Group and helping to found the weekly Monday Club for adults with additional needs. She worked with young volunteers at the Monday Club from 1980. Both groups continue to thrive in our centre. Her commitment as Church Property Steward from the opening in 1962 meant maintaining the building in good order and included project management of the Millennium Project, involving a £226,000+ refurbishment, working alongside architects, builders, funders and volunteers.
In 1997, alongside others, Vera committed two days each week to running the Thrift Shop, accepting donated household goods, equipment, soft furnishings, toys, books and clothes for resale at low cost and, when needed, at no cost, to local people in crisis (floods; fire; domestic violence; homelessness etc.) The average footfall for the Thrift Shop over the last three years is 1,900.
Vera continues to recruit and support other volunteers in her team to sort donated items and display the goods for people to buy. Vera’s dedication is incredible, often going beyond her regular two day commitment. She likes to have things done properly and sets high standards for herself and her team. Over the years they have helped generations of families who have experienced severe financial problems. They can always be relied upon to provide essentials and little extras at no cost and with speed and sensitivity. Vera’s work cannot be underestimated as a lifeline to many over the years and she is a person in whom people can confide. She has a calm and considered approach to every situation.
For many years Vera has served the church as the Social Committee Co-ordinator. Her responsibilities include organising regular events – sales, coffee afternoons, Spring, Summer and Christmas Fairs – aswell as celebratory occasions such as anniversaries, clergy welcoming and farewell events.
Vera is also an active volunteer in the wider community. She is a lifelong friend of Girlguiding and has been a Guide Guider and District Commissioner. She has been a member of the County Durham Trefoil Guild for many years and is an active participant in all activities and events throughout the year.
Vera regularly attends Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership forums as a community representative.
She is an “Aycliffe Angel” and co-ordinates events and reunions on behalf of the former Angels who all worked in the munitions factory in Aycliffe during the war years. She has contributed information about her experience there for press releases and to authors.
Vera has never sought the limelight. She supports everyone in the community quietly and with humility. Her value is priceless!
Elsie Leadley of Darlington was invited to the Women of the Year Lunch in London. She has just ended her term of office as President of the Council of Women and recently appeared twice on television in connection with this. Elsie has had a long guiding career as Brownie and Guide Leader, District Commissioner, County Secretary and founding member of her Trefoil Guild.
She then went on to become County Chairman and she has also been a visitor to four World Centres and International Advisor for Trefoil at NEE. Elsie has also been busy outside of Guiding as until recently she was President of the National Council of Women of Great Britain and has attended conferences in Malta and the European Conference at The Hague and the ICW conference in Seoul, South Korea.
Trefoil also supports new or reestablished Units with Resources and in 2014 3 Starter Packs were delivered to Units in Durham South.
1st Bowburn Guides received their pack from County Chairman of Durham South Trefoil
County Durham South Trefoil presenting Starter Pack to 1st Bearpark Brownies
Darlington Evening Guild presentation to 14th Darlington Brownies
Trefoil Members helping at the Big Brownie Birthday Sleepover at Darlington