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… 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.

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 . 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 Presented by 1943 – 1958 South West England 1943 – 1958

The 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 – 1958

The 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 – 1958

According 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. Presented by 1959 – 1973 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. 1959 – 1973

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 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? Presented by 1974 – 1988 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 and • supporting the guiding ethos of helping others 1974 - 1978: Major Industrial Change and Development I 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 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. Presented by 1989 – 2003 Anglia 1989 - 1990

The world is still reeling from the shock of the Lockerbie air disaster in 1990 saw Freedom for Nelson December 1988, but in 1989 there Mandela in South Africa, 27 was cause to celebrate when Berliners years following the relaxation rejoice at the fall of the Wall. of apartheid laws. 1991 - 1994

In 1991, the Giant of rock, Its hard to believe, but it was only in Freddie Mercury died aged 45, 1994 that thousands of shops just one day after he publicly throughout England and Wales opened announced he was HIV positive. after Sunday trading was legalised. 1996 - 1997

Tragedy struck in 1996 when a lone And then the following year in gunman went on a shooting spree at a 1997: Diana, Princess of Wales school in Dunblane, Scotland, killing 16 died after a road crash in Paris. children and their teacher.

Dunblane 2000 - 2003 Sadly in 2002, the Millennium beloved Queen Mother And the end of a celebrations in the died at the age of 101 different kind of era year 2000… and we all in 2003 when kept our fingers Concorde flights crossed that our ceased. computers and electrical appliances would still work after midnight! But what about Trefoil changes 1989 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. By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50914525 1993 - 1994

1994 and the Guide Then in 1993: Promise was revised. Celebrations The words “I promise abounded when that I will do my best, the Trefoil to do my duty to God” celebrated its were changed to “love Golden Jubilee my God” and a new with many logo and design for members the Promise Badge, purchasing their now shared by all tea towel members of The Guide memento of the Association and the event. Trefoil Guild was introduced. 1994 - 2002

1994 also saw Lady Juliet And in 2002 the Queen’s Golden Townsend succeed Betty Clay Jubilee was celebrated by Trefoil and as President. Girlguiding alike.

In 2000 a new handbook was produced. 2003

Finally In 2003 - Prince Edward's wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, became President of Girlguiding UK bringing this period to an end. Presented by 2004 - 2016 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. 2004 - 2016

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, , 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. That brings us up to date and we can see how we have adapted to change, as it was needed.

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. 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.

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. See you next year at SOUTHPORT

8 June 2019