Round the Regions - Tayside

It feels like only yesterday that I was writing about Tayside Region’s celebration of UK Trefoil’s 80^th anniversary. Yet, here we are 9 months on from that time and what a busy rest of the year it continued to be for the counties in Tayside. A couple of updates from that particular celebration are that the balance of funds from the celebration were donated to the Newbigging Outdoor Centre to be used for a variety of items needed in the centre, and during the summer the lovely completed, sponsored quilt was presented to Angus county’s Anna Webster by Anne Rodgie, Perth and Kinross secretary who made the quilt. 

2023 definitely turned out to be party central for Tayside as the 80^th celebrations continued for the entire year. All three counties held parties, afternoon teas, lunches, activity days all with the obligatory Trefoil staple… birthday cake. Members across the region were extremely active in taking up the many Trefoil opportunities available for awards, challenges, holidays, breaks and volunteering both at home and overseas. Many certificates and badges were presented for STARS, Voyage and Challenges (even one for all things Ice Cream!). Guild open days were popular and one Trefoil celebrated its own 10^th anniversary. The call of Switzerland and Our Chalet was too great to resist for many a Trefoil member from Tayside as well as the rest of the country of course. A TOPAZ trip to Lesotho by one member proved to be a great adventure and learning experience and another enjoyed the experience of being part of a group who supported the re-opening of Our Cabana after a long closure. The great outdoors, with everything it has to offer across Tayside and beyond, also played its part with members joining Scottish rambles, local walks and, city meanderings, tours and challenges. Many members enjoyed both the Scottish and UK annual meetings with the speakers, both coming from Tayside region, delivering emotionally charged talks to appreciative audiences. 

With 11 guilds in the area, Trefoil membership across Tayside remains strong and active. The chairs of City of Dundee and Angus counties retired during last year and their commitment and leadership were recognised by their respective counties. The new cohort of Tayside chairs’ will be continuing with their 6 monthly coffee get togethers in 2024, sharing, supporting and looking forward to being able to Motivate members for what promises to be another busy, active year.

Janette Bain