The Trefoil Extra!

Burwell Trefoil Guild returned to Old Brooders near Lavenham for their weekend away this year.
We each brought different fooods to enjoy over the two days, including chilli, chicken casserole, BBQ items, cheese, apple crumble, cheesecake and a lemon sponge! There was a quiz on ‘Summertime’, crafts, and games. On saturday some went to Long Melford whilst others explored Jimmy’s Farm.
Sunday saw some walking and then lunch at Bridge Farm Barns, before heading home. A really fun filled weekend of laughter, togetherness and friendship.

Photo at Heatbeat village and a windy Whitby

5 guiding friends met up recently at their Trefoil Guild County AGM. 40 years ago they were all Guiders in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Now they are all Trefoil Guild members from 4 different Hertfordshire Trefoils and still enjoying guiding.

On a weekend away near Lavenham, members of Burwell Trefoil decided to visit the National Trust property in Long Melford. A bit of a damp day but that didn’t deter us from enjoying ourselves.
We visited the gardens, played croquet, had a talk on the history of the property and toured the house which featured a stain glass window of Elizabeth I and lots of sketches and drawings by Beatrix Potter who was a a relative of the owners at that time. Of course, we had to finish with tea and cake!

More than 300 members from across Anglia gathered in Bury St Edmunds on 25 April for this year’s Trefoil Guild Annual Review - a day filled with friendship, activity, and celebration. Members enjoyed a lively programme, from hands on sessions to visits around the historic Abbey. A standout moment was Catherine Buchanan’s engaging talk on notable women from Anglia’s past, which sparked plenty of conversation and curiosity.

3 members of the Distant Fellowship were invited to Girlguiding Celebrates on 6 June after completing their Queen’s Guide Awards. After fantastic performances from Southend Gang Show and Bloco Brass, they enjoyed a reception with the chief guide team and Girlguiding’s CEO, where they had a fantastic conversation about opportunities to engage Girlguiding volunteers in Trefoil Guild with the chief guide herself!

Boughton Vale enjoyed a 2 hour tour of the Kent Archives which holds around 14 kilometres of historic collections, dating back to 699AD. The tour included visits to the Archive Research Team, Digitisation Services Team and Conservation Team. They even had a chance to visit the Strong Room, which held an extensive range of books, maps and other documents. They also learnt how to use the Kent Archives service, as a member of the public. Which included how to use the search room and how to pre-order documents to view. To finish the tour, they were able to see several Girlguiding documents that the Kent Archives hold, including letters from Olave Baden Powell. Everyone enjoyed the tour and learnt so much more about what goes on at Kent Archives Centre. 

Littlehampton Trefoil having fun with parachute games towards the Air element of the Motivate challenge.

The Surrey West Trefoil ladies recently enjoyed a wonderful 4-day cruise aboard P&O Aurora in April 2026. The trip was filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of memorable moments. Most importantly, it was a fantastic opportunity to make new friendships and strengthen old ones. A truly enjoyable experience for everyone involved!

Southwater Trefoil enjoyed an evening of pottery painting, choosing from a wide selection of items to decorate. The members are all working towards their STARS award and this activity ticks another box!  A reporter and photographer from a local magazine also joined us, and we hope to have an article published soon, which will help promote our guild and Trefoil as a whole. 

Presentation of fundraising donation to Derby Mountain Rescue

North Yorkshire North East Annual Meeting

Newcastle Hazlerigg Trefoil had a very enjoyable and informative visit to the Hindu temple in Newcastle. The Pandit (priest) and Veena Soni (a former colleague of a member) made everyone very welcome and talked about the temple and its history. Most members admitted to having little or no knowledge of Hinduism and were astounded by the magnificence of the temple. As many members were asking questions about the deities, the next Trefoil meeting involved listening to stories about the deities. One member described the temple visit as one of the best meetings they have had.

Some surprising skills were revealed by members at the County Activity Day! Members tried their hand at water colour painting, paper folding, mobiles, flower arranging, up and down monkeys and blow up chickens using latex gloves, with varying amounts of success! Sadly, no one could find a member who had been in Rainbows! There's no better way to make new friends, renew existing ones and learn new skills amid lots of laughter! Trefoil Guild at it's best!

Hope Farm visiting AW Arena for a lovely coffee and cake – taking in the activities Ruth got herself a treble 20! 

At our County ACM we had an activity learning how to drum with a difference. We certainly made a fantastic sound & thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. Great to try something new. We are using the opportunity as part of the STARS Badge ( T – Together) and get a photo in the magazine. 

Hope Farm and Derwent Trefoil visiting the canal boat traders fair at Trevor Basin. 

Members of Pennine Trefoil had a wonderful weekend watching the sea birds at Bempton RSPB but mostly loved seeing the puffins flying in and out of the holes in the cliffs and landing on the cliffs – it was amazing.

What a delightful afternoon we shared! Trefoil Guilds from across Cumbria North gathered together for a truly special get-together filled with warmth, laughter, and true Girlguiding spirit. Everyone brought a dish to contribute, which made a stunning spread of homemade treats and savoury delights. From scones to sandwiches, cakes to quiches, the table was a testament to the love and care each member poured into the afternoon. The room buzzed with conversation as old friends reunited and new friendships blossomed. It was a joy to see smiles all around, stories being shared, and laughter echoing through the hall. To top it all off, we enjoyed a craft that sparked imagination and a table top quiz that got everyone thinking. Thank you to all who came and made the afternoon so memorable. Here's to many more moments of joy, connection, and Trefoil magic!

Carnoustie Trefoil celebrated their 50th birthday by enjoying afternoon tea with the Orient Express Experience in Edinburgh. 

Our Trefoil met in Newcastle city centre to visit a building seen many times but never ventured in, called The Lit & Phil is Newcastle's exquisite independent library, open to all and free to explore and browse. Founded in 1793 and became a hub of learning and enlightenment long before universities existed. There is a collection of more than 170,000 books from the 16th century to the modern day.

On Monday 9 March several of Kilwinning Trefoil met at Kilwinning Abbey to litter pick round the church and abbey grounds. After our litter picking we all went for coffee and scones.

We at Musselburgh in Scotland had an Indian night to hear about my mother Linda Cullen and her adventure to Sangam with the Trefoil Guild last year. I am so proud of mum who is 81 this year and never stops to travel. Members were welcomed with a namaste greeting and the placement of a bindi jewel on the forehead, while Indian music played in the background. 

Presentation of bronze Voyage award to Christine Leask at the monthly meeting of Orkney Trefoil  held in Kirkwall Guide Hall.

Trefoil Guild Scotland was delighted to present a gift to Denise Spence CBE in recognition of, and gratitude for, her outstanding service and commitment to Girlguiding Scotland.
Since becoming Chief Executive in 2013, Denise has drawn on her extensive experience to champion Girlguiding Scotland's volunteers and promote opportunities for girls and young women across society. After more than a decade of dedicated leadership, Denise will be succeeded by Kim Atkinson, who takes up the role of Chief Executive in August. Kim will join the Girlguiding Scotland board of trustees, chief commissioner team, staff team, and 9,000 volunteers in supporting 40,000 girls and young women throughout Scotland. Trefoil Guild Scotland extends its sincere thanks to Denise for her remarkable contribution and wishes both Denise and Kim every success in their future roles.

Scottish Trefoil Ramble along the Union Canal from Polmont to Linlithgow. We were a small group so there was time to talk to everyone. The weather was good after yesterday's rain. 

Here is the Scottish contingent who attended the Advisers Conference in Birmingham at the Aston Conference Centre. Our UK programme adviser, the Scottish programme adviser and a member of the PR team. 

Approx 60 members of Cornwall Trefoil from guilds all over the county, met in Lanivet for their Annual Review of 2025. In the morning Trefoil members took part in a variety of activities and there was a display of various crafts from the Trefoils. The guest speaker was from Flotsam Flo, who make useful products out of discarded marine waste. Sue Askew was presented with a County Chough Award for good service and the afternoon ended with tea and saffron buns.

On 12 May 2026, 15 members of Crofton Trefoil enjoyed the sunniest and driest day of the week with an outing to Exbury Gardens in the New Forest to see Rhododendrons and Azaleas in full bloom. A cuppa and sit down were truly welcome after some visited an art exhibition, others went on a train ride and all of them had acres of grounds to walk around. We had quite a few people ask who the ladies in red were and commented on how lovely it was to see us and told of their guiding experiences as a child.

4 members of Kerrier Trefoil Guild took part in the SWEEP litter pick

Inspired by the Artemis mission Romsey Trefoil made a scale model of the solar system to understand the relative sizes of, and distances between the planets.  We also had great fun making our very own moons from aluminium foil.

If you had been down in The Orchard today you would have been sure of a big surprise. There was big gathering of Rainbows and Brownies from Sidmouth District and Exe District. It was an enormous surprise to have 44 girls who were all hugging their new teddies they had only just met. They gave their teddy a name and declared who would be looking after them back at home. The teddies met members of the Sidmouth Trefoil. The ladies join Trefoil to be with others who follow the Guide law and help local units. The teddies and their owners took a journey from the Sidmouth Guide Headquarters taking care on the cycle path. There were 2 persons holding lollipop 'go and stop' signs waiting to help them safely across the bridge over the river Sid to the Orchard which is managed by the Friends of the Byes. First there were some wonderful games for the girls and their teddies to play.  It was a very hot day, so everyone played beneath numerous tall and cool trees. The wildflowers were truly beautiful, and the girls enjoyed running on the paths through them. They played until the teddy bears needed their picnic. Everyone sat under the boughs of 1 enormous tree enjoying each other’s company and being glad they were members of the Guide movement. Mummies and daddies were now arriving to take home their girls, not forgetting of course their new member of the family.  All those who had joined the teddies and their picnic were tired but very happy. 

Early on the morning of 16 April, 14 Trefoil Guild members met at Bristol Airport, each wearing a Trefoil neckerchief and a red Trefoil badge so that Beryl Paddison, our international adviser from Cornwall could meet the group travelling to Malta for a week in the sunshine, and looking forward to a full Itinerary of activities around the Island. Our first day we had a tour of the capital, Valletta, with an English speaking Guide who came with us every day in our Minibus.  We were shown the wonderful buildings including the interior of the Co-Cathedral.  Our hotel had 3 swimming pools, with desalinated sea water and 2 warm inside pools. Some of us went swimming at 7am every morning before breakfast in the inside pool and then outside prior to dinner. The Maltese people are very friendly, and nearly all speak English. We managed to learn a few words like gratzie hafna (thank you very much) and Ba Sahha (cheers). A most enjoyable visit.

Pepi Alecio has been awarded the Mayors Award for 50 years of service to Girlguiding Gibraltar. For over 30 years Pepi was a very active Brownie and Guide leader and in the past 15 years is a member of Gibraltar Trefoil. Pepi is nearly 90 years old and is still active. Congratulations.

4 members of Cyprus Trefoil - Becky, Pippa, Marion and Michele, met despite the dust at Limassol Castle. While there, we enjoyed looking at some interesting pieces taken from island-wide locations, including suits of armour, belt buckles, tomb stones, sarcophagus decor, wine jugs, pottery and artwork. It was fascinating to see how, even after hundreds of years, the detail and quality of these pieces were so high. The artifacts have been stored in the old prison cells, originally built under the Ottomon Empire and later used as a military jail during the British rule. From the rooftop, our view was sadly stunted due to the dust levels, but was still pleasant. Afterwards, we had a coffee and a chat at a cafe, before heading home in torrential rain! Hazard lights on and slow speeds meant safe journeys. 

We supported the Gibraltar National Pool Association with their merchandise while the national week were held. Over 1000 players from all over the world participate. It was the first time such a huge event was held by the local Pool Association.

Glenanne Trefoil opened their doors to visitors, with bingo with a difference. In addition to playing bingo, after every tenth number was called, the group had to play a game such as Twerk pong, stomp, balloon relay, party blowers and Nerf cups stack. The visitors declared the night a good crack.

2 former chairs, Billie Williams and Christine Marsh from Gwent hob knobbing with some VIPs at the NWF (Newport Women’s Forum) afternoon tea at The Holiday Inn, Newport on Saturday 16 May. A group of local Newport ladies formed the NWF 30 years ago, the aim was to offer ladies over 18 years of age from Newport the chance to develop their ambitions by applying for a bursary. To date £40,000 as been raised and given out to ladies based on their application needs. Both Trefoil Guild and Girlguiding have been long standing supporters of NWF and I Billie joined the committee when my term of office finished as county chair. The NWF was formed in 1996 by Dame Rosemary Butler and supported by Jane Bryant AM. Rosemary received a long service award at the afternoon tea. As we were celebrating 30 years we had 2 guest speakers, Felicity Evans from BBC Wales, journalist and political editor and Chelsea, a former homeless person who got herself back on track and became an opera singer. A very successful day with over £1000 raised for the funding for 2026.