Trefoil GuildThe National Gathering was held in Canberra from 30 April-3 May 2010. It was attended by more than 200 members from all states.
The activities started after dinner on Friday, with Agnes Bear being introduced by Jan Rose, the State Trefoil Guild Adviser from Western Australia. We heard of Agnes' travels, where she had been and the activities she had attended. Agnes also had a diary where many of her activities were recorded, and included many photos.
Decade presentations were given by two states. Each State was asked to prepare a 15 minute presentation about guiding and during the weekend we heard many interesting anecdotes of guiding history.
Prior to the Gathering participants were asked to contribute ten (10) of the favourite songs. On Friday evening the countdown of the 20-1 songs started. There was a large list of songs submitted, and somehow the committee managed to find the 20 most popular.
On Saturday, the Gathering was officially opened. Trefoil Guild members renewed their promise. Following this reports were given.
During the afternoon, the guest speaker Garry Kadwell, who spoke about his time farming and some of the challenges faced. Two more decade presentations were given, and the next instalment of 20-1 songs.
The gala dinner was held at the Hellenic Club, and the celebrations included the cutting of a cake for the 100 years of Guiding.
Sunday activities were trips to a variety of venues, including Parliament House, Old Parliament House (the Museum of Democracy) embassies and markets. Returning to the venue where the Gathering was being held, there was a great deal of exchanging of information about what had been see.
Evening activities included the final decade presentations, the final 20-1 songs and a presentation by Victoria on the 20th National Gathering. The Gathering closed on Sunday night with Trefoil guild members looking forward to the next gathering in two years time.
The National Joint council (NJC) of the Australian Fellowship of former Scouts and Guides (AFOFSAG) recently completed its term of office. Meetings are held at regular intervals in one state, and when the term of office finishes, the new committee meets in a different state. This year, meetings were held in Queensland, and in October, the AGM was held at the Pennant Hills Scout campsite in Sydney. The new NJC committee will continue to meet in New South Wales during its incumbency.
The committee represents Trefoil Guild, Baden Powell guild and St. George's Guild. Reports were given by the outgoing members of the committee, and also from one of the delegates to the Internaltional Scout and guild Fellowship world conference in vienna.
It was marvellous to see so many Trefoil Guild members attend to meeting.
Trefoil Guild members are slowly return to their homes after an exciting three days at their National Gathering in Freemantle WA. Accommodation and Conference sessions were held in the Esplanade Hotel, very upmarket and comfortable. A far cry from the tents and Brownie Pack Holiday homes we remember.
The Western Australia Planning Committee surpassed themselves giving a great welcome to over 200 participated. This number included a few husbands, but the sight of a room full of white shirted ladies ready for the opening ceremony was a sight which proved Trefoil Guild is alive and well throughout Australia.
Trefoil Guild had issued invitations for three New Zealanders to join us and they, with the one Lone Trefoil Guild traveller from the UK, were welcome guests.
The opening parade was led by Lynne Price behind the newly made Australian banner. Later that day group photos were taken showing how most States had exceeded their usual contingent number. Maybe it is the lure of the Swan River or the wild flowers which attracted?
Among the items on the first day was “The Great Debate”. Judged on strict debating rules it never the less provided some hilarious moments. NSW may have stretched the rules by having a fourth member who mimed their points, but she certainly added to the entertainment. Guest speakers were excellent with Ellie Wilkie demonstrating her broad northern English wit as she recited her poems from “The Myth of the Vertical stripe – Poems for Women of a Certain Age”.
Melville City Council provided hospitality for our special dinner on Saturday, after which all joined singing those songs with which we have grown during our Guiding lives.
Sunday began with Guides own before everyone set out on their chosen excursion. There were Trefoil Guild members in coloured shirts sailing up the Swan River, photographing an old church in the Swan Valley and exploring the historic streets of Freemantle. Sunday evening was the Gala dinner complete with blue and silver balloons and WA wild flowers on each table. The food was pretty good too.
The Gathering closed Monday lunchtime when all said good bye to both old and new friends. Who was to know that for days after they would meet each other again in Perth Streets or on Rottnest Island?
It’s great to be a Trefoil Guild member!
Download Australian Trefoil Guild Adviser's address to the Gathering
The sun shone for the SA Annual Gathering, enhancing the green of the surrounding Adelaide Hills. The Gathering not only gave members an opportunity to re-new acquaintances, but also to learn what was happening in Trefoil Guild locally and internationally.
Two of the speakers described their visits overseas. One was of a field trip to study an orang-utan project in Borneo, a fascinating insight into the family life of these lesser known apes.
The other visit was by one of the Trefoil Guild members (Ann) who, during a stay with her daughter, was able to experience Cambodian Guiding. Australia provides young leaders to help in a number of Asian countries, including Cambodia and Mongolia, so Australians are made welcome. Ann was fortunate in being able to participate in a Promise Ceremony for which girls from all sections travelled by bus to the central venue.
The Mini Gathering is a biennial event held at Jindabyne for Trefoil Guild members in NSW. The highlight of the weekend is the themed formal dinner held on Saturday night. This year all celebrated at a wedding reception for Al Capone and Mae. One Guild provided the bride and bridesmaids, while another supplied Al and his family, complete with violin cased guns! The State Trefoil Guild Adviser was Al’s mother.
Other highlights of the weekend were the chance to join a needle felting session at Past Times (a big craft store with adjacent historic buildings) and later, at Cooma, to visit to the Museum at the Cooma goal. The Museum is manned by inmates under supervision of an officer and the visitors found it both interesting and thought provoking as they heard the comments by the prisoners.
Trefoil Guild certainly provides a variety of experiences and fun for their members!
Trefoil Guilds have been busy helping others.
| 20th National Trefoil Guild Gathering April 2012 | Victoria |
Each State circulates their own State Newsletter.
These newsletters are in PDF format and can be downloaded.
Books (in A4 format, punched ready for insertion in a folder) are available for sale from State Trefoil Guild Advisers.
Dark Horse Venture scheme available to Trefoil Guild Australia (1 July 2007). Following negotiation with The Dark Horse Venture UK, Trefoil Guild Australia now administers this venture scheme on behalf of their members.
For more information download the application form.
Trefoil Guild is the adult section of Guiding which links members and former members; female members of the Scout Association; and women who have not been Guides but are prepared to make the Guide Promise.
Members can join from 18 years onwards!
The purpose of a Trefoil Guild is
Women living in Australia who were members of Guiding or Scouting in other countries can also join Trefoil Guild. Those still active in Guiding as leaders of youth or adults may join Trefoil Guild.
Trefoil Guild are members of their State Guide organisation and pay an annual fee which covers membership in Guiding (this includes insurances); administration of Trefoil Guild (who are financially self supporting); and membership of the Australian and International Fellowship (the International World Scouting and Guiding organisation for adults).
Each Guild plans its own program and decides how to further its own aims. The time, place and frequency of meetings are determined by the Guild members. Each Guild is autonomous electing its own president, secretary and treasurer.
Individuals living in areas where there is not a Guild, in nursing homes, or who are disabled or working full time and unable to attend regular meetings may be Lone Members.
Each State has a Trefoil Guild Adviser who keeps Guilds informed of activities and events through their state newsletter.
All members are encouraged to attend the Australia wide National Gathering held biennially. Most States also hold their own Gatherings, Conferences or special events.
Trefoil Guild has its own badge. Members do not wear uniform but may choose to wear ‘Trefoil Guild dress’ - white blouse with navy skirt or slacks and special scarf. When at events or helping with Guide activities an “informal” polo or rugby shirts of their State colour at events may be worn.
Trefoil Guild is a member of the International Scout and Guide Fellowship (ISGF). To facilitate membership of this adult Fellowship, Trefoil Guild has joined with the Baden-Powell Guild and St Georges Guild to create the Australian Fellowship of Former Scouts and Guides (AFOFSAG). Members may attend the triennial World Conference and any Regional Gatherings which are arranged.
As Guide members, Trefoil Guild are linked to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts through Girl Guides Australia.
Contact: Girl Guides Australia
Telephone: (02) 9319 7206 or Fax: (02) 9319 7453
Email: trefoil@girlguides.org.au
See the training page for more details on training requirements and courses.
Read More