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A message from Hilary, our Region Chair
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Trefari was a great success thanks to all those who participated, plus a huge thank you to Frances and her team of Jane, Sue and Avril. It was a joy to meet so many of you in the five locations and brilliant PR. SWE certainly knows how to have fun together.
It was also lovely to see a hall filled with smiling faces at Reading for our Annual Meeting. Our speaker, Barry, really enjoyed his time with us and spoke very highly of our organization. We thought he was just brilliant.
At Llandudno, I was able to catch up with some of those who had travelled from the region for the National Annual Meeting. You just never knew who you would bump into walking along the prom. It was a great meeting with an inspiring speaker.
My thanks to all who attended these events and represented South West England Trefoil.
So much now to look forward to in 2023. Stay safe until we meet again.
Hilary
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Welcome
to our new Region President
and the following new members of the Region Executive
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Sheila Leete - Region President
When Hilary Crane, our Region Chair, approached me for a chat, I had no idea what she was about to ask! After the initial shock and delight, I had no compunction about accepting my new role.
My involvement in Girlguiding as a leader started when my husband took on a contract with the MOD based in one of four Child Guidance Centres across West Germany. By this time, our older daughter had moved on to Guides. With a long drive to the nearest unit, I offered to help at the Brownie unit which was running at the same time. Within a couple of weeks, I was hooked! Back in the UK five years later, the first phone call I made was to the local Division Commissioner asking if there was a Brownie unit that needed a leader. There was no looking back! Although my main role was as Brownie Leader, I was involved in organising BP weekends, as well as Guiding events and overseas trips at all levels.
Trefoil for me started when a small group of us set up an evening guild to fit in with our working lives; Mudeford Trefoil Guild continues to be a big part of my life. A couple of the many Trefoil highlights for me was being County Chair of Dorset when the Region 75th Anniversary Annual Meeting was held in our County and being selected for the TOPAZ trip to Russia in 2017.
Growing up as a very shy brownie and guide, I never dreamed then that my involvement with Girlguiding would be lifelong and that I would experience so much. Apart from my time in what was then BGIFC, now BGO, all my Guiding life has been in South West England, a Region that I know so well, and love.
I am delighted to be taking on the role as President, supporting Hilary, and the Trustees, as well as renewing old friendships and making new friends over my time in office.
Sheila
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Sue Copley - Programme & Development Adviser
After being a Brownie, Guide and Ranger In Worcester, I moved to Hampshire North and was a Brownie Guider for 12 years before the birth of my first daughter. Whilst I had daughters in Guiding and in the county I decided not to go back 'into uniform' so, instead, I joined Friends of Guiding, eventually becoming chairman. When my daughters left Guides and I was no longer eligible for the local FOG, I was asked to be the division secretary and then treasurer, which became the all-encompassing division administrative role. I was heavily involved in the procurement of the new division Guide Hall.
I joined Trefoil ten years ago and have just finished a term as chairman of Fleet Trefoil and as county P&D and Voyage Award Adviser. I was very surprised to be asked by Hilary to be the new P&D Adviser but, after careful thought, I decided to say yes.
I do like a challenge, so…. be prepared to be WOWed from next year, and if you have any programme questions or good ideas that have worked well in your guild please contact me – swetrefoilpandd@gmail.com
Sue ~~~~~~
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Julie Dennis - County Chair Royal Berkshire
I have been involved in Guiding for 30 years and a member of Trefoil for 5 years. I still run a Rainbow and Brownie unit, which keeps me in touch with Girlguiding and its young members.
I love being part of Earley Trefoil, my local Guild, and I feel very honoured to be appointed as Chair of Berkshire. I'm looking forward to meeting members from across the County and joining in with the amazing opportunities available to us.
Julie
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Julia Blackmore - County Chair Bristol & South Gloucestershire
In my guiding life I ran rainbow, brownie,guide and ranger units and was joint County Commissioner for Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
Outside of guiding I have always enjoyed travelling at home and abroad. I love socialising with friends and family, especially when food is involved!
I enjoy trips to the theatre, music, reading, and knitting for various charities. I believe Trefoil offers everyone the opportunity to enjoy new experiences and achieve personal dreams.
Julia
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Carol Firth - County Chair Isle of Wight
I was born in East London and joined the Navy straight from school but, after marriage and having 2 daughters, we moved to the Isle of Wight and I went into childcare and have done that ever since.I am retiring at the end of this term. I have been happily married to Dave for 46 years. I joined Girlguiding in 1991 and joined Trefoil 5 years ago. My husband tells me that my hobby is eating cake so Trefoil and Friends of Guiding, which I also belong to, is a dream come true as he thinks we do a lot of cake eating!.
Carol
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Pat Bullement - Joint County Chair Wiltshire South
I was a Guide in my hometown of Hull, East Yorkshire. I moved to Salisbury in my early 20s. At a church service, a young Brownie stood up and told the congregation what happened at a Brownie meeting. She finished by saying ‘and please we need a Guider’. My aunt turned to me and said, ‘you can do that’. I have never looked back and have been a Brownie, Guide and Ranger Guider. I have loved every minute and so proud to now be Trefoil Joint County Chair for Wiltshire South.
Pat
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We also welcome Christine Richardson as chair of Wiltshire North and Caroline Bruce as joint chair, with Pat, of Wiltshire South. You can find out more about them in our next edition.
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Trefari 20 in 2022 finally happened and what a fantastic time we had.
Paignton Zoo
Our first Trefari was at Paignton Zoo and members, mostly from Devon, Somerset and Wiltshire, enjoyed perfect sunny weather. In fact, the weather was so warm that most of the animals hid away to keep cool, That didn't spoil our fun and much laughter could be heard around the zoo as Trefoil members took full advantage of being able to meet up together again. We were able to spread the word about Trefoil to members of the public and we're hopeful that one of the zoo-keepers will join.
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Not an animal to be seen!
Above: Happy twins from Exminster enjoying the slide.
Bottom left: Hilary is triumphant as she made it safely to the bottom of the slide.
Bottom right: Plymstock with Hilary.
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Cotswold Wildlife Park
The whole park was awash with red and no one could fail to see us. We certainly made our presence felt and even the animals came out to see what was happening. Again, we were lucky with the weather - just perfect for catching up with our friends and spotting the wildlife.
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Top: Caz, of Spa Trefoil welcoming Louisa as she renews her promise as a Trefoil member.
Middle left: Margaret, Jenny and Stella. Middle right: Jenny, with the Scarlet Ibis dressed appropriately for a Trefoil day out.
Bottom left: Helen and Linda from Forest North. Those ice-creams look delicious.
Bottom right: Ede and Sue from Coopers Hill Trefoil. Spot the animal in the distance.
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Longleat Safari Park
Another wonderful Trefari Day was spent at Longleat. We had such fun seeing the animals, riding on the train, taking a Jungle Cruise, a guided coach tour through the wild animal enclosure, and so much more. Being a Saturday, many of our younger Trefoils were able to be us too.
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Top: Sam, Chair of The Distant Fellowship Guild, meets up with fellow members Tia, Beth and Emily.
Middle: Bristol West members and their families enjoy a ride and a sail on the Jungle Cruise.
Bottom Left: Trefs on Tour, with their furry tigers
Bottom Right: Swaps - with Frances and Liz.
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Bristol Zoo
Over 100 members met at Bristol Zoo and, again, the weather was so kind to us. How lovely it was to meet up again with so many of our Trefoil friends from around the region. The general public couldn't fail to spot us in our Trefoil polos and scarves - another great PR opportunity.
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Top: Clutton enjoying the penguins' antics
Middle Left: Brislington St Annes members raring to go
Middle Right: Penny, Margaret, Janet and Sue of Chew Valley, and Yeo Vale pausing on their walkabout
Bottom Left: A very relaxed Hilary
Bottom Right: Issey enjoying her ice cream.
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Marwell Zoo
Our last Trefari Day and 150 members descended on the zoo. It was another fabulous day and, apart from a damp start, the weather was really kind. The animals must have wondered who this strange species of red-clad humans were as we ambled around peering at them whilst we met up with our Trefoil friends again. It was another day of that special Trefoil friendship and fun.
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Top: Frances, Jane and Avril meet the dinosaurs
Middle Left: Carmen and Christine from Wroughton and Hazel from Beaminster pause for a photo.
Middle Right: Judy, Anne and Mavis from Bere Forest, Hampshire East, saying hello to the rhinos.
Bottom Left: Carol and Pat hatching out of the dinosaur's egg.
Bottom Right: Carol puts her head in the rhino's mouth whilst Pam looks on from a safe distance!.
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Congratulations
on the following achievements and successes
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Hampshire North
'Three amazing ladies have together given 150 years service to Girlguiding in both the UK and across the world and were recognised for their achievements at Girlguiding Hampshire North's County afternoon tea.
Congratulations to Robbie Hill, Chair Hampshire North Trefoil, for 60 years service, Loris for 50 years service and Wendy for 40 years service.'
Hopefully, Wendy and Loris will join Robbie in Trefoil before too long.
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A Thanks and Recognition Badge for Sue Copley,
new Region Programme and Development Adviser
At the meeting of Fleet Guild in May, Sue Copley was very surprised to be presented with a Thanks & Recognition Badge. She had reached the end of her 5 year role as Guild Chairman, taking them through the lockdown by organising fortnightly 40 minutes Zoom meetings on a variety of subjects, organising with her Committee gift 'baskets' at Christmas and then at Easter for all their members which was a great surprise for them. Non-computer owners had been allocated a buddy to keep them informed of all news coming down from HQ, Region and County. Sue had also been Programme and Development Adviser for the County almost at the same time and a very enthusiastic and encouraging Voyage Award Adviser - gaining her Gold Award as an example to everyone else undertaking the Challenges.
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Sue is seen here being presented with her Thanks and Recognition Badge
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Voyage Award Successes
Congratulations to the following members who gained Voyage Awards between
March to July 2022
BRONZE
Susan Roberts Hellys Guild, Cornwall
Diane Jeenes Devon Lones, Devon
Sandra Clarke Exeter City Guild, Devon
Margaret Brett Exmouth Guild, Devon
Carol Morris Devon Lones, Devon
Heather Emery Newquay & District, Cornwall
SILVER
Amanda Jane Rowe Gribbin Guild, Cornwall
Becky Call Newquay & District, Cornwall
GOLD
Jane Thorne Wells Guild, Somerset
Jean Powell Liskeard & District, Cornwall
Sheila Watson Exeter City Guild, Devon
Sue Duncan Wroughton&Dist.Wiltshire N.
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Region Compass Award
Val Roberts is a member of Reading Riverside Trefoil and Leader of 2nd Tilehurst Brownies (Saltney Mead District). In September, Val and a guest will travel to Salisbury to receive her SWE Region Compass Award. She was nominated by her Assistant Leader with many leaders, past and present, only too happy to endorse her nomination.
Saltney Mead District, within the Reading Riverside Division, are so proud of her achievements. Her commitment to Girlguiding didn’t miss a beat during the lockdowns - her Brownie unit met almost every week, initially on Zoom - then in all weathers at the local park before getting back into her meeting hall. Her cheerful and ever-positive support of and guidance towards other leaders was an example to all and still is!!! A few months before the lockdowns began, Val received her 30 year award as well as celebrating her 60th birthday and her surprise wedding - all on the same day! Then 2 days later she went on Brownie holiday to Thirtover Place. WOW! That’s Val - leader and Trefoil member extraordinaire!
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Below: Earley Trefoil (Berkshire), celebrated their postponed 60th Anniversary at Riseley Village Tea Rooms. They had a wonderful afternoon which included a fantastic tea, a quiz about life 60 years ago and a 'Guess Which Member' quiz. 3 members made their Trefoil Promise.
In June, 16 Wokingham members also enjoyed a wonderful afternoon there. In their words - 'We ate too much but we do take food, friendship and fun literally.
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South West England Annual Meeting
Reading Town Hall
Reading Town Hall was full to the brim with members from around the region and what a sight greeted Eileen, our National Chair, as she made her way onto the stage accompanied by Hilary. Though we're not a uniformed organisation, most members chose to wear their red polo shirts so a sea of red filled the auditorium.
Jane Bingham, President of Royal Berkshire Trefoil, continues the story.
Royal Berkshire had been busy planning the Region Annual Meeting for several years and had a small group of 6 members who met regularly on Zoom and then face to face to discuss what we wanted and what Region wanted us to do.
We had planned the welcome cards which Girlguiding Royal Berkshire organised for us, and I bought the small biscuit packs from the cash and carry in February. Our small group then met in a Community centre room to make the welcome packs. This took 2 mornings.
Region designed and sent out the invitation cards for VIPs and members and, in the meantime, Janet R made and sent out the application forms which she received and recorded; this was a mammoth task, which she did brilliantly.
The Region team came to the Reading Town Hall twice and we met them there to discuss the day, tea and venue.
One of our guilds volunteered to organise the Mereoak Park and Ride, which we were grateful to delegate to them. We then asked the Guild members for volunteers for the day. We were very pleased with the number who stewarded, and thank them most sincerely. One Guild chairman organised the County Banners, and of course there were stewards at the Station. The Trefoil County Executive also discussed all the planning as well over the years.
We were very pleased that Reading Football Club weren’t playing at home that day, and that we had dry weather.
Thank You all of Berkshire Trefoil for all your hard work, and also to the Region Trefoil Team and you, the members for coming to the meeting. I was thrilled to meet a 90 year old member from Bristol, who used to work as an apprentice in my Father's and Aunt's Flower shop many years ago, and who saw me first when Dad and Mum took me into the shop on my way home from the Nursing Home in 1944!
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Above you see Eileen Martin, our National Trefoil Chair, with Yeoman Warder of the Tower of London, Barry Stringer MBE, and Hilary Crane, our Region Chair - and it looks as if the 'other' Yeoman Warder lost his head in the tower before arriving in Reading!
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Above Left: Exeter City Trefoil outside the town hall
Above Right: Hilary, Region Chair, with Sue, Region Secretary, and Jane, Region Treasurer.
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National Annual Meeting
Llandudno
Most counties were well represented this year and members were able to share in the fun and friendship that such an occasion brings. What a fabulous weekend it was - meeting up with Trefoil friends around the country at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.
We were mesmerised by our guest speaker - Tori James, a former Brownie, Guide and Ranger and the first Welsh woman to climb Mount Everest at the age of 25. She was truly inspirational.
The evening's entertainment was 'A Taste of Wales', with a young brother and sister duo enthralling us with Welsh songs, accompanied by a harpist and an amazing Welsh Male Voice Choir.
'You've Been Framed'
Just a few of the 'photos in a frame' taken at Venue Cymru
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Above heading: Jane- County Chair - Hampshire West, Gloria - Chandlers Ford, Janet - Fair Oak, Chris - Torquay.
Top: Stella - SW England International Adviser and Sue - Hampshire Lones.
Middle Left: Clare, Shirley and Rene - FarehamTrefoil.
Middle Right: Patsy - Exeter City, Laurie - Dartmouth, Janet - Axminster and County Chair Devon.
Bottom Left: Judith and Jane - Wokingham Trefoil
Bottom Right: Ede - Coopers Hill, Pauline - Woolstrap, Linda - Royal Forest of Dean North and Teresa - Nailsworth and Minchinhampton, also County Chair Gloucestershire.
Out and About in Llandudno
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Top: Forest South Trefoil were mistaken for a hen party!
Middle Left: Corinium Trefoil becoming acquainted with the Mad Hatter.
Middle Right: Berkshire 'playing' on the beach. They did go for a paddle - hence the bare feet!
Bottom Left: Jersey members surveying the scene up the Great Orme. The 'bracing breeze' certainly blew the cobwebs away.
Bottom Right: Sarnia Trefoil from Guernsey enjoying Llandudno.
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Celebrating
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee
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Most Guilds celebrated in some way and we would need an even larger e-news to include all - so here is just a small snippet of the celebrations, and no one will be surprised to read that all of them included food!
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Middle Left: Penwith Trefoil (Cornwall) celebrated with a Cornish Cream Tea (jam first of course). Hosted by Lyn, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon together and are hopeful that 2 new ladies who joined them for the afternoon will become members.
Middle Right: Stroud Trefoil raising a glass to HM The Queen's favourite tipple - dubonnet and gin with lemon.
Bottom Left: Jubilee Street Party at Gloucestershire Trefoil Camp at Macaroni Wood. Photo courtesy of Jenny Farmer
Bottom Left: Jubilee Street Party at Gloucestershire Trefoil Camp at Macaroni Wood. Photo courtesy of Jenny Farmer.
Bottom Right: Bideford Trefoil enjoying their celebrations.
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Region Round-Up
Now Covid restrictions have eased, all members have been out and about and everywhere, doing all kinds of things that it would almost need a separate e-news to include everything. Below are just a few photos to show the varied activities that have been happening throughout South West England Region.
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Above: Bristol NW enjoying Crazy Golf. 'Now, just where did that ball go?'.
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Top: Swanage Trefoil enjoyed an afternoon at Bennett's Water Garden in Weymouth, then they enjoyed s'mores.
Bottom Left: 2nd Bath Trefoil exploring the Kennet and Avon Canal before taking a trip on 'Barbara McLellan'.
Bottom Right: Some Hampshire West members learning about geocaching.
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When Radio Berkshire put out the call for any knitters to make Ukraine Comfort Dolls to be sent out to the children in Ukraine, Joan Pearson of Earley Trefoil heeded the call and set to. Here she is with just a selection of some of the adorable little dolls she has made.
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Somerset North's
Get Together and PR Day
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Above: Phiilida, Clutton Trefoil and Simple Wheat Weaving expert, with Jenny and Fiona from 2nd Bath Trefoil who are showing the fruits of their Simple Wheat Weaving labours.
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Somerset North County Trefoil held a 'Get Together and PR Day' at Chew Valley Lake all day on Friday 8 July. The weather behaved impeccably with blue skies and sunshine all day and a slight breeze coming off the water from time to time, which was very welcome.
Over the course of the day, 45 members and their husbands, from eight of the Trefoil Groups around the County, met together to chat and eat their picnics (or go for lunch in the excellent cafe). There were also various crafts and activities on offer, including Simple Wheat Weaving, origami ducks, making greeting cards, Duck and Geese word search, and Cryptogramme which were very interesting as we had to work out the names of four royal residences - very topical!
There was also a visit from our Girlguiding County Commissioner, Carolyn Welford and her Mum. PR boards were on display together with an international display, so the profile of Trefoil was certainly raised as no one could miss the Trefoil flags fluttering in the breeze. Trefoil members were able to talk to members of the public, many of whom were visiting the area. Publicity materials were handed out so, although no new local members were recruited, it is hoped that the visitors went back to their own localities to find out about Trefoil in their own area.
Everyone agreed that it had been a lovely day and there is now talk of it becoming an annual County event.
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Above left: Jenny (Somerset North County Chair), Teresa (County PRA) and Fiona (County Secretary).
Above Right: Good friends Mary from Chew Valley and Jan from Clutton Trefoil meet each other for the first time in ages.
Below: Jampots Misty showing Mary how to make an origami duck.
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Hampshire East enjoyed wonderful weather at the County Get-Together at Sandy Acres. These 3 members from Emsworth Trefoil found some very welcome shade.
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Let's Get Back Down
to Earth!
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At the age of 81, Joyce Hutchings of Holbury and District Trefoil Guild has just completed a charity Skydive. Joyce was taking part in the annual fundraising event which raises money for Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington. Joyce’s husband Ron was cared for at Oakhaven before he died in 2014. The hospice does amazing work and Joyce wanted to raise funds for them so they can help more people as they did her family. Joyce raised just over £1500 for the charity and says the Skydive was amazing to do but was definitely a ONCE in a lifetime event...... Never again!
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RDA
Riding for the Disabled Association
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Last but very definitely NOT least!
South West England were in force at the RDA Championships 15th - 16th July.
Our new Region President, Sheila, in her capacity as National Programme and Development Adviser, together with Frances - National PRA, Jane - Region Treasurer, and Avril - Region PRA, spent a fantastic couple of days at the RDA National Championships at Hartpury, Gloucester. They were representing Trefoil in its final year of sponsorship of RDA.
It was a delight to watch the competitors taking part in the various disciplines, especially the Countryside Challenge which is supported by Trefoil. Sheila and Avril were privileged to be invited to shadow the judges in the arena for that challenge - so special to see close up the concentration, expertise and obvious enjoyment of all competitors. This was made even more special as they were able to present the rosettes to the winners at the end of the day. The final day saw Frances and Avril presenting rosettes and trophies to further winners of the Countryside Challenge.
Everyone was so appreciative of the financial help given by Trefoil members through our fundraising in 2018, our 75th year, and agreed that the Countryside Challenge was just amazing. Judges, especially, commented about its specialness, with focus on achievement, progression and enjoyment. During the course, riders had challenging tasks to test their skills - such as posting letters, picking apples from the trees, going through the Trefoil gate and walking along a bridle path whilst encountering sheep, hens, a fox and a duck pond.
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Above Left: Frances and Sheila
Above Right: Jane has just hooked a duck!
Below: Avril just checking that the Trefoil gate opens.
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Will you be ready?
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So far, 2022 has proved to be an extremely busy one and it's so good to be able to meet together and share that wonderful friendship and fun that only Trefoil brings.
We've certainly been mindful of our Trefoil key messages:
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e-news 3 is just a snippet of Trefoil happenings so far this year. Hopefully, all Trefoil members will have been able to access it in some way. Please do pass it on to those outside Trefoil too.
Watch out for our next e-news, scheduled for the Autumn.
Do have a wonderful and safe summer.
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