Coffs Trefoil Guild celebrates 40th birthday and long service members

COFFS Harbour Trefoil Guild celebrated its 40th birthday with a gathering of former and current members at Naomi England Lodge.

This year is also the 80th year of Australian Trefoil Guild which is part of the Girl Guides NSW ACT NT organisation.

Trefoil Guild is Guiding for Adults with branches located throughout Australia.

Coffs Harbour guild President Leonie Holley presented member Heather Austin with the Banksia Award acknowledging significant contributions to the Trefoil Guild’s activities and initiatives and 40 years of membership, including 38 years as Treasurer.

Now aged 90, she still attends meetings and activities and usually wins at Mini Golf.

Foundational member Dawn Janus was presented with a Long Service Badge and Certificate from Australia’s Chief Commissioner Dr Helen Reid.

Ms Janus was the youngest member to join in 1985 and was also responsible for creating the branch’s Trefoil Banner.

Vice President Margaret Richards was presented with a five-year membership certificate and Service Badge.

President Leonie Holley presented Mid North Coast Cancer Institute Nursing Manager Jill Harrington with a donation of $1103.85.

The money was raised at the Trefoil Guild’s Biggest Morning Tea held in May where both Jill and Hannah were guest speakers.

A video of Lady Baden-Powell’s brief stop at Coffs Harbour Airport during a visit to Australia in 1958 was viewed by all present with great interest.

“One of our members talked about being present at this special occasion,” Ms Holley said.

Beryl Laidley and Heather Austin read some information about the beginning of Trefoil Guild and the history of Naomi England Lodge.

The group meets on the third Tuesday of the month at the Naomi England Lodge Coffs Harbour at 10.30am for morning tea, activities and a chat.

New members are welcome.

By Andrea FERRARI