Matlock Trefoil members have had a busy autumn. After enjoying the last of the summer outdoor events with a trip down Cromford canal on the beautiful traditional narrowboat ‘Birdswood’ indoor meetings resumed.
Bees and honey were the September theme. Bee keeper, Richard Matkin travelled up from the south of the county and everyone was fascinated as he shared his knowledge and enthusiasm. We saw samples of the frames from his many hives, and learnt about the queen bee, the worker bees and the drones, how they collect nectar and how honey is produced and harvested. The distance a bee flies in its life is astonishing. It is possible for bees to fly as far as 5 miles for food. However, an average distance would be less than a mile from the hive. A strong colony of around 60,000 bees therefore flies the equivalent distance from earth to the moon everyday!
Most members went home with a jar of beautiful local honey, which the scribe can confirm is absolutely delicious!
Our October speaker travelled even further to talk to us but was a fellow trefoiler from West Mercia. Ravi travelled to Thailand on the 8-member 2023 Trefoil TOPAZ team.
TOPAZ stands for Trefoil overseas partnership: adventure with zest. Teams of Trefoil members work together on overseas projects combining adventure with supporting the growth of Trefoil in partnership with Girl Guide Associations around the world.
Ravi told us that being a part of this project had given her a massive boost in confidence. “Believe it or not” she said, “I was a quiet and very shy person before joining a TOPAZ trip”
She had learned new life skills and loved the opportunities that international Trefoil offers. Part of the project was constructing an animal proof fence around an orphanage, which was challenging but so worthwhile. Also teaching English to schoolchildren in Thailand was an amazing experience and she is now hoping to complete a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course in the future. She also enjoyed the cultural exchange activities they participated in, including bead making with magazines, making and exchanging friendship bracelets and learning Thai embroidery.
Midlands Trefoil International Day was held in Derbyshire this year and saw over 350 members from across the midlands enjoying a day packed with interest. The morning speaker was Marianne Heading. She has been a Brownie, Guide and District Commissioner which all helped to give her a taste for adventure. Marianne first completed the Montane Yukon Ultra Race in Alaska in 2011 and won it in 2019!! We heard of her adventures during her training and the challenges she faced during the 7 day race across in-hospitable territory at temperatures of -30 to -40 degrees. An inspirational woman
The afternoon was full of activities to try, all with an international flavour, everything from Chinese writing to Maori poi balls. Matlocks contribution was Christmas customs from other countries. A fabulous day.
New members, young or not so young are always welcome. If you were once a guide or brownie it will bring back memories, and if you weren’t then you will be just as welcome and make new friends. Call Ann on 07790 123429 to find out more.
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