A short history
Haywards Heath Trefoil Guild was first conceived in 1999 when the retiring Chairman of South Downs Trefoil Guild thought about starting a new Guild in Haywards Heath. Having canvassed everyone who might be interested, enough replies were received to make it worth holding a meeting in the Queens Hall at Cuckfield. From this meeting in April 2000 Haywards Heath Guild was born with 6 members, 3 of whom remain members to this day. The Guild was officially registered on 26th July 2000 . In the first few months the members met in various houses and at outside venues during the summer months. Since then the Guild has gradually grown in numbers to our current total of 16. These days we usually meet in the Wesley Hall in Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath unless we are out and about pursuing a variety of activities.
- Louise Wagger
- haywardsheath@sussexcentraltrefoil.jjl-host.uk
- Upper Rooms/Wesley Hall, Haywards Heath Methodist Church, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex
- 2nd Thursday of Month - 7:30 pm – 9:30pm
The Guild has always tried to strike a balance between visiting places of interest, having a variety of speakers, learning new crafts and trying new activities, supporting Guiding in the District including fundraising for girls selected to travel abroad, and generally enjoying fun and friendship together. We have had many outings, some more recent memorable ones have been to The Blue Idol Quaker Meeting House at Coolham and to the Waste Recycling Centre near Horsham. Very diverse but both most interesting and informative. We have also enjoyed a Horse Drawn Canal trip on the River Wey and a visit to our local Tesco Store for a ‘behind the scenes’ tour. Our speakers have included the County Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne and Pam Brewer of ‘Owls out and about’ who brought a collection of Owls to show us. Our last face-to-face meeting was in March last year when Chris Eustace from High Weald Dairy brought a selection of cheeses for us to taste.
Proving that it is never too late to try something new, some of our members have climbed the stairs at Danehill Church and had a go at Bellringing while the less nimble members tried handbell ringing down below. We have also participated in team-building activities at Blacklands Farm, tried Bowls at the local Bowling Green, and played the Pub version in the Royal Oak at Barcombe. Quilting and making crochet octopus for premature babies were two of the crafts demonstrated at meetings leaving us quite in awe of the skill of both needlewomen. While we are unlikely to reach their level of ability we have all had a go at a variety of other crafts from felting pictures to glass engraving.
Over the years the Guild has enjoyed several visits to Foxlease, attended County and Regional A.G.M.’s, and participated in County Events and training. We have helped out at Unit meetings for all sections and have been entertained by the girls in return.
We have assisted at the WS International Camps at Ardingly Showground, raised funds for many good causes including supporting local girls fundraising for International trips, and maintained our links with other local Guilds.
No Trefoil Guild review would be complete without a mention of food. Many of our visits have included either lunch or afternoon tea out. We have cooked and shared recipes at meetings, enjoyed Barbecues and Summer picnics at members houses, and celebrated Christmas with meals out as well as very successful bring and share Christmas Dinners. When the weather has permitted we have enjoyed a campfire at the Guide Hall and have toasted the usual campfire fare. Last year, July 2020 would have been our official 20th Birthday and we had planned to mark the occasion with Afternoon Tea and a birthday cake. Hopefully, we will be able to celebrate our 21st birthday together in person.
At our Annual Meeting last year we were pleased to welcome our new Chairman who has dragged many of us into the new territory known as ‘Zoom’. After a few teething problems and much patience on her part, up to 13 members are meeting online. We have enjoyed quizzes, games, and craft activities, adapting the planned programme where possible, and delivering materials to everyone’s home. Email, WhatsApp, and telephone ensure everyone else is included.