MATLOCK TREFOIL GUILD THINKING DAY CELEBRATED IN STYLE

February is always a special time in the Guiding calendar, but this year is particularly significant as members celebrate 100 years of World Thinking Day.

World Thinking Day, held annually on 22nd February, was established in 1926. It is a day when Girl Guides and Girl Scouts across the globe think of one another and celebrate their shared membership of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. The date was chosen to honour Robert Baden-Powell, Founder of Scouting, and Olave Baden-Powell, World Chief Guide of the Girl Guide and Girl Scout Movement, whose birthdays both fall on 22nd February.

Members of Matlock Trefoil Guild marked the occasion at their monthly meeting with an international theme. Everyone was invited to bring costumes or mementos from countries they had visited or had personal connections with. Each member shared memories and interesting facts about their chosen country before placing a candle on a world map.

There was a wonderful variety on display — colourful saris from India, traditional hats from Mexico, Nigerian dress, Icelandic headwear and artefacts from Japan, Singapore, the USA and Austria. There were even stories from the Winter Olympics in Italy, where one member has a close relative competing for Team GB in the women’s biathlon. It was a fascinating and lively evening, rounded off in true Trefoil fashion with coffee, biscuits and plenty of chat.

On Saturday, nine members travelled to Belper to join others from across Derbyshire for the county’s Thinking Day celebration. The day began with a ceremony reflecting on the history and aims of Thinking Day, including the traditional lighting of candles and renewal of promises.

A full programme of international crafts and activities followed, from mask-making and dream catchers to a challenging Africa-themed quiz. One of the highlights of the afternoon was a spectacular display by Bella’s Belly Dancing group. After the demonstration, members were invited to don shimmy belts and learn a few moves themselves — leading to much laughter and enjoyment.

The celebrations were a wonderful reminder of the international spirit of Guiding and Trefoil, and of the friendships that span the globe.

Next month’s meeting is titled ‘A Taste of Tea’. A speaker from Northern Tea Merchants will share their expertise, and this will be an open invitation meeting. Why not come along from 7-9pm on Thursday, 19th March at the newly refurbished Darley Dale Methodist Church Hall, which is now fully accessible.

For more information, call Ann on 07790 123429.