The Brindabella Trefoil Guild is out to beat the record of last year’s first Beanie Big Good Turn by knitting more than 650 beanies by June 7. But they need some help.

A social group of ex-Girl Guides, Trefoil Guilds are open to women over 18 who are either actively involved in Girl Guides or have a history with the association. 

Last year, the Brindabella group hosted its first Beanie Big Good Turn, an initiative to knit beanies to share around Canberra with those toughing out the bitter winter.

They will donate what they make to Vinnies Night Patrol, St John’s Care and Winnunga Nimmityjah. 

This year, they’ve given themselves until June 7 to out-knit last year’s 650 beanies.

The big finale is on Saturday, June 7, when Trefoil Guild members and other Canberra knitters are invited to Wanniassa Guide Hall, Hyland Place, 9.30am-2.30pm, to share in what Christine says will be a lovely day full of knitting and companionship. 

“This is our largest community commitment,” she says. 

“We will supply wool and ask that knitters bring their own 4mm needles.

“We are also very, very happy to accept donations of beanies.”

Complete with a morning tea and a soup-and-bun lunch, Christine says they’re keen to open their doors for knitters from all walks of life to join them.

“We are also asking the knitters of Canberra if they would like to contribute to this community service by knitting beanies in advance,” she says with the offer of a free beanie pattern and wool.

“We’ve had so many donations to create such an amazing stockpile of wool now that we can give to our knitters.”

With support from members of the Canberra Knitters Group, Christine says they are thankful to the community for their donations and encouragement. 

Christine says the Brindabella Trefoil Guild has an age range from 20s all the way to some in their 90s. 

She has been president of the Brindabella group for two years, although she says her involvement with Guides spans more than 40 years. 

Before retiring, Christine was a leader to a great number of Guides’ groups, from Gumnuts to Brownies. 

The Girl Guides were established in the UK in 1910, by Lady Olave Baden-Powell, three years after the Scouts movement was formed by her husband, Lord Robert Baden-Powell. The Girls Guides arrived in Australia in 1911. 

Activities traditionally included needlework, cooking, first aid, nursing and physical culture. 

Although the Girl Guide promise has changed since Christine swore in so many years ago, she says it still holds the same core principles to heart, some that she is proud to carry with her every day. 

“The Trefoil group is a lovely bunch of women who want to uphold the promise and stay connected with one another,” she says.

According to their promise, Girl Guides will, “make choices for a better world. Use [their] time and abilities wisely and be thoughtful and optimistic.” 

“I’m a Girl Guide at heart, I really am,” says Christine. 

For the free beanie pattern, wool or to return pre-made beanies, contact Christine at 0407 123670. And if you’re coming to the Beanie Big Good Turn at Wanniassa Guide Hall, Hyland Place, 9.30am-2.30pm, on June 7. RSVP to Christine by May 31.