Letter: Girlguiding UK centre at Foxlease closing a “bolt out of the blue”

SIR – Like a "bolt out of the blue" came the devastating news that the London HQ of Girlguiding is going to close the five activity centres - including Foxlease at Lyndhurst.

The house has belonged to the Guides for 100 years since the owner, Mrs Archbold, gave it to the association in 1922 and Princess Mary endowed it with money from her wedding presents.

Over the last 100 years it has welcomed Guides, Brownies, Rainbows and Guiders with friendship, warmth and love.

It has been a safe haven for campers and those with special needs. It has even been been a wedding venue for one of the house assistants!

Over the years it has made so wonderful memories for thousands of people, and yet with the stroke of a pen, the London HQ has consigned it to history!

Or, at least, they think they have.

The spirit that 100 years ago forced Lord Baden-Powell to start Guiding for girls is still alive and well and is going to fight to keep Foxlease.

They say that the Friends of Foxlease need £10 million to buy it. Not too much when you think what the house has meant to Guiding over the past 100 years and what it still means today – and how many people have already pledged their support!

We fight on.

Christine Scott
Address supplied