In May this year, Girlguiding UK said they intend to close five training and activity centres at the end of 2023 including Foxlease at Lyndhurst in Hampshire.
We have worked tirelessly since that announcement, setting up Foxie’s Future to find a solution so that those in Girlguiding and the wider community can continue to use this historic site now and in the future.
After a period of consultation with those involved, Girlguiding UK has announced that the proposed sale will proceed. They met with us to inform us of the outcome of their consultation and we understand that they will be considering bids and expressions of interest for purchasers.
As our charity registration has now been confirmed, we are optimistic that Foxie’s Future has the opportunity to forge ahead with its plans to save the site by fundraising for its purchase.
Dr Deborah Lafferty, Chair of the Trustees of Foxie’s Future, said “We are disappointed by the decision that Girlguiding UK has announced regarding the closure of its Activity Centres including Foxlease. Foxie’s Future remains committed to finding alternative solutions to closure and will now commence further action in earnest. We are pleased to learn that Girlguiding UK may be prepared to consider Foxie’s Future as a purchaser of the site.”
Foxlease has been in existence since 1922 and celebrated its Centenary last year. We must save this important activity centre for today’s AND tomorrow’s young people and the communities that use the site locally, nationally and internationally. Volunteers, youth organisations and community groups all benefit from this historic property in the beautiful New Forest.
Foxlease is home to unique archives that must be preserved, for future generations to enjoy. Foxlease hosted the Guides’ third international conference, the sixth world conference and the first World Camp. It is so much more than Guiding, it is a safe space for large-scale events, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and adventures that cannot be done elsewhere. Other Guide, Scout and youth centres in this region cannot match the 65 acres with its 14 campsites in the New Forest.
We need your help! Please spread the word about the aims of Foxie’s Future. For more information see our website www.foxiesfuture.co.uk, our Facebook page (Foxie’s Future) or email us at foxiesfuture@gmail.com.
From: Foxie’s Future, Lyndhurst.
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