Lyndhurst: Julian Lewis joins campaign to save Foxlease

Girlguiding UK intends to sell Foxlease in Clay Hill, Lyndhurst, and four other facilities across the UK, claiming it would cost more than £20m to carry out the necessary improvements.

But Julian Lewis, Conservative MP for New Forest East, has launched a scathing attack on the plans.

He said: "The proposed closure of Foxlease and other centres is a huge step backwards for a much-loved organisation which has already spent far too much money on its London offices.

"The Charity Commission would do well to investigate the fitness and competence of the people responsible for these mistakes."

Girlguiding UK has responded by issuing a statement that makes no reference to the issues raised by Sir Julian.

It said: "For over 100 years, Girlguiding has changed as the lives of girls change.

"Girlguiding’s board of trustees regularly reviews strategy, risk and resources, in order to focus on the organisation’s core mission for all girls and to ensure it is financially sustainable for the future.  

"Following a comprehensive review, the board of trustees have made the recommendation to sell the five activity centres."

But supporters of Foxlease are determined to save the 65-acre centre, which celebrated its centenary last year.

They are planning to form a Community Interest Company (CIC) in the hope of buying Foxlease and enabling Girl Guides, Rainbows and other local groups to continue using the site.

The Foxlease centre at Clay Hill, Lyndhurst, is due to be closed by Girlguiding UK at the end of the year (Image: Newsquest.)

People have taken to social media to voice their support.

One person posted: "I am sad at the prospect that Girlguiding will cease to own Foxlease. However, it is wonderful to hear that there is a plan B to protect it for the future use of Girl Guides and other young people for future generations."

READ MORE: Petition launched to stop Girlguiding UK selling the Foxlease centre at Lyndhurst

Foxlease is a Georgian mansion house that was gifted to the Girl Guide movement in 1922.

Girlguiding UK says Foxlease and the other centres due to close on December 31 2023 need upgrades totalling £20m, but are used by only ten per cent of its members.

Youngsters at Foxlease celebrate the 90th birthday of the centre, which opened in 1922 (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Guides invade the New Forest for adventures at the Foxlease training and activity centre

Earlier this month campaigners fighting plans to sell the five centres travelled to London for a weekend of action that included a 12-hour vigil and campfire songs in St James Park.

An online petition against the proposed closures has been signed by more than 32,000 people.

Girlguiding UK's statement in full

"Through Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers, we support girls to laugh, learn, explore and have adventures.

"We help all girls know they can do anything, and we're proud to be squarely focused on what drives, challenges and excites girls now and in the future. 

"For over 100 years, Girlguiding has changed as the lives of girls change. Girlguiding’s board of trustees regularly reviews strategy, risk and resources, in order to focus on the organisation’s core mission for all girls and to ensure it is financially sustainable for the future.  

"Following a comprehensive review, the board of trustees have made the recommendation to sell the five activity centres Girlguiding owns - Blackland Farm, Foxlease, Glenbrook, Waddow Hall and Ynysgain.

"Under the proposal the five centres will keep operating until 31 December 2023. Girlguiding is now in a period of consultation with staff who may be affected by any implementation of this recommendation.  

"We are planning for all 2023 events and bookings (including Wellies and Wristbands) at our activity centres to go ahead, and the proposal is that the activity centres remain open until 31 December 2023.

"Girlguiding is unable to comment further during this time.

"Whatever the outcome of this process, adventure is everywhere in Girlguiding and we remain committed to giving all girls opportunities to experience adventure within their units, near their home, and in other locations and facilities."