Following Girlguiding UK’s recent announcement that it is selling off all five of its outdoor activity centres, the Ribble Valley site Waddow Hall has now been officially listed for sale. The 17th Century Manor House and Estate has been managed by Girlguiding since 1927, with many thousands of girls and young people having been able to make use of its facilities in that time.
In light of Girlguiding UK’s decision, a number of committed volunteers have joined together to create a new charity, The Waddow Hall Trust. The aim of this new charity is to raise the funds necessary to purchase and continue to operate Waddow as an outdoor activity centre, with a greater emphasis on it’s heritage and importance to the local area and community.
The Waddow Hall Trust have managed to secure Asset of Community Value Status for the majority of the Estate from the local authority meaning they have 6 months from 16th October 2023 to raise the purchase price of £3.25m.
The local Member of Parliament Nigel Evans said:
“Waddow Hall is an incredible establishment, having visited myself I have witnessed first hand the wonderful opportunities they offer to young people and others. Though it is terribly sad to have seen Girlguiding give up on the site, I have been hugely impressed by the speed and organisation of the newly established Waddow Hall Trust. I have absolute confidence in them and I would urge everyone who cares about their community to look into their plans and give generously to their campaign.
“Individuals can donate directly on their webpage and if any businesses or larger organisations are interested in getting involved or taking on a sponsorship, please do reach out to me or contact the Waddow Hall Trust directly.”
Janet Taylor, Chair of Trustees at The Waddow Hall Trust:
“We can, and will, bring the Waddow estate to the community. We are strong, determined and capable. Support us and make this happen - together we can achieve anything.”
Nigel Evans has also recently backed the Waddow Hall Trust’s bid for grant funding from the government’s Community Ownership Fund which could make available up to £2 million pounds to support the purchase. The fund is worth £150m over 4 years and is designed to support community groups across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to take ownership of assets which are at risk of being lost to the community.
For more information on The Waddow Hall Trust including how to donate or offer support please visit the website at: https://waddowhalltrust.co.uk/ or Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/waddowhalltrust