Earlier this week Girlguiding UK announced that Girlguiding activities in the British Overseas Territories will stay part of Girlguiding. The guiding in these areas (Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Saint Helena and Ascension Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands) will be integrated into the structure of the Girlguiding North West England region and will be governed by the senior volunteers and staff in the region.
The original decision to put an end to the 100-year old British Girlguiding Overseas operations was made last year and received criticism from a number of MPs. The decision came alongside the announcement by Girlguiding UK to close their 5 activity centres, one of which, Waddow Hall is located within the Ribble Valley and its proposed closure has received vast criticism from the young people who enjoy its facilities along with from Nigel Evans MP.
Commenting on the announcement Nigel Evans MP said:
"I am absolutely delighted that Girlguiding UK have reversed the decision to end girlguiding in the British Overseas Territories. The proposed closure would have shut down opportunities for thousands of girls in countries which have special links with the UK. Girlguiding undoubtedly allows girls to be themselves, try new activities and ultimately have fun so I am thrilled that girls in the British Overseas Territories will continue to be able to access these incredible opportunities.
"I am also hugely grateful to each member of Girlguiding UK that has been involved in working to develop a way forward for members in British Overseas Territories to remain a part of Girlguiding.
"Whilst this is a hugely welcome u-turn, the proposed closure of Girlguiding UK's five activity centres still remains and I sincerely hope that in the reversal of this decision Girlguiding are also considering the reversal of the decision to close activity centres such as Waddow Hall.
"Waddow Hall, located in the Ribble Valley is an incredible establishment which for generations has provided the opportunity for guide groups from all over the country and especially from urban areas to visit a safe rural environment, hosting a range of outdoor activities and opportunities. The closure of Waddow Hall would be devastating not only for those in the Ribble Valley, but for all young people in surrounding areas who will miss out on the opportunity to visit this incredible site and the activities that it has to offer.
"Following this hugely welcome and sensible reversal in the closure of Girlguiding in the British Overseas Territories I really hope that Girlguiding UK are looking at their decision to close their 5 Activity Centres including Waddow Hall, and that they will consider also u-turning on this decision which would have hugely negative consequences across the UK."