Girlguiding UK has recently announced the closure of Princess Mary House Foxlease, a beloved and historic property that has been an integral part of the Girlguiding community for over 100 years. This decision will have a devastating impact on thousands of girls and young women who have benefited from the unique opportunities provided by this facility.

Princess Mary House Foxlease is more than just a building; it is a place where girls can come together to learn new skills, make lifelong friendships, and develop their confidence and leadership abilities. The property offers a wide range of activities, including camping, hiking, archery, canoeing, and much more. It also provides accommodation for groups from all over the world who come to experience the beauty and history of this unique location.

The closure of Princess Mary House Foxlease will not only affect current members but also future generations who will miss out on these invaluable experiences. It is estimated that over 10,000 girls visit Princess Mary House Foxlease every year. These visits provide them with opportunities to develop important life skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving and resilience.

Furthermore, closing down Princess Mary House Foxlease would mean losing an important piece of our cultural heritage. The property dates back to the early 1900s when it was gifted by Princess Mary as a place for Girl Guides to gather in peace during World War I. Since then it has been used continuously by Girlguiding UK as well as other organizations.

We urge Girlguiding UK to reconsider its decision to close down Princess Mary House Foxlease. We believe that this historic property should be preserved for future generations so that they too can benefit from its unique offerings.

Sources:
- https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-hampshire-57104104
- https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/about-us/our-history/princess-mary-house/
- https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/19289487.girlguiding-uk-announces-closure-princess-mary-house-foxlease/