This petition is backed by Christina Gascoigne, the Founding Patron of the West Horsley Place Trust and widow of Bamber Gascoigne.  It is not known why the previous petition, which so quickly attracted over 2,000 signatures, was withdrawn, so we are re-launching it to bring attention to Baschea's cause.  

The Charity, West Horsley Place Trust, was set up by Bamber and Christina Gascoigne in 2015 after Bamber inherited the Estate from his Great Aunt, the Duchess of Roxburghe, in 2014.  For over 20 years, Baschea Walsh has been resident in a cottage on the Estate. When Bamber and Christina passed the Estate over to the Charity, there was the understanding that the two tenants (one being Baschea) could stay for as long as they wanted.  

I am including a recent post published on Reddit about Baschea: " She is many things at West Horsley Place.  She is an asset to the site, acting as an unpaid and unofficial volunteer, tour guide, local historian, litter picker, caretaker, gardener, security guard, ambassador, host, tea-maker, chef....she makes weekly apple crumbles and custard for the builders during autumn, and never complains about the noise from generators, vehicles, late night music from weddings.....she restores lost property to rightful owners, has rescued stray cats on site, lends high vis jackets to parking stewards and checks in on everyone working on the site.  Over her 20 year span she has taken every opportunity to bring joy and smiles to employees, volunteers and guests alike.  She's even caught a wildfire.  She's prevented a suicide.  She's dispersed illegal camps.  She's even been a refuge for vulnerable women on site, helping more than one young woman escape abuse.....she has protected and loved West Horsley Place over 20 years....always paid her rent on time and is a real pillar of the community and a feature of the grounds".

The Trust, which claims to champion mental health and well-being, is preparing to evict Baschea to use her home as a holiday let, even though the neighbouring cottage has stood empty for 29 months.  This action is not only contrary to the mission of promoting mental well-being but also threatens the security and mental health of an elderly woman who has not only been more than just a supporter of the Charity, but also a resident of the village of West Horsley, of which she has also been an integral part.  

This eviction will make her homeless!

This petition isn't just a call to stop the eviction of one woman; it is a plea to defend the principles of compassion and support upon which the Trust was founded, by Bamber and Christina Gascoigne.

We stand united in urging Keith Bannister, the Chairman of West Horsley Place Trust to reconsider his decision.  Let us remind the Trust of its origins and its mission to enhance well-being—not diminish it. By signing this petition, we ask West Horsley Place Trust to halt the eviction of Baschea Walsh and restore her faith, and ours, in their commitment to the community.

Please sign this petition now and help us protect Baschea's home and the values we hold dear.