Our existing headquarters is old, small, and hardly suitable for today’s ecological expectations.
The Guide Hut has been on the site for more than 40 years as it was leased to us by the Garton family when the original land in Chipstead Road was used for development. The current building was put up through fundraising done by the then Leaders who are now the Trefoil Guild, and who still fundraise and support the District. It is the Headquarters of Banstead District and 5 units operate out of this building, together with the Little Haven Nursery School. The building is always in demand and we hope that a new building will encourage further usage for children’s activities.
The current HQ, a prefabricated building, was only meant to have a 20 year life and fortunately has far exceeded this, although it really does need replacing now as it is falling down and we have had major problems with the flat roof leaking.
The site came under threat a few years ago when Surrey County Council were considering selling the site for redevelopment. Our neighbours, Wessex Garage Doors, very kindly saved us and purchased the whole site and have entrusted the land our building sits on to Girlguiding UK, so Guiding in Banstead has a safe home for the future.
We now need help in raising funding towards the new build which will be put up during the summer of 2012. Our target is £200,000 in total. We are looking for any help and sponsorship to achieve this and hope that perhaps past parents of girls and even former girls, who have grown up and whose daughters are enjoying the benefits that Girlguiding has to offer now, will contribute to this worthwhile cause to ensure that Guiding in Banstead can continue for another 100 years and beyond.
Any contributions can be sent to our Treasurer at 78 Fir Tree Road, Banstead, SM7 1NQ and cheques should be made payable to Banstead District Fundraising Account. Or perhaps you’d like to donate online, or by text? Thank you for your support.
Have a look at the plans for the new building here.
