In 2014, after 40 years of running Paxmead Boating Centre, Girlguiding LaSER (London and South East region) decided to concentrate on one of their other campsites and not to renew the lease for Paxmead. It was under serious threat of closure until three Guiding counties stepped in to try to save it. We couldn’t let it close; our girls love it too much and so do we. Where would we get such great boating experience locally and at such a lovely location?

After the quickest review imaginable, Girlguiding Surrey West with Girlguiding Middlesex South West and Girlguiding Greater London West decided to go for it and expressed interest in taking on the lease in May 2014, just 8 weeks after hearing that LaSER would be giving up the site.