Who we are…
Waddow Hall Trust comprises supporters from across the groups that have traditionally visited Waddow such as uniformed youth groups and adult social groups, members of the current management team, members of Friends of Waddow as well as local council officials.
All have been supporting Waddow Hall as volunteers for many years and contributed ideas, time and funds to keep it in an excellent condition and improve the onsite facilities and activities.
We are all passionate about the great benefits that Waddow brings to the people who use it and we are desperate to preserve this wonderful asset for future generations.
A bit of recent history…
In May 2023 Girlguiding announced it’s intention to close and sell it’s five training and activity centres including Waddow Hall in Clitheroe.
This will be a great loss to the many 1000s of people across the country and beyond who use the centre each year for meetings, activity days, residential events, themed activities, children’s parties, family breaks and even Weddings!
Waddow Hall Trust’s initial aim is to try and raise the funds to purchase Waddow Hall from Girlguiding and to re-open it as a conference and outdoor activity centre with a greater emphasis on it’s heritage and importance to the local area and community.
Why we need your help…
Waddow is so much more than an activity centre – it is a home from home and always a hive of activity – whether that is local youth groups meeting on a weekly basis, a Community funday with lots of activities, a school group on a week long residential or a business on a team away day, Waddow Hall offers something for everyone wanting to get out into the great outdoors, have adventures and make long lasting memories.
We need to preserve access to this amazing place for future generations and our mission is to make it accessible and open to anyone who wishes to visit.
Our History…
Waddow Hall is a Grade II listed 17th Century Manor House with history dating back to the 13th Century when it was built as a Dower House for the Tempest family of Waddington Old Hall. In 1879 it was acquired by the Garnett family, a large respectable family known for industrial philanthropy and their textile manufacturing business. In 1927 it was purchased by Girlguiding and has nearly 100 years of Guiding history delivering training and activities. The estate, history and heritage is significantly important to the area of Clitheroe and to the wider North West region. Waddow Hall Trust was formed in June 2023 to work towards a secure future for this historic estate, we hope that we can add another chapter to the history of this amazing community resource.
Our Plans for the Future…
Once we manage to secure Waddow, we want to continue to offer residential and day use to schools, youth groups, adult social groups and family groups but also expand access to businesses and the general public with a greater range of experiences for all ages. We can offer family camping, indoor accommodation, conferences, heritage tours, adventurous activities and so much more for the benefit of everyone that visits.
Access to the outdoors is so important for general wellbeing and helps to build confidence, self esteem and better mental health. Our facilities and activities are accessible to everyone, no matter your age or abilities and we want to ensure that Waddow Hall has a place in the community for many years to come.
