Always on
This project successfully funded on 28th September 2023, you can still support them with a donation.
Alison & Mike's Bike Adventure for Foxie's Future
Clevedon, England, United Kingdom
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Aim: To help Foxie’s Future buy Foxlease Actvity Centre to ensure that it remains available to future generations of young people.
We did it! 100 miles, 2 punctures, lots of hills and some beautiful scenery. We camped 2 nights in our tent,and stayed dry throughout a downpour.
Many thanks to everyone who supported us. We have been delighted to raise more than our target.
Our Bike Adventure will be a cycle ride from Clevedon to Foxlease at the end of September, a journey of about 100 miles.
We will be taking all our equipment on our bikes and having 2 overnight camping stops. Hopefully, the weather will be kind but as it is England we will need to be prepared for everything from heatwaves to thunderstorms and gales.
My bike before I add my thick, warm sleeping bag and my waterproofs and
our little tent amongst some of the beautiful trees at Foxlease.
WHY FOXLEASE?
In August, GirlguidingUK confirmed its announcement to close down and sell off all their activity centres including Foxlease, in the New Forest.
Foxlease is a wonderful place that was given to Girlguiding over a 100 years ago and it has played an important part in the movement's history. For me it represents what Guiding is all about; opportunity, outdoor adventure, friendship and a sense of belonging.
My Mum started me off in Brownies when I was 7 years old (she had been involved since her eldest sister took her to Brownies). For me it was the beginning of a lifelong love of adventure in the outdoors. The opportunities and experiences that I have had as a Brownie, a Guide, a Ranger and an adult volunteer have genuinely shaped my life. I am still fully involved, currently volunteering as a Leader and Commissioner. Mike has been a volunteer since he joined me on a trip to Everest in 2009. Here he is getting in some warm weather training for our next adventure.
We have been to Foxlease many times for camping trips, training courses and inspirational weekends with other leaders. We held our 40th Wedding Anniversary Celebrations there in 2021 and had a fabulous time with relatives and friends.
We want to keep Foxlease for future generations. Our grandchildren have already been introduced to camping but for others, Girlguiding, Scouting and the Duke of Edinburgh scheme may be their only opportunity. We must maintain places like Foxlease. Please help us save it by donating to this fundraiser.
FOXIE'S FUTURE?
The decision by the Trustees of GirlguidingUK to sell off Foxlease and other activity centres was met with shock and dismay by many members. A campaign group quickly formed through social media. There was a period of protest this summer that included a new experience for me, a Night Vigil and Rally in central London, but nothing could change the Trustees' decision.
Since then a group of determined individuals have set up the charity called Foxie's Future to try to buy Foxlease when it comes on the market. This Crowdfunder page is one of the ways of raising money.
If you wish to make a larger pledge there are other schemes. You can find out more at https://www.foxiesfuture.co.uk/