Waddow Hall, near Clitheroe, is well known in Girlguiding circles — but it holds a particularly special place in the hearts of Burley-in-Wharfedale Guiding members. Our history with Waddow stretches right back to its very beginning.
In 1927, Waddow Hall was purchased by Girlguiding and officially opened with a special ceremony led by members from Burley-in-Wharfedale. The unit’s leader, Anne Shepherd, wrote and directed a play for the occasion, performed by Brownies, Guides and Rangers. In the play, Anne took the role of a blacksmith who forged a key for Waddow Hall’s front door from a Brownie badge. She handed the key to the Fairy — the Spirit of Waddow — who then presented it to Princess Mary, the Princess Royal of Harewood House. Princess Mary used the key to unlock the door of Waddow Hall, declaring, “This Happy House Shall Never Fall.”
For almost a century, Waddow Hall remained under Girlguiding ownership. In 2024, it was purchased by the GT Foundation, which pledged to continue running it as an activity and camping centre for all young members of the community.
In September 2025, Waddow Hall was joyfully reopened — and once again, members of Burley-in-Wharfedale Girlguiding were honoured to take part in the ceremony, “Back to Waddow.” Following the tradition of 1927, Burley members took on the leading roles. A Guide from 1st Burley-in-Wharfedale Guides represented the Spirit of Waddow, joined by Brownies from 1st and 2nd Burley. The Brownies donated their promise badges to create a new key, allowing the Spirit to unlock Waddow’s door once more.
It was a proud and historic moment for Guiding in Burley-in-Wharfedale — one that marks the beginning of another chapter in our shared story with Waddow Hall. Brownies, Guides, and Leaders are all looking forward to returning to Waddow for camps, pack holidays, and adventure days once again!