New £400,000 Guides base in Ripon thanks to ace fundraiser (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

New £400,000 Guides base in Ripon thanks to ace fundraiser

11:49am Friday 10th July 2009

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YOUNGSTERS are moving into a new £400,000 Girlguiding headquarters built mainly due to the efforts of a dedicated fundraiser.

Hazel Barker, 65, a former North Yorkshire West assistant county Girlguiding commissioner, has worked hard to create the new base in Ripon.

Mrs Barker organised a host of sponsored events like car washes, raffles and even a helicopter wash to help fund the All Hallowgate centre.

The new Ripon division of Girlguides base has been called Hazel House as a thank you for her efforts.

Mrs Barker said: "Our old base on Blossomgate was going to be demolished and we called a meeting to decide whether we were going to look for new premises.

"We decided to go for it so I got the ball rolling and started fundraising and we have a 99-year lease from North Yorkshire County Council for the building.

"I am absolutely delighted with the end result it’s great, but it’s been a lot of hard work.

"I could get quite emotional about it been named after me. I was pleased but a bit overwhelmed by it."

The project was also supported by local man Paul Sykes who gave the fundraisers a cash donation to help them.

The hard work has seen a derelict former laundry in bad shape turned into a new venture which can hold over 500 guides It has space for up to three groups at any time and boosts a well equipped activity room, play area and large secure garden.

Hazel House also has a mod-con kitchen as well as a Girlguiding UK shop and it could be rented to the public.

Jill Heyes, the PR adviser for Girlguiding North East England, said: "It’s an amazing achievement and Hazel has being running all sorts of fundraising events."

Liz Burnley, chief Guide of Girlguiding UK, was at the official opening on Saturday. (july 4) She said: "Guiding makes a difference to the lives of half a million girls and young women.

"What a fantastic achievement Hazel House has been. We are lucky to have people with such dedication."

There is an open day to view the new building between 10am and 4pm on July 18.

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