"FOXLEASE"

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 83, 5 October 1933, Page 9

"FOXLEASE"

3VOELD GUIDES' HOME,

BEAUTIFUL' HEADQUARTERS

(Specially written for "The Post."); LEE-ON-SOLENT, August 22. In Hampshire, one of England 'g "garden counties," there is a particularly beautiful spot called "Foxlease," a property .presented to the.6i.rjl! Guides Association by Mrs. Anno Archbold Sanderson, of Washington, D.C.* United States of America, This ia endowed also with the wedding gift to Princess Mary from tho ''World's Marys," made up to the handsome -sun* of £10,000 by some extra donations. The old bouse at "I'oxlease" is delightful to look at, and has two distinct styles in the front and back elevations, each artistically satisfying and full of interest. Around, are picturesque old buildings, stables, barn, kitchen, offices, etc., which have all been utilised a» annexes, every scrap of accommodation. being necessary in, the great gatherings of Guides and Guiders, either from. Empire or. world sources. . FUBNISHED BY EMPIEE GUIDES. Each section of the old house—and,1 it is a very large one—has been .provided with' furniture, pictures, ap.(k equipment of all kinds from Empire . and other associations. In a room entitled "London," and furnished by, friends there; is a very fine desk sent from New Zealand, inlaid with twenty, different woods and with the New/ Zealand badge in the centre.. The oak panelled entrance hall (with a bronze panelled inscription to the Princess Royal and to Mrs. Sanderson, and with, portraits of H.8.H., Mrs. Sanderson,; and the Chief Guider, Lady BadenPowell) ha 3 many interesting gifts. There- are several "Adam" rooms, notably "Scotland," which was decorated by the' great artist of older day« in white and gold, and ho was also, responsible'for the lovely fireplace andi overmantel in the writing-room. Tli» office is a fine room panelled in oak, with french doors and windows, and hi the lobby close by is an artistic carved! stand of eandalwood from Western! Australia. There are fine old cabinet*', presented from variousv sources, con» taining specimen badges, etc., from all: over the world, bringing a realisation; ; of the extent and power' of the move-* ment. The bathrooms (which are numerous)] are called by the names of river%j Ganges, Thames, etc., and all the de«y lightfully furnished bedrooms hnvatj their names outside-rDublin, Berk-i; shire, Hampshire, South. Africa, Massachusetts being a few of the names, noted. A delightful "sunshine xoom'*j is attributed to Wharfdale, and the fin* library to Wiltshire. The old kitchen,, with stone floors, the butler's pantry*} and other offices, are furnished iiij modern fashion and with the latest; household "helps," and everywhere th« latticed windows are very delightful to»! behold. ■•.■"■' ' LOVELY LAWNS AND GARDENS.]}. The dining-room, large, sunny, anij with pretty coloured covers and china $ is one of the specially fine rooms, »nd|ifrom there is seen a vista of wide/ smooth lawns, the "Sentinel Tree" (a., bare upstanding pine) and heavy flower?, borders—at the time when the wi-itew saw them masses of giant phlox, mali-i golds, delphiniums, and' daisies of alii shades of colour. A terrace leads tog the rose garden, and away behind is aj| "forest"—lovety English trees, usedi for "tracking" and other Guide jn-i structive purposes, as well as for pic-i nics and games. Further off still could* be seen a wide extent of park, with fina» spreading trees, and white bell-tents^. showing a camp in progress. This is J all at the back of the house. . ' >i At one side is the barn, now a meet* I ing and entertainment house, complete* | with piano, many rush-covered. stools* | and a huge fireplace which is filled withy logs at the time of winter parties. ThisU looks .over more vivid, flower borders! 1 to a badminton court, tennis courts, and:. further, off still, bathing pools, and. again over park-land with trees "andi/ quietly grazing cattle. .„■;■: On the other side of the house froni the barn ds a wide lawn with two huge* branching trees, and under these manyj' famous speeches have been made by thoj "Chief Scout" (Lord Bad3n-PoweU)£ and others to hundreds of assembled Guides in their ('green and kindly* shade. ■'•'_;. LATEST ADDITIONS. <' Late additions to the house com* [ prise some "quiet rooms" and a litW/ chapel, made iv; the attics, and yerjj suitably and charmingly furnished byjs different branches. These are meant-' either for private prayer or quiet medi-i;; tation. The windows open to the view; of the lovely English, landscape, and.; the rooms impress the visitor as being^ very perfect for their, purpose. "Foxlease" is altogether a gi'eat^ asset to the Girls of the World, and it' is a sign of modern times that such.* place should have been specially alloy cated and arranged for their benefifcii It is to be hoped that many New Zea-*j land Guides will endeavour to qualifytj themselves for a visit to a wonderfufj centre for the world's girls. 5 . "M.H.C." :