The Countess & Lady Louise open Guirlguiding's London HQ

Today, The Countess of Wessex visited venue quite close to HM's London residence, Buckingham Palace. HRH in her capacity as President of Girlguding, officially opened its redeveloped London HQ, at 17-19 Buckingham Palace Road.

© GirlGuiding via Twiter feed

Sophie was accompanied by her daughter, Lady Louise, who was a member of the Brownie division and now is a Girl Guide. Guide members (girls aged 10-14) take part in a wide range of exciting activities at their regular meetings, and at special events or holidays.

Girls can get involved in anything from adventure sports to performing arts, travel and taking part in community action projects. Guides work together in small groups or 'Patrols' and, with the support of an adult Leader, choose and run some of the activities themselves using Go for It! resource packs. You can find out more here.

courtesy of Jaki Booth - Girlguiding Trustee via Twiter feed

Sophie, with Lady Louise by her side (in her guide uniform), unveiled a commemorative plaque and given a speech, Sophie said: "Lucky to have such a vibrant society of girls". HRH (according to tweets) presented Angela Milln - Deputy Chief Guide of Girlguiding UK with Silver Fish Award. As Wikipedia explains, The Silver Fish is the highest adult award in Girlguiding.

© Rebecca Cook - Brownie leader via Twiter feed

It is awarded for outstanding service to Girlguiding combined with service to world Guiding. It first appeared in 1911, and initially was being awarded to girls on completion of a number of badges, then it changed via numerous stages to the highest award in the Guiding movement worldwide, and on to its position as a Girlguiding award.

During the event, both The Countess and her daughter took part in some activities, however I am not sure what they were doing, as there is no press release and no info on the visit. Update, it looks like they were trying 'felt making'. Max Mumby took many! lovely pictures, you can view them by clicking here.

©  Val Elliott - Girlguiding Trustee via Twiter feed

Here's what I was able to find out online. In 2015, Girlguiding selected Nadler Hotels to enter into a 25 year lease, transforming 8-10 Palace Street into a new 73 bedroom boutique hotel, steps away from Buckingham Palace. Girlguiding retains the freehold of the new hotel.

Julie Bentley, Chief Executive of Girlguiding said: “Our London HQ is one of Girlguiding’s most important assets. The decision to lease part of our building as a hotel will enable us to retain this wonderful building, while also ensuring we can utlilise the income for the benefit of our half-a-million members.”

courtesy of Jaki Booth - Girlguiding Trustee

The charity continues to operate its headquarters from their office building fronting Buckingham Palace Road, whose refurbishment has been completed in September 2015 as part of the reconfiguration of the existing buildings.

The front wing on Buckingham Palace Road has been refurbished to provide a new contemporary headquarters for The Girlguiding Association, and continues their presence on this site. The new facility incorporates offices and meeting rooms, together with space for their members as well as a shop selling Guiding merchandise. The rear wing on Palace Place has been converted to provide a fully fitted-out 73 bedroom hotel from the lower ground to fifth floor level, for the luxury boutique hotel provider, The Nadler.

© Rebecca Cook - Brownie leader via Twiter feed

Tomorrow, Girlguiding Headquarters are hosting an open day, however the event is fully booked. Now, each floor of refurbished HQ is themed for a different section of Girlguiding. During an open day visitors can find out what happens in each department and see if they recognise any other members in the pictures of HQ's walls. There will be tours of new-look building and 10% off in the Girlguiding shop throughout the day. The visit will be finished with tea and coffee on fifth floor, where members can enjoy the views and peek into the Queen's garden from the balcony. To learn more, click here.

Outfit & jewellery:
SPORTMAX Maesa wool and angora-blend coat.
Little diamond Disc studs by Felt London.
J&L diamond letter charm necklace by Felt London, names of HRH's children James & Louise, with chain in hayseed style also by Felt London. I believe The Countess has added an 'E' charm - for her husband, Prince Edward.
Brownie promise badge, I'm sure HRH's badge is made of gold.
Loewe handbag.
Watch by Longines, I believe from "Le Grande Classic" collection.
Pumps most likely by LK Bennett in Shilo style.  
 

The Countess & Lady Louise open Guirlguiding's London HQ 2016-04-16T13:44:00-07:00 Rating: 4.5 Diposkan Oleh: sho fia