History

1994

A Commissioners’ conference agreed that a permanent place was needed where young people and leaders could enjoy out-door activities in safety and where training could be carried out without interruption. Girlguiding Middlesex North West had £3,000 in a Development Fund.

1995

The challenge was to find a suitable site. After a year (and 85 visits) to the Council and many letters to local Councillors, the Borough of Hillingdon offered the site adjacent to Willow Tree known as Mad Bess Scout and Guide Camp Site. There were objections so the Council withdrew the offer.

1996

The London Borough of Harrow could not help but persistent enquiries to Hillingdon resulted in several pieces of land being offered. Nothing seemed to be suitable. Frustration followed disappointment but perseverance triumphed when Hillingdon offered the 15 acres of grazing land that is now the Willow Tree Centre. There were no services or access but the offer was gratefully accepted.

A steering committee was set up by County Commissioner Collette Stone, Division Commissioner for Ruislip-Northwood Janet Brock, District Commissioner for Ruislip Dawn Palmer and District Commissioner for Northwood Peggy Lovett.

1997

The leader of the council, Councillor Rogers, gave us his support and agreed to a 99 year lease at a reduced rent. Peggy Lovett undertook to sort out the lease whilst Dawn Palmer agreed to find funding of over £1 million.

A Management Committee was set up; drawings were prepared and submitted to Guide Leaders at an exhibition in Ruislip. The drawings were prepared by Denis Palmer who waived his fee for the benefit of the movement. After amendment, these drawings were sent for planning approval. This was by no means automatic, especially as the land is ‘green belt’. Eventually, the Department of Environment agreed. This was subject to planning permission to include an environmentally friendly sewage system. Our application was supported by John Wilkinson, the MP for Ruislip-Northwood.

Three Valleys Water laid on the water main free of charge. BAA Heathrow celebrated their 50th anniversary and presented £5,000 towards the appeal.

Willow Tree Centre was registered with Charity Commission on 29th April 1997.

1998

Long discussions took place to discuss the delicate question of human waste. A biological system was the best choice. This environment application had to be approved by the Government which John Wilkinson MP for Ruislip-Northwood dealt with on our behalf – a difficult time!

Pinelog won the contract to build the centre.

A sponsored walk raised £3,500 and an Environment award of £1,000 enabled us to buy 4,000 hedgerow plants. Campers used Willow Tree for the first time later that year when the reed bed was planted to complete the eco-friendly sewerage system.

1999

The Shower Block was opened officially by the Mayor of Hillingdon Cllr. Alf Langley and the Mayor of Harrow Cllr. Cyril Harrison with County Commissioner Ann Clark.

After six attempts (and many months’ work) success was finally achieved with the National Lottery awarding £720,000 for the Centre.

2000

Building work was completed in February and the Willow coppice and 87 semi mature trees were planted. Fencing was erected and CCTV cameras installed.

In April the House was furnished.

May 31st the President of the Guide Association, HRH Princess Margaret, opened the Centre watched by hundreds of girls, their leaders and friends of Guiding.

2001

Because the site is on clay and tends to become very wet, land drains near Badger Site were put in to alleviate flooding.

2002

The assault course was completed.

2004

A Safety Zone was constructed and new paving laid around the House.

2005

Shutters in the House became electrically operated thanks to finances from the London Borough of Hillingdon. A new, improved grease trap was installed. Phase 1 of the Tranquil Garden was constructed.

2006

The final phases of the Tranquil Garden were constructed with support from ‘Awards for All’ and the Paradigm Housing Trust. The Mayor of Hillingdon Cllr. David Routledge opened the garden. Welcome was given by the County Commissioner Amanda Medler and Chief Guide for Girlguiding UK Liz Burnley.

An Archery Range was constructed.

2007

Planning approval and Landlords approval was given to construct two more buildings. These buildings were identified as necessary to enable more people to use Willow Tree Centre. Over 8,000 young people including those with special needs use the Centre each year.

2008

Completion of the Low Level Challenge Course, Swing Ropes and Night Line. These were financed by London Borough of Hillingdon, after a successful bid by some senior section members aged 14-18. Safety fencing erected. Mobility vehicle was purchased.

Successful grant from ‘Awards for All’ to purchase a Ride on Mower which was needed to cut the grass very short in the Archery Range and Sports Area.

Funding applications sent out to raise £650,000 for new buildings.

2009

Arbour constructed in Tranquil Area.