NINETY-four-year-old Joan Newby cut the ribbon to re-open Ambleside Guide Hut following extensive flood refurbishment.

Only 10 months ago, Storm Desmond left the hut five feet deep in water, wrecking the interior and ruining everything inside. It cost £26,000 to restore the hut and build in flood resilience including raised-up electric points, stainless steel storage units and kitchen, MDF moisture-resistant wall insulation, plus new windows still to come.

Funding came from grants and donations, including a substantial amount from the Rotary International Britain & Ireland District Flood Fund.

The re-opened hut has also been re-named the Pam Partridge Building, in honour of its former captain, whose inspiring example influenced the lives of many Girl Guides as they enjoyed traditional activities such as tracking, trail hunting, Morse code and semaphore, fire-lighting and campfire cooking.

Ambleside Guides’ first meeting place in 1918 was in the wash house at Loughrigg Brow, but by the time six-year-old Joan Newby joined the Brownies in the 1920s, the pack had moved to the old Wesleyan Chapel. Several moves later, the Guide Hut was established down at Rothay Holme, and 2016 also marks the 50th anniversary since Miss Partridge and Joan Newby, a former Lieutenant of Ambleside Guides, helped raise sufficient funds to transform what were the old hen huts into Rothay Holme Guide Hut, still standing today in defiance of the floods.

“Part of Pam Partridge’s success with children was that she loved Peter Pan, and like him, she never grew up!”, Mrs Newby told the packed hut. “She was a good Christian, a good friend and a good Guider, and there’s nobody better than Pam to name the hut after.”

A ceremony of re-dedication was conducted by the Rev Beth Smith, Pam Partridge’s god-daughter, who was also an Ambleside Guide under her Godmother’s leadership.

Sadly Miss Partridge left Ambleside by the time she died in 2010, and Guiding friends had no opportunity to express their gratitude or pay her their respects. However, the hut’s new memorial plaque in her honour will ensure that Ambleside Girlguiding never forget Miss Partridge’s contribution to Guiding.

Among Guide Leaders at the re-opening was Sue Gudgeon, County Commissioner, Judith Myers, Assistant County Commissioner, Jo Gaynor, Division Commissioner and Mary Pleavin, Trefoil Guild. Ambleside President Lee Hayward gave special thanks to Ambleside chairman Ann Gornall and secretary Kath Travis, as well as to Jane Sutherland, Bill Hayward, and Rhona and Dawn Teal for their hard work.