His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh visited Woodrow High House, one of two London Youth residential centres, to meet with local school children as part of his patronage of the charity and to celebrate the importance of learning outside the classroom.
Woodrow High House in Amersham is a grade II listed manor house in the Chilterns, steeped in history dating back to the 1600s. It was likely built mid-17th century, with notable residents including the Tyrwhitt-Drake family and wife and daughters of Oliver Cromwell.
The London Youth charity, which has a second centre called Hindleap Warren in Ashdown Forest, believes that all young people – especially those who have limited opportunities to leave the city for a day trip, or overnight stay – should have access to outdoor adventure.
In one of the hallways at the centre, a bust of Prince Philip by sculptor to the stars, Frances Segelman is displayed after being commissioned to mark 50 years of his work with the charity. The Duke of Edinburgh took over his father’s role in 2020.
“Together, we celebrated the impact of outdoor learning and the importance of the youth sector.”
Rosemary Watt-Wyness, chief executive of London Youth
The Duke retraced his father’s steps at Woodrow and was welcomed by the centre’s team, alongside senior leaders at London Youth, plus its outdoor instructors and children and young people from visiting schools.
The tour of the grounds ended with a visit to see the centre’s High Ropes activity area, where the Duke was able to witness first-hand a group of young people experiencing the thrills and adventure of outdoor learning.
Rosemary Watt-Wyness, chief executive of London Youth, said: “Getting into the countryside and the natural environment can have a profoundly positive effect on young people’s personal and social development.
At our two outdoor learning centres, Woodrow High House and Hindleap Warren, young people learn and have fun, developing lifelong skills and confidence. We were so thrilled to host our patron, The Duke of Edinburgh, at Woodrow. It was a pleasure to watch him honour the work his late father did for the centre and make brand new memories with young people and staff.
“Together, we celebrated the impact of outdoor learning and the importance of the youth sector.”
Other activities which made up part of the day included camp fire building and archery, with The Duke even having a go himself to test his aim.
You can watch below what is waiting for schools at Woodrow High House
What do these residential centres offer?
Both residential centres operated by London Youth offer bespoke overnight visits that can be designed to the needs of the school, including the types of activities you take part in and at what time during the visit.
The charity says that it supports pupils to achieve personal goals, have incredible experiences and spend time away from home in a different living environment.
For more information about school visits to either Woodrow High House or Hindleap Warren, go to londonyouth.org
