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Pax Lodge is located in historic Hampstead, London, and is part of the Olave Centre. The Olave Centre comprises Pax Lodge and the WAGGGS World Bureau.
In 1989, the Honourable Betty Clay, daughter of Robert and Olave Baden Powell, unveiled the Foundation Stone for Pax Lodge. Pax Lodge opened its doors to visitors on the 1st August 1990, and on 29 September that year, members of the Baden-Powell family opened the Pax Lodge doors.
Another ceremony took place on 15 March 1991, with HRH Princess Benedikte of Denmark officially declaring Pax Lodge open.
The name ‘Pax Lodge’ was chosen for historic and symbolic reasons. The Baden-Powells, Robert and Olave Baden Powell, had family homes called Pax Hill, in Hampshire, England and ‘Paxtu’ in Kenya. ‘Pax’ means ‘Peace’ in Latin, and ‘Lodge’ was chosen to retain a link with the original home on this site, ‘Rosslyn Lodge’, home of the 1st Earl of Rosslyn.
The Pax Lodge Logo
When the Centre moved from Olave House to Pax Lodge, a competition was launched to design the original logo for Pax Lodge. The winner was Alan Rawady from Australia, whose design is now used widely throughout the Centre. The Trefoil represents International Guiding and Girl Scouting, and the dove carrying an olive branch, the symbol of peace, is shaped like an ark to continue the idea from Our Ark and Olave House, the previous World Centres in London. In 2005, along with the WAGGGS repositioning, a new image was produced for Pax Lodge. The original logo is still in use but to a lesser extent.
The Pax Lodge Pin
The Pax Lodge Pin is only to be bought and worn by people who have visited the World Centre. It cannot be traded or given away, and is only available from the Pax Lodge shop.
Facilities
Pax Lodge in 2008, one of the 4 World Centres of WAGGGS.
The centre can accommodate up to 59 guests, open all year round. Special discounted rates are available for active WAGGGS members.
Accommodation consists of:
3 rooms for 4 persons
1 room for 3 persons
22 rooms for 2 persons (these may be used as a single room)
4 of the twin rooms have ensuite toilet/showers
The guest kitchen is located on the first floor for preparation of light snacks. There is a small area seating eight people, as well as a guest fridge, oven and microwave.
Meals
A continental style breakfast is available from 07:30 – 9:00 and is included with room booking. Both lunch and dinner are available at an additional cost.
Hot and cold drinks are readily available in the dining room. Afternoon tea with scones, cream and jam is also available if prebooked. Packed lunches can be prepared if ordered in advance
Conference Room
The Conference Suite is a multi-purpose room with the capacity for up to 100 people. It can also be split into two smaller rooms, which are available for private bookings and is also used for many international events and educational seminars throughout the year.
The Pax Lodge Volunteer programme
Pax Lodge offers many different opportunities for Guides and Scouts to live and volunteer at an international centre
The position of Resident Volunteer is a voluntary position for at least 2 to 5 months, available all throughout the year. It is open to active members of WAGGGS, aged 18 to 25 years. The deadlines for applications are
15 of April (for positions starting November - April)
15 of October (for positions starting May - October).
Resident Volunteers rotate through various areas of Pax Lodge. Duties include:
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Helping in reception, answering the telephone and assisting guests
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Organising programmes and events
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Providing tours to visitors at Pax Lodge
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Working in the kitchen, assisting the catering staff
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Helping in the souvenir shop
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Assisting with housekeeping duties
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Event Assistant – April to September
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Pax Lodge runs several WAGGGS International Events throughout the summer months. To ensure they run as smoothly as possible, Event Assistants are recruited over these months to assist the Programme Team in planning, facilitating and evaluating these events.
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The deadline for applications is 31 of January.
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Additionally, at various points throughout the year, Pax Lodge offers the opportunity to volunteer as an Office Assistant and as a World Centre Assistant.
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For all of the above volunteer positions, room and board is provided within Pax Lodge and a small weekly allowance. For more information about how to become a volunteer or to fill out an application, please visit the official Pax Lodge Website.
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Long Term Residents
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Long Term Residents are young people, over the age of 18, who are members of WAGGGS and are studying or working in London for the first time. Long term resident opportunities are available for three to nine month periods. Accommodation for long term residents is in single rooms with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities.
