Ward Freman Community Pool Group CIO working with the community to bring our local pool back into public use. A pool run by the community for the community.
A huge thank you to everyone who has donated to our Crowdfunder campaign. We now need £6457 to meet our £30000 target for repairing the pool tiles. Please help reopen our local community swimming pool. Donations are matched by @Sport_England
https://t.co/zIfOHLkGvP
We need you! On Thurs 27 Feb Buntingford Town Council will be discussing whether to financially support our campaign to reopen the pool. We need as many people present as possible to convince the town council that investing in our pool is value for money. The Manor House 7.15pm.
Did you know that Ward Freman Community Pool are registered on @easyuk? This means you can raise free donations for them in 2025 when you shop online! Over 8,000 retailers will make a donation on your behalf when you shop: https://t.co/GHhLJ4NRij
We submitted an expression of interest and were told we were eligible. However, the bidding window did not open at the end of May as planned (because of the GE). We waited until just before Christmas to be told the fund would not be continued.
@JanGoodeve@EastHerts Hi Jan,
Thanks for sharing. This announcement is regarding the outcome of applications for the Community Ownership Fund.
Details are available in the article, but applications closed several months ago and I don’t believe East Herts/local groups made one.
Many thanks,
Josh
@BestForBritain The current govt has just axed, without notice, the Community Ownership Fund which was part of the levelling up project.
People who live in glass houses.....
Impressive numbers taking part in this years annual Buntingford 10 mile run. A misty and cold morning did not dampen their enthusiasm or commitment. Well done to all competitors and the many involved in the organisation.
#runforfun
@BuntingfordTC
My mum loves her Christmas gift! Buntingford; let’s all get matching bags to show that we want our pool back. For sale at the Buntingford Cafe and our local butcher #wardfremanpool#g4buntingford
Safe to go back in the water? Buntingford Film Club is raising funds for the repair of Ward Freman Pool with a screening of JAWS on Sat 4 Jan 7.30 pm Seth Ward Community Centre. Ticketshttps://www.tickettailor.com/events/buntingfordfilmclub/1461571
Don’t forget our fundraising table top sale this Sunday morning. Find yourself a preloved bargain or just come for a cuppa and cake. We also have a raffle with some great prizes.
UPDATE: Fanshawe and Leventhorpe pools
Yesterday I met with @StephenMorganMP, Minister in the Department for Education, who confirmed that guidance has recently been issued on exceptional circumstances funding for 2025/26.
This guidance means that, as has been the case in previous years, Hertfordshire County Council can apply for a further 12 months of funding for 2025/26. I have today written to Hertfordshire County Council encouraging them to submit an application.
I understand that a year-on-year funding settlement is not a perfect solution. However, securing an additional year of funding from 2025 to 2026 would enable our pools to remain open, and provide time for our local councils, schools, and community stakeholders to explore a more sustainable long-term solution, such as a community ownership model.
I am keen to support this conversation with all involved so that together we can develop a sustainable model for our pools, protecting them not just in the short term but for future generations as well.