New Crowd Funder appeal to pay for Ward Freman pool tile repairs

Ward Freman Community Pool Group CIO has been offered the freehold of the swimming pool by Hertfordshire County Council. This is still subject to negotiation but represents a significant step forward and would mean the pool would be wholly owned by the charity. This will bring with it greater up-front costs associated with the freehold transfer and means that it is more important than ever to continue fund raising. The pool group is working hard in the background preparing grant applications for when the freehold is transferred.
The group has been advised that legal costs to secure the transfer of freehold could be as much as £6000 + VAT. As a charity the group is looking to get best value for the money raised by supporters and is asking if there is a Commercial Conveyancing Solicitor who may be able to offer their time pro bono, the group would love to hear from you (disbursements would be paid).
New Crowd Funder appeal to pay for pool tile repairs
East Herts District Council has already pledged the pool group a large sum of money which should pay for a new filtration system. However, an additional £30,000 is needed to repair the pool tiles and replace the expansion joints.
Sport England has agreed to support a Crowdfunder project to repair the tiles by donating a match funded amount of £15,000. The pool group then need to raise a further £15,000 in order to guarantee the generous donation from Sport England.
So far, over £4700 has been raised, but there is still a long way to go to reach the target amount by the deadline.
You can donate by visiting the crowdfunding page at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/repair-pool-tiles-and-replace-expansion-joints
If you are a UK taxpayer, you can tick the gift aid box which will increase your donation by 25%! Any contribution large or small will be greatly appreciated.

Message from Director of Public Health regarding flu vaccination

“Message from Director of Public Health regarding flu vaccination

Flu is now circulating in the community with the number of people infected higher than we usually see at this time of the year. The main virus circulating is a strain associated with more severe illness and higher death rates than other types of flu, particularly in the elderly. Experts nationally are predicting that we are likely to see a worse flu season than we’ve experienced for many years. We’re asking you to please share this message with the people you support and work with.

The flu vaccination remains the best protection against influenza. It takes about two weeks following the flu vaccination to build up immunity against the virus, so it’s important that people book as soon as you can.

Flu is highly infectious and can lead to serious illness. Remember to get your flu vaccine this year to protect yourself and others around you.

Those who are most at risk of serious illness can get it for free – here’s how you can book your free flu vaccine today:

  • Speak to your GP practice
  • Online, search ‘NHS pharmacy vaccine’
  • NHS app
  • Call 119 (translator available)

Even if you can’t get a free vaccine, you can still pay for one from a participating local pharmacy.

Let’s keep each other safe this winter visit, www.hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/your-health-and-care/vaccinations/flu-vaccines/ for more information.

Vaccination against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID is also important for those eligible.”

Arts in East Herts

This September and October, discover taster events in art, culture and creativity – most of them free!

Take a look at the programme to see the line-up of events. Full details for some events are still to come – so be sure to check back often to catch the latest updates!

Upskill for Free with Support from East Herts Council

East Herts Council is proud to support local residents with free access to professional development and skills training, helping people at every stage of their career journey. Whether you’re just starting out, returning to work, or ready for a new direction, the Open Possibilities Campaign, delivered in partnership with SEEDL, is here to help you grow.

This fully funded programme gives East Herts residents free, unlimited access to a wide range of live, interactive online learning sessions — all from the comfort of your home. With hundreds of live webinars every month and an expanding on-demand library, you can learn at your own pace, around your schedule.

If you’re not registered already, please register now. It’s completely free.
If you need any assistance, please use the support tab at the top.

Local Government Reorganisation is coming to Hertfordshire

What is LGR?

In late 2024, the Government set out plans to change how local councils across England work together. This means areas like Hertfordshire that operate a two-tier system – where some services are run by district councils and others by the county council are being asked to rethink how things are organised.

Find out how this impacts Hertfordshire residents and share what matters most to you here

Come along on Monday 22nd September – 10am to 12pm at Buntingford Market, Market Hill, Buntingford, SG9 9AB to find out more

The Sports Pavilion, Cottered for hire

Contact for hire enquiries

Refurbished pavilion featuring a main room, kitchen and separate changing room facilities and accessible toilet

Pavilion

Pavilion inside