Since the update in May the plans for funding the essential repairs and renovations to the pool have taken a slight hiatus.
We were getting ready to submit our application to the Community Ownership Fund (COF), with the final round of applications being 30th May – 26th June 2024. However the Prime Ministers decision on 22nd May to call a General Election on 4th July with the following dissolution of Parliament on 30th May means that the application window has not opened. This pre election period, formally known as purdah restricts ministerial and departmental activity during the campaign.

The Community Ownership Fund is a Tory Government initiative, administered under the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities. At the start of May 2024 it was reported that there is still £47million left in the pot. We are anticipating a two week notice period once the new government is in power, for when the final window for applications will open.

In the mean time we are still trying to get out and about to meet as many people as possible and spread the word. We will be at Edwinstree Middle School Summer Fair 22nd June 2-4.30pm. July will see us popping up at the Braughing Wheelchair Race and Anstey Fair.

The pool may be standing dry and empty but we don’t want the momentum and support to dry up!

We are proud to be supporting the RLSS Drowning Prevention week 15th -22nd June by hosting a lifesaving event.

On Tuesday 18th June we were lucky enough to have the use of a private outdoor pool in Hormead with Barry and Chantal Ellis from Bishop Stortford Lifesaving Club on hand to provide a taster session in lifesaving skills. It was a delightful evening and even the adults on poolside learnt something new!