The condition of the tiles covering the surface of the swimming pool has been deteriorating for several years and the cost of remedial work to repair them reached a point last spring (March '07) where it was clear that it would be more economical and probably necessary to undertake a complete re-tiling. To this end several companies were asked to quote for the job and it was clear that an amount of about £75,000 would have to be found.
A review of the finances of the pool showed that although some funds had been set aside for this eventuality, there would not be enough to cover the cost of complete retiling, so in June '07 a campaign was launched to "Buy-a-Tile".
Both the Petersfield Post and Petersfield Herald supported this campaign and gave the pool lots of publicity exhorting the people of Petersfield to support their pool. Posters were put up around town and at the pool, and people started to "buy" tiles. In fact the support from townsfolk and the surrounding area was so good that very quickly almost £10,000 had been raised. Recognition should be given to the stalwart "Supporters of the Pool" who rallied round and made some substantial donations to start the fund growing. Local businesses also came in with their support and gave donations of £20 and more. To recognise their donations, cards representing tiles with the company names, were placed at the entrance to the swimming pool for all to see. Raffle tickets for the Grand Draw were sold in town every month and this helped promote the swimming pool and highlight the need for help with the re-tiling project.
Various children increased the funds with sponsored swims, a lucky prize winner in a national competition kindly donated her prize and Mr Perry very generously gave his windfall from the Portman/Nationwide merger. The staff and members of the Swimming Club got together and raised £1,000 and many people nominated the pool as their charity in the Butser Challenge. The £5,215 raised this way has given the fund a good boost.
All in all, people's generosity has been outstanding and the total raised now stands at over £20,000. To this we can add grants made by Hampshire County Council, EHDC, the Petersfield Town Council and several local trusts, bringing the total to over £35,000.
Posted on Sunday 09 of March, 2008 16:36:19 UTC
