Match Funding for Sports Wales Grant

Appeal Update from the Trustees!

Last year we set ourselves the ambitious target of raising £30,000, mainly to match fund an anticipated Sport Wales grant we were applying for. As of December 2023 that grant of £230,000 has been fully utilised to replace aging boilers, fit a new insulated roof over the small pool, and install a state of the art new heating system which we hope concludes before Christmas.

Unfortunately since September we have been hit with numerous unscheduled breakdowns of vital, expensive equipment that have cost us huge amounts to replace.

This is an appeal to the people of Cardigan to help us get to our £30,000 target.

We know how frustrating it has been for pool users recently, with so many unscheduled closures, but we are confident that with the final phase of work, we will return to a reliable opening schedule. However, having come this far with the fundraising, it is essential we complete the full amount in order to remain open in the new year.

Hello,

Cardigan Swimming Pool has been standing proud since it opened its doors to the public in 1977, commemorating both World War I and II. It is still going strong, although not as strong as it has been in the past. All things age, and unfortunately time is taking its toll on the building and the resources. As a charity-run facility, the expenses required to run, maintain the building and its resources is done solely on grants and fundraising.

We have recently had the amazing opportunity to apply for a grant of £300,000 from Sports Wales to make some much-needed upgrades and amendments to the pool. One of the requirements of the grant process, is that we also contribute 10% of the funding to match the grant total amount, which is £30,000.

This facility has a legacy within the community, providing several services, such as

• swimming lessons, (children, adults and babies)

• life-saving skills classes

• rehabilitation sessions

• after school activities

• exercise classes

• the pool and the hall have also been hired out for parties and other social activities

Frequent users of the facility include:

* NHS - for rehabilitation classes and health assessments

* RNLI - for essential training over the summer

* Schools - to learn how to swim

* Cardigan Swimming Club

* Karate

* Zumba

* Surf Lifesaving Clubs

* General public

Cardigan Swimming Pool is a feature of the community that benefits a lot of people. Without the assistance of everyone in the community, Cardigan Swimming Pool would be in danger of closing, which would be a significant loss to Cardigan and the surrounding areas if this happened.

So this is where you the public can be vitally important in the future of the pool and the facilities. We would greatly appreciate any contributions that you could give as part of the fundraising to assist reach the £30,000. It would go a long way in ensuring Cardigan Swimming Pool stands stronger for longer. Thank you for your continued support.

CSP Staff & Trustees