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Message from the Mayor


Tradition holds that the Mayor appoints an Official Chaplain for the Civic Year and I am delighted to tell you that Reverend Ysmena Pentelow has taken on this role.  One of her duties is to lead a prayer at the beginning of Council Meetings; however, she will be sharing this duty with other clergy, faith groups and secular groups in the town as we go through the Civic Year.
 
I was absolutely delighted to be able to carry out my first official Mayoral duty in person on May 29th when I cut the ribbon to open the new Costcutter store in Amwell End.   Accompanying me was Cllr Phyllis Ballam, my Consort for the year; she of course has far more experience of Mayoral duties than I, having served as Mayor four times! Store manager Ersin Cimikoglu had organised free goody bags for the first 100 customers and there were activities such as face painting going on throughout the day.  The store generously donated 10% of its takings on the first day of trading to Pinewood and Sacred Heart Schools.
 
It was good to see a sizeable turn out for our first concert of the Summer Season at the Priory last Sunday when Barry Sapsford’s Swing Orchestra played to an appreciative crowd gathered on the back lawn – socially distanced of course!  Concerts continue roughly fortnightly through the season; for the full programme see here: Summer 21
 
The Ware Neighbourhood Plan Group and their consultants are working hard to produce a Plan for the town going forward.  The group plan a second public consultation later on in the summer.  To catch up on their work to date, visit: https://www.wareneighbourhoodplan.com/
 
This week, the one-way system in Ware High Street has finally been removed. Ware Town Council has consistently lobbied for this, because of the adverse impact on businesses, cyclists, bus passengers and residents of the diversionary roads. Nevertheless there are positive lessons to learn. Our request to retain the 20 mph speed limit has been granted, and we are asking Highways to explore possibilities such as an HGV ban and “shared spaces” configurations to make the area more pedestrian- friendly.
 
Making a comeback this Sunday is our 7th Annual Food Festival in Tudor Square – I very much look forward to visiting and sampling some of the goodies available.
 
It is heartening to see the town slowly coming back to life and I look forward to getting out and about to meet more of you over the coming weeks.
 
In the meantime, continue to stay safe.
 
With best wishes,
 
 
Cllr Ian Kemp
Town Mayor

 

Celebrations & Business Events at Ware Priory


Busy with lots of queries for business events, weddings, baby showers, birthday parties and everything in between, our events team, Kerry & Nikki are  are awaiting an update for the final step of the Government Roadmap when they hopefully will be able to extend what they are able to offer you.
 
In the meantime, if you are planning a forthcoming event, Kerry and Niki can be contacted by telephone on 01920 460316 or by  email events@warepriory.co.uk

www.warepriory.co.uk

High Street Recovery Traffic Consultation

 
This week, the one-way traffic system in the High Street was removed. Hertfordshire County Council is seeking views on the road changes in Ware that were made last year to aid social distancing so that they can understand what worked well or not.  

To comment please visit https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/92968a053eca4c9db0b662785a34ac2b# before 20 June.
 
Your feedback will help to shape how the schemes are progressed. Contact highstreetrecovery@hertfordshire.gov.uk with any queries.

 

We are so excited to be back for our 7th Annual Food Festival and look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Our 2nd Concert of the Season - the Bullenbush Band will have you singing along!

Private Hire for Pool Parties


What better way to celebrate the warmer weather than with a private pool party at the Lido? Ideal for birthdays, family get togethers or end of term parties!
 
Private hire is from £140 for the first hour for up to 30 swimmers.  You will have the use of our event room if you want to bring in cake or snacks.  'The Beast' inflatable is available to groups at a  small additional cost but children will need to be over 8 years old to participate. 
 
We have limited availability now for the summer so if you would like more information or to book please email kat@warepriory.co.uk
 
 

Priory Play Park Regeneration

 
Gavin Vollans and his team have been busy fundraising and to date have raised more than £18,000!!  Amazing! Our playpark has been nominated for the Asda Green Token scheme with a chance to win £500 for the pot.  You can place your vote until 31st July and can vote every week!  Get voting here:

 http://www.asda.com/green-tokens

We look forward to bringing you more information on the Priory Park Regeneration soon.

Free Swim for Launchpad Ware New Joiners


Outdoor swimming has surged in popularity over lock-down, & there is a 30m Lido at Ware Priory.  Heated throughout the season and open 7 days a week, the Lido has indoor changing rooms, toilets and hot showers, as well as new poolside showers, installed in 2020. To celebrate the long awaited arrival of spring, any new-joiners to Launchpad Ware during the month of June will get a free swim  (subject to T&Cs).  For more information see here: https://launchpadstortford.co.uk/

Place House 


Our much loved Place House Hall is currently open under Stage 3 of the Government guidance and will reopen fully once restrictions have lifted further.

Like many venues, Place House has taken the opportunity during lockdown to carry out some refurbishments.  There's a lovely video on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAphtksxz44

Place House can be reached by email:  enquiries@placehousehall.org

Hertfordshire Health Walks are resuming!

 
Hertfordshire Health Walks are gradually restarting.  New Health Walk programmes will be relaunched over the coming weeks in all areas.  All walks will need to be booked in advance. You will find full details here:

https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/recycling-waste-and-environment/countryside-management/walking-events/hertfordshire-health-walk-events.aspx

In Touch - Age UK

 
InTouch are a team of 5 working within Age UK Hertfordshire. The team work closely with you by listening to your concerns, confidentially and without judgement, helping you to explore your options and supporting you to make the choices that are right for you. 
 
They can talk to you about difficult issues; whether you are struggling with a bereavement, physical & mental health issues, cancer, end of life, a partner with dementia or any other problem, they are there for you.
 
In times of struggle having someone to talk to can be a great relief.  It is often the case that talking to someone other than family & friends can work really well and we can help you find your way if you are feeling lost. 
 
The team can be reached on 01992 629358 or by email intouch@ageukherts.org.uk The website address is: www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire
 
This service is free.
 
 
 
 


The County Community Safety Unit (CCSU) are currently producing a needs assessment on Violence Against Women and Girls. As part of this piece of work, they are undertaking a public survey of Hertfordshire residents to understand their experiences and feelings of personal safety, which will help to inform recommendations for the needs assessment. 
The survey is now open and will remain open until Friday 9th July and can be accessed using the web link below:

https://surveys.hertfordshire.gov.uk/s/XFEVX8/

Please note the survey is open to males and females of all ages.


 
Copyright © Ware Town Council, 11th June 2021,  All rights reserved.
All information correct at the time of publication


Our mailing address is:
info@waretowncouncil.gov.uk

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