Message from the Mayor, Councillor Alexander Curtis
Sadly, the Services of Remembrance which had been planned for Remembrance Sunday were cancelled due to the new regulations in force. Four of our churches came together and recorded a wonderful service. If you missed it you can see it here https://youtu.be/j4NpH2UH42o.
Despite the lockdown restrictions, people paid their respects to those who gave their lives during WW1 and WW2. Many people stopped at the war memorial to look at the wreaths laid by Ware Town Council, East Herts Council, the Royal British Legion and others - on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day. Others stopped for the two minutes silence at 11am on the 11th November and motorists voluntarily stopped their journey at the war memorial. Thank you for remembering.
We are presently working on our 2021/22 budget and will be able to present our plans to you in due course.
One major project we have planned for early 2021 is the refurbishment of the Skate Park – this project is about to go out to tender.
Whilst Christmas this year in the town won’t be what we are used to, our Town Centre Manager, Sarah, has been working hard to bring some cheer to the town and its traders. You will read more on her work further in this newsletter.
Please be assured that Ware Town Council continues to work for you during this lockdown period, and, as always, if there is anything you would like to bring to my attention please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Cllr Alexander Curtis Town Mayor
Events at Ware Priory ~ Still here for you & working through lockdown
Ware Priory will be closed for events and viewings during the winter lockdown beginning November 5th 2020. However, our staff remain fully operational and our Events Team are on hand to assist you with your enquiries and future bookings.
Our intimate Wedding Package for 15 Guests remains popular for the New Year, as do larger weddings for summer 2021 and 2022. Our Booking Guarantee remains in place, so if your wedding has to be cancelled or rearranged due to the pandemic, our team is on hand to assist you at no extra cost.
If you have any questions or would like to make a booking enquiry please contact us on the details below. In the meantime, stay safe and we look forward to welcoming you back after lockdown.
Tel: 01920 460316
email: events@warepriory.co.uk
Ware's Open - Online, Delivery, Collection & more!
Shop local, support local this November. Many of Ware's businesses have had to close their doors but you can still support them from the comfort of your own home in a number of different ways.
Follow the link below to see the local businesses who are offering online & phone shopping, delivery, takeaway, click & collect, as well as those essential businesses who are still open.
Christmas will be different this year and we are yet to know what restrictions will be in place, but our aim is still to make the town centre a beautiful, festive place to be with some new displays, solar trees and installations all happening over the next few weeks.
Ware in Bloom will be wrapping all our flower planters up nicely in a Christmas bow, each sponsored by a different business and are set to add some festive lighting and decoration to the bridge this year to welcome visitors as they arrive into town.
The switching on of the lights will take place over this weekend as will the arrival of a very special visitor as we prepare to greet Ware Bear. He will be in residence for the festive season and is an illuminated 3D Christmas installation in town next week until January. Trust us, you won't be able to miss him! Ware Bear will be lighting up the town near the Old Town Hall (outside Boots Chemist). He'll be ready and waiting for when the shops reopen for you to safely grab a selfie with him!
As reported previously, sadly Ware's Dickensian Evening had to be cancelled for this year, but will be back next year on Friday, 3rd December 2021. Save the date in your diary!
Follow our social media channels @WareTownCentre where we will reveal more details and find out about the Ware Bear Family Trail that's coming soon!
Celebrations in Art
We've had some fantastic submissions to our Art Competition. Have you started work on your piece yet? The closing date for entries is December 18th - full details are here:
We have 70 green stacking banqueting chairs in need of a new home. They are in a relatively good condition, with the odd scuff in the paintwork or seat fabric, but perfectly serviceable.
These are being offered free of charge with collection from the Priory building. If any local community groups would benefit by rehoming these chairs, please contact Kat Harter on kat@warepriory.co.uk. to discuss further.
Victoria Cut Bridge
It's great to see that the Environment Agency have pushed on with work to the Victoria Cut Bridge. We hope to bring you news on opening soon!
News from Southern Maltings
Some urgent work is taking place at Southern Maltings. The Board of Trustees would like to make the following known:
'A serious problem has been identified at Southern Maltings which has meant getting urgent agreement from the East Herts Council Conservation Planning Officer.
In July it was recognised that render on the west end of the building facing Kibes Lane was in a dangerously fragile condition. Three adjacent car park spaces have been barriered off since.
In accordance with Planning Consent for the building’s redevelopment, permission was given to remove the render and replace it with weatherboarding. However on removing the render last week the timber frame on which it was mounted was found to be so rotten and fragile that it was beyond repair and that the part of the roof it supported was liable to collapse.
A temporary roof support was rapidly inserted. It has now been agreed that the original timber has to be removed, after its structure and dimensions have been carefully recorded. The structure will be replaced to reproduce the original as closely as possible. A timber frame exactly matching the original will be constructed; This will then be clad with insulation and weatherboarded. At a later date the inside of the wall will be plastered.
We are concerned at the Southern Maltings to preserve the buildings maltings features and are sad that in this instance the only realistic course of action is to reproduce rather than conserve.'
Local Restrictions Support Grant
At the start of the second national lockdown ( Thursday 5th November 2020) local business who have been ordered to close for four weeks may be eligible for a Government grant of up to £3,000.
The Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG ) which helped businesses ordered to close in local tier 3 lockdowns, is now available for business required to close in national measures.
New cycle racks have been installed in Ware, at Amwell End. The cycle racks have been provided by central Government as part of their strategy to promote more cycling and walking. Cycling helps with promoting an active lifestyle, reduces congestion and is a great way of getting around sustainably.
Funding was applied for via Hertfordshire Highways and East Herts Council was successful in obtaining funding for five cycle racks across the district, including the Ware rack.
Bikes can be stored in the eight spaces on the bottom rack or the sliding mechanism can be pulled out on the top level to the end of its range and lowered to the ground. The bike is then inserted into the wheel guides front and back. The assisted lifting mechanism helps the bike to be lifted easily back into its original position. Please remember to secure your bike using a good quality D lock and make sure you remove it before releasing your bike.
Covid Marshals to support business & reassure residents
East Herts Council has introduced a team of Covid marshals to help local residents and businesses across the district follow national guidance and keep people safe.
The marshals will be out talking to residents and businesses across towns and high streets in East Herts in support of the government’s drive to make sure everyone understands the importance of keeping to national guidance. Information on the national regulations can be found on gov.uk
The aim is to help businesses comply with the regulations and iron out any confusion. At the same time, the marshals will be reminding the public of the importance of maintaining social distancing, wearing face masks and frequently sanitising or washing their hands.
The marshals will work with the local town councils and the police to keep on top of any local issues that arise.
Cllr Linda Haysey, Leader of East Herts Council, said: “Introducing local Covid marshals is a practical way in which the council can help residents and businesses understand and stick to the rules.
“We know some people are still confused by the guidance so our Covid marshals will be out talking to people and reminding them of how they can best protect themselves, their loved ones and our whole community by maintaining social distancing, wearing face coverings and washing our hands. It is important we follow the guidance to stop the virus spreading but if you do need to go out, please keep yourself informed and follow the rules.
“Our Covid marshals can be easily identified by their hi-viz East Herts Council Covid Support tabards. They are there to help you so don’t be shy in asking them for information.”
If you are struggling...
There is help available for all kinds issues. Don't struggle on alone, contact Herts Help on 0300 123 4044.
