Save The SpArC celebrates milestone in fundraising efforts to replace aging swimming pool

Their achievement is thanks to huge community support for a variety of fundraising events, including sponsored swims, quizzes, plant sales, live music and film events, and much more.

An Olympic fan zone community day was also held in July where residents of the South Shropshire town cheered on Olympic hero Oliver Morgan.

The SpArC pool that serves Bishop's Castle and the wider region, was opened in 1974 and is nearing its end of life. The charity that supports the pool has decided to dedicate this year towards a campaign to replace it with an insulated steel tank to reduce water volume and heating costs, as well as adding steps to improve access.

The campaign is now £50,000 from its quarter of a million-pound target to replace the pool.

Chair of the Charity behind the campaign, Jean Shirley, said: "This community has lost none of its public spirit since the existing pool was funded by public subscription 50 years ago. 

"Our final challenge is to raise the remaining £50,000 needed to meet our target of £250,000 and we will continue to fundraise over the next three months – not easy when so many people have already contributed so much."

The group is inviting residents or businesses who have not yet had chance to support the campaign to contribute any amount possible. Donations can be made on their JustGiving page.

The group has several fundraising events planned for the remainder of this year, including Clun Memorial Hall’s charity event on Saturday, November 16, prize bingo in SpArC Theatre on Friday, November 29, a book sale in the Stars community shop in December.

The charity said it will continue to make grant applications, and that their fingers are crossed for them to be successful.

Further information can be found on SaveTheSparc's Facebook page or by emailing [email protected] or [email protected].