For the eighth year in succession Herts Young Mariners Base (HYMB) is running the fun-packed Bell Boat Regatta from its base at Windmill Lane in Cheshunt on 30th April.
This year is proving to be even bigger and better than ever with Inland Homes, developer of the adjacent mixed-use scheme, Cheshunt Lakeside, sponsoring this event. This annual extravaganza has grown in popularity, now attracting almost 40 schools who will all get an opportunity to compete in a programme of waterside events.
Darryl Grout, Base Manager at HYMB comments: “The Bell Boat Regatta has become a highlight in our annual calendar and we are thrilled that Inland Homes has kindly donated £2,000 to help ensure the day is a success. The funds will be used to pay for medals, food, drinks and some extra staff to make the day go with a bang. We would be struggling to run the event without this financial help and we are very grateful for their assistance. This event is a fun way to introduce young people of all abilities to water activities.”
Bell boating refers to a craft which has been constructed from two hulls connected with a platform in the middle. The school teams will race each other between buoys with the fastest teams competing in a nail biting final to discover the overall winners of the day. Local MP, Charles Walker, KBE will be attending the Regatta this year to present medals to the winners.
HYMB has been operating on Cheshunt Lake for 62 years and has become an invaluable resource for the local residents and wider community. The centre is used by many schools and clubs across Hertfordshire and Essex, who are able to bring children here to try their hand at sailing, climbing, canoeing/kayaking, archery, bush craft and fencing. For many, HYMB will be their first time in a Bell Boat and the trained staff are able to help youngsters overcome their fears and enjoy a sport that is rarely accessible in central parts of England. The centre has grown over the years and groups are now able to book ahead and camp on the lakeside – meaning children from further afield can come and enjoy the facilities, which also include an eight-meter climbing wall, archery and paddle boarding.
Mike Butler, Project Manager from Inland Homes said: “We are delighted to help support the HYMB this year, especially in helping them deliver the Bell Boat Regatta. It is an amazing organisation that works with the local community, schools and a range of groups to deliver outdoor education through both water and land based activities. At Cheshunt Lakeside, which is a few hundred meters away, we are creating new homes and a new primary school and we anticipate many future residents and students will get involved in the wide range of activities available at the HYMB.”
The Cheshunt Lakeside masterplan will provide 1,725 new homes in a range of sizes and tenures. The development will also provide 19,000m2 of new commercial space for businesses, a new two form entry nursery and primary school. Inland Homes is making financial contributions totalling £14 million to fund new and upgraded community facilities including a new road and bus route through the development, and upgrades to Cheshunt railway station.
