A fundraiser to help safeguard the future of a Powys border town swimming pool has been launched.
The Save the SpArc Charity in Bishop's Castle is facing its largest fundraising challenge yet as it aims to raise £250,000 to make the swimming pool at the leisure centre more sustainable and efficient as well as improving access.
The charity has launched an appeal for any unwanted foreign currency, coins or notes, from anywhere around the world, which can be converted into sterling to help boost funds.
The money does not have to be current and can be pre-euro currency - such as Italian lira, Spanish pesetas and German marks that can no longer be spent or exchanged.
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Graham Hemmings, SpArC charity treasurer, said: "The swimming pool in Bishop's Castle celebrates its 50th birthday next year.
"Foreign travel has changed dramatically in the last 50 years, and we thought we could benefit from unwanted money by seeing how much foreign currency has been accumulated at the back of drawers and cupboards over the last 50 years by the local community. “
Collection buckets will be available in the Co-op and at the SpArC Leisure Centre in Bishop's Castle until April 30 2024.
Jean Shirley, chair of trustees, said: "We are embarking on our largest fundraising campaign to date, to be launched by the High Sheriff of Shropshire on November 15.
"We aim to replace the pool liner with an insulated steel tank to reduce water volume and heating costs in order for it to be more sustainable, both environmentally and financially, and to improve access for disabled and older people."
Sponsored swims will be held on and after Wednesday, November 15, and everyone is invited to join the ‘Everyone Swims 50' theme.
Details and sponsorship forms are available from the SpArC centre.
The next major fundraiser will be a Christmas Prize Bingo on Friday, December 1, to be followed by events throughout 2024.
Anyone willing to help with fundraising should get in touch with Ruth Houghton on ruthmhoughton55@gmail.com
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