2and7 Limited have recently announced they are to begin developing apps for a variety of smartphones including Blackberry, iPhone and Android.  We are currently in negotiation with a number of Rugby League clubs across a range of divisions to establish specific apps to meet their individual needs.

Common themes are already emerging including the following high level functionality:

• The ability to display news from the club web site;
• Access to special offers and discount vouchers for subscribers to the app;
• The ability to view latest fixtures and results information;
• The ability to view highlights and full coverage of games via 2and7 Limited’s LoveRugby.TV service;

More information is available via this presentation with example costs upon request.

The Hornsea Support Group is continuing to work to save Wakefield’s Hornsea Residential Centre.

Following a group meeting on Wednesday 19^th October, the Hornsea Support Group have considered their options and unanimously decided to continue to work to save the Hornsea Residential Centre.  Group Secretary, Stuart Boothman said “We were told at our meeting that the council would try to sell the centre with the aim of it continuing to serve the needs of Wakefield’s children.  We will work to raise the funds and to find partners to enable this to happen.”

Stuart went explained “We are happy to work with any private or voluntary organisation that is interested in unning Hornsea.  Between us, our group has years of experience as well as detailed plans that would be of immense benefit to any group wanting to run the centre.  But as well as offering our services as partners to anyone wishing to bid for the centre, we will actively look for partners to work with – we cannot afford to sit and wait, we must be pro-active.”

The group are awaiting confirmation of the tender process, so that they can bid for the centre alongside any other organisations.  They expect confirmation that the centre will be made available within the month, and the tender to be released to interested parties in the New Year. 

Mr Boothman said “We have been assured that the future access of Wakefield children will be protected.  We expect that there will be a clause in the tender documentation that explicitly makes this point.”

Mr Boothman went on to say “We are still disappointed that the press statement from the Council exaggerated the maintenance costs associated with the centre – this is hardly going to encourage companies to bid – our survey shows that the costs are not prohibitive and can be managed over a 5 year programme.  We are also disappointed that the council statement made no reference to the positive line of hope expressed to us verbally in our meeting with the Council.  We call on the council to set the record straight with a positive statement explaining the possibilities for a positive future for the centre.”

http://2and7.co.uk/2011/10/hornsea-support-group-press-release/

HORNSEA SUPPORT GROUP

 PRESS RELEASE 

Today, Friday 30^th September, representatives of the Hornsea Support Group met Cllr Olivia Rowley and MP Mary Creagh to hand in the official copy of their business plan aimed at running Wakefield’s Hornsea Outdoor Residential Centre as a social enterprise.

Secretary of the group, Stuart Boothman said “A lot of people have put in a lot of time to write this plan.  Over the summer, we
have drawn in people from a wide range of backgrounds, from all over the District, who all share the common aim of keeping the Hornsea Centre open”.

Stuart went on to say “It is amazing how many people just appeared with skills and enthusiasm.  Without their help, we could
not have completed the plan, but the fact that they are here to help shows the depth of feeling that people of Wakefield District have for Hornsea.  If our plan is accepted, we will see future generations of local children enjoying their time at Hornsea and developing new skills and knowledge along the way – just like our children have done.”

He added “We believe we have made a case that guarantees the continued benefit to Wakefield children, balances financially and has the capacity to develop the centre to provide new services and opportunities – we are feeling very positive at this point.”

Mary Creagh MP joined the representatives on the step and has arranged a meeting with group members and Ed Balls MP.  This
will take place in mid October, and will give the MPs and the group chance to explore the plan in depth.

Stuart said “The business plan is the first stage to show that we can run the centre as a viable enterprise.  The next stage
is to work out the detailed development so scrutiny and advice will be welcome – we are really looking forward to this meeting.”

ENDS         ENDS         ENDS         ENDS         ENDS         ENDS

Notes to the Editor

1. WMDC have indicated that a team of officers will now scrutinise the plans submitted and prepare a report.  This will take approximately two weeks.  The Leader will then consider the report with a view to making a decision in late October.
2. The business plan is commercially confidential and so not available for public scrutiny.

For further comment, please contact Stuart Boothman, secretary of the Hornsea Support Group by email on hornseacentre@gmail.com or by phone on 07736718108.