Better to run Herts Young Mariners Base from 1 September
The UK’s largest charitable social enterprise leisure provider, Better, will add Herts Young Mariners Base(HYMB) to its ever-growing list of water facilities when it takes over management and operations of the Base from 1 September 2025, following an agreement struck with the Base's trustees.
Better - the customer brand of charitable social enterprise GLL - will absorb the HYMB Trust as the Trustees step down and GLL becomes the 'named Trustees'.
All current staff will TUPE over to GLL, which will operate the facilities under its 'Better' brand following a refresh.
The new arrangements will ensure the Cheshunt-based facility will continue to be able to meet its aim to help educate and develop more young people and improve lives for many years to come. It will also ensure the Base retains its unique identity and role in the community.
HYMB offers safe and supervised access to the water for local school children, local groups, scouts, cubs and others with access to activities including open water swimming, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, paddleboarding. climbing, archery, caving and raft building.
The 26-acre outdoor centre also offers camping and orienteering. More details can be found at: https://hymb.com/
There will be no immediate change to the programme or prices in 2025 under GLL’s expert management.
The charitable social enterprise already operates successful water-based facilities in Westminster, Lower Lee Valley, Hackney, Welwyn Hatfield, Bedford, Manchester, Wales and Cumbria.
Better's Partnership Manager Katie Foulger said:
“We are delighted to add Herts Young Mariners Base to our ever-growing list of open water facilities– which include an Olympic Canoe Slalom course, Cumbrian and Welsh lakes, a reservoir in Hackney – as well as nine lidos.
“Children learn valuable life skills, grow in confidence and thrive through active play and sport. With the support of the water sports experts here, and with programme development, all are assured of the best experience in the county.”
“Taking the Base into the 'Better family' will secure its future for years to come for local children and schools as well as grant access to our Foundations, expertise and 32 years of industry-leading experience – all backed by the strong social values that our brands stand for.”
Linda Russell, Chair of Trustees at Herts Young Mariners Base said:
“We are excited to welcome the new arrangements with GLL - ensuring the excellent work the Base delivers can continue for many years to come.
"This sustainable solution will build on HYMB’s legacy and improve outcomes for local young people going forward.”
Better will use transferred customer data to develop programmes and reach local people with progress, news and offers.
Better will continue the strong relationship built up with clubs and volunteers at the Base.
About Herts Young Mariners Base:
The Herts Young Mariners Base has stunning grounds including a large natural spring lake. It provides a wide range of outdoor activities including canoeing & kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, climbing, caving, archery, fencing, outdoor swimming, and bushcraft.
As well as a great deal of fun, all of these provide both skill and personal development and in some cases opportunities for accreditation.
Herts Young Mariners Base
Cheshunt Lake
231 Windmill Lane
Cheshunt
Waltham Cross
EN8 9AJ
https://hymb.com/