Hertford Fountain
Hertford Fountain was opened in 1994 after a competition for the fountain’s design and construction was won by William Pye. The fountain depicts the intertwining four rivers flowing through Hertford’s green spaces.
Fountain
Inspiration for the fountain was a wish in 1978 of founder chairman Alan Melville, influenced by fountains in the squares of villages and towns in France. Members of the committee of Hertford Civic Society gathered up the dream and organised a competition for the fountain’s design and construction, intended to displace some of the parking for cars in Salisbury Square.
During 1985 five proposals were delivered – such as ‘a group of flying swans’, a ‘6m bronze flower spouting water’, and an ‘abstract cuboid man’. All five were laughed off. A mention was made of an interesting, established sculptor working with water. The sculptor was sought and invited to consider the site in Hertford. William Pye studied the site and soon inspired the committee with drawings and a simple working model.
Planning permission was obtained and William Pye was asked to realise his design for depicting the mingling of the four rivers flowing through the green spaces surrounding Hertford. Several visits were made to his studio near Clapham Common to see the precise fabrication in brass of the unique structure, with pipes to circulate water up and over the sculpture.
Meanwhile conversations continued with councillors and planners about using the space for a sculpture to replace cars. Fortunately ideas and funds were being provided to rearrange and pedestrianise the centre of Hertford. Suddenly the landscapers found an urgent need for a feature in Salisbury Square and requested the design of a base and installation of Confluence in the revamped centre. Stonemasons carved Portland stone for the base.
Installation was by a specialist sculpture engineer and made ready for the re-opening of the area and presentation to the Town on 11 th November 1994. Since that day the society has maintained and serviced Confluence with funds from a legacy from Mrs Elsie Medlock of North Road House.
Sometimes the Hertford Secret Yarnbombers take it over:
Pye’s work has been recognised recently in A Royal Grand Design (ITV 30/11/22) with refurbishment of the Salisbury Square Fountain Designer’s garden centre piece at Dumfries House in Scotland:
About Hertford
Local Civic Society Events
Through our series of talks, we share our network of associates' breadth of historical, architectural, and local knowledge.
Planning Representation
We attend planning meetings for local projects, advocating for issues that affect Hertford and its residents.
Transport Plans
Air quality, the environment, and improving the quality of life for residents across generations are issues that The Civic Society approaches with direct effect. We are focused on improving the livability and sustainability of Hertford with efforts such as Hertford Bypass and A414 Traffic, and Mass Rapid Transport Systems. Safe Travel to Schools, Cycle Paths, See ideas here and ring along your own for campaigning projects.
Local Campaigns & Lobbying
The welfare and happiness of local residents is a top priority of the Hertford Civic Society. Our duty is to help you campaign and lobby for the maintenance and preservation of the community.
Our Green Belt
Hertford Civic Society is committed to conserving our rich, natural environment, making sure our environment enhances residents' and visitors’ experiences.
Local Environmental Issues (Pollution)
We focus on prioritising areas of natural beauty, improving air quality, and promoting the growth of native trees and wildlife. We are lucky to have our four chalk rivers, which provide natural leisure and relaxation areas. We are dedicated to the continuous improvement and maintenance of these areas. We are also committed to implementing more cycle lanes to decrease pollution and maintain our green belt.
Hertford Civic Society Policies
We provide updates and news on local and national policies relevant to our work at the Hertford Civic Society.
Licensing Applications
Our priority is to preserve and conserve areas of beauty and historical value. The Civic Society has 60 years of experience dealing with planning and licensing issues. Join us and help as we examine and comment on planning applications and major developments.
Green Fingers
We support and campaign to retain and protect Green Belt land and the recognition of Hertford’s ‘Green Fingers’, first designated in the Local Plan by HCS submissions. We continue to recognise the importance of Green Fingers’ role in various town policies, focusing on their crucial benefits for residents and the environment.
Architectural Awards
We regularly run architectural awards, recognising excellence in build and renovation design.
Hertford Plaques
Take a tour of HCS Hertford blue plaques highlight buildings of merit.
Bengeo Quarry
We provided instrumental support to prevent the Bengeo Quarry's development. In April 2019, the Secretary of State agreed with the Government Inspector that the appeal should be dismissed and planning permission be refused. This was a great triumph for the local community and surrounding environment.
Happy Healthy Hertford
Hertford Civic Society is committed to promoting a happy, healthy Hertford. Our focus is on maintaining a natural, sustainable environment and ensuring residents' happiness is our top priority.
Local Environmental Initiatives
Hertford Civic Society supports and celebrates the environmental improvements and campaigning initiated by other agencies across Hertford, with a special focus on green agendas.
Previous Talks
To ensure community concerns are addressed, we provide a platform for information and discussion, with talks from our specially selected guest speakers.
Newsletters Archive
Our newsletters are issued periodically and focus on town issues and events, letting you know how we are involved.
Local Leisure Facilities
Hertford Civic Society is committed to the promotion and improvement of local leisure facilities across Hertford. We work to ensure the community's culture is maintained, and green spaces are prioritised.
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