Grant success: restoring the Coronation Pump
The Parish Council is delighted to share some excellent news: our application to Herefordshire Community Foundation has been successful, and the Foundation has generously awarded £2,000 to support restoration of the historic Coronation Pump on Common Hill and development of the Voices of Fownhope circular walk.
This is a significant step forward, and we’re deeply grateful to the Foundation’s trustees for their support.
Work to secure the remaining funds is ongoing. If you’d like to contribute, you can now donate online — every pound brings the Pump closer to restoration.
About the Project
The Coronation Pump on Common Hill has stood since 1905, built by local people for local people and maintained by the community ever since. Now, once again, it needs our help — and once again, the village is responding.
Structural repairs to the pump house are the priority. One quote has been received and discussions are in progress with three further contractors. Thank you to the residents who contributed contacts and ideas. Alongside the repairs, we are cementing the pump’s place as a cherished village landmark through three connected initiatives:
- Voices of Fownhope — a new circular walk linking eight village landmarks, each with its own character and voice. A webpage and printed leaflet will bring the walk to life, with each landmark telling its own story. Fresh, imaginative, and very Fownhope.
- An interpretation board inside the pump house will tell its history and evoke daily life on Common Hill before mains water arrived.
- Directional signs at the top of The Pitch will invite Wye Valley Walk travellers to pause at the pump — and carry on into the village to support our pubs and shops.
The response from parishioners has been wonderful. Nick Kingsford is contributing his line drawings; Jon Parr is leading the design work; Sue and Robin at RS Signs & Engraving are donating the board and signage; Sarah Fishbourne is co-ordinating donations on Common Hill; and we’re talking with the Local History Group. Thank you all.
The estimated total cost is around £4,100. Parish Council reserves together with the grant we have just received will cover £2,400, leaving £1,700 to raise. £150 of that has been donated already.
There is still room for more people to get involved, particularly volunteers to repaint the pump house, and someone to coordinate parish wide fundraising. To offer your help, please contact clerk@ fownhopeparishcouncil.gov.uk.
About Herefordshire Community Foundation
Herefordshire Community Foundation is a grant-making charity helping local voluntary and community groups. Our aim is to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable, isolated and disadvantaged people. We connect people who care with causes that matter to build stronger and healthier communities across Herefordshire.
