St Mary’s Garden - Wales & West Housing
Community Foundation Wales has supported Welsh Procurement Alliance to award grants to its members to enable them to respond to the needs of those within the communities in which they work.
All projects have identified a way to build local community cohesion, reduce the isolation of those that are vulnerable and improve the health and well-being of families struggling with the effects of living on low incomes.
WWHG (Wales & West Housing Group) are hoping to use the £7000 towards a new project. Full projected costs are around £20,000.
WWHG were approached by St Mary's church (Barry) back in 2022. The church has its own charity group, and they operate as a not for profit. They came to us for £7,500 funding for to make their church garden more accessible, environmentally friendly, and beneficial to the community. The grounds are owned by the Church so plans/drawings have already been submitted to and approved by the Diocese of Llandaff.
Engagement, Inclusivity, Equality, Sustainability and Environmental factors are key in this project. The church is situated within the busy main shopping area of Penarth. It has good transport links and parking close by. Their committee already engage with the local community as they currently operate a foodbank, a Wellness group, Slimming World, Friends and Family group and Messy Play church sessions for children. The church is very excited at the prospect of the opportunity to become even more involved within the community.
An Open Day was held on 04/07/23. The local community, Barry Town Mayor, project sponsors, Diocesan representatives, St Helens RC Infants and Holton Road Primary along with Vale People's First were invited to celebrate. During the event the group met and consulted with visitors, they shared display plans and discussed achievements to date.
They also took contact information for those interested in supporting the project.
Works completed to date:
-60m of PVC coated metal fencing has been erected.
- 2x 6 foot double gates installed at the entrance (suitable for wheelchair users)
- 200 native saplings planted in front of fence, creating a natural hedge of approximately 1.1/2 metres wide, to encourage wildlife such as bees, butterflies, birds etc.
- Stone wall repaired and repointed
The church reports that there has been tremendous interest in this project which will be of great benefit to the community.
They've even managed to secure additional sponsorships to support their project:
- Sponsorship of two friendship benches from the community
- Barry Brass Band have arranged a concert at the end of October at St Mary's Church, to raise funds for a further three benches
- CalonHearts will provide a fully-fitted, housed defibrillator for the garden
- Labour has been pledged from the Boys Probationary Group, the Church members and other local groups to build raised planters.
