Cherilee Freeman, Volunteer Facilitator for Ponthafren at Powis Castle gardens, was recently presented with a plaque by Susan Paynton, North Powys County Organiser for The National Garden Scheme. This marked a Community Garden Grant award of £2,611.83 in 2023 which was used to build additional raised beds, erect a greenhouse and purchase new water butts.
Ponthafren is a registered charity which provides two wellness, learning & recovery centres in North Powys to help bring communities together and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. The facility at Powis Castle is on a hitherto unused part of the walled garden leased to Ponthafren until 2027. Every Thursday the group come together to tend the garden, undertake various projects, learn new skills and make lasting friendships.
Currently there are five regular attendees with space for up to five more. They all agreed that gaining confidence, getting outside in the fresh air, and receiving training were just three of the benefits of being part of the Ponthafren team at Powis Castle. If you are interested in joining them, please contact Rachael Harris, Operations Manager, on 01686 621586 (admin@ponthafren.org.uk).
The 2025 National Garden Scheme Community Garden Grants will be open for applications from Monday 9th September until noon on 28th October 2024 on www.ngs.org.uk
Applicants must be a fully set up community group or registered charity with a functioning non-personal bank account. Applications from groups successful in the prior year, schools or Local Authorities will not be eligible. Individual grants are between £1,000 and £5,000 and each application must itemise the details of the costs they are planning to cover.
Feature image: (L t0 R) Rachael Harris (Operations Manager), Brian Bowen (volunteer), Cherilee Freeman (Facilitator), Trevor Whitehead (volunteer), Susan Paynton (NGS Area Organiser) and AJ Angland (volunteer).
