Many will not know about Meadow Street Community Garden, in Pontypridd. They should.
In January 2021, on an overgrown site, full of debris from flooding which affects this area, the project commenced.
Irrespective of all these trials, the site showed huge potential to create something special for the community. Pontypridd Town Council made a commitment to rejuvenate the site and ever since, it has been going from strength to strength, due to the remarkable volunteers and members of this wonderful site.
January 2022 the community garden were successful in gaining funding, to finance the enhancement and restoration of nature on the doorstep.
The vision is to create a safe and welcoming place where people from all walks of life can enjoy the benefits of nature, homegrown produce and have opportunities to share and learn new skills.
All age groups volunteer and mix in a wonderful, convivial atmosphere to engage in activities that support health and wellbeing. Through the community garden, people young and old are empowered through knowledge, skills, and experiences.
For the young, it is hoped the project will inspire people to enjoy green spaces and nature, increasing their access and enjoyment of the local environment. All this connects people to each other, encourages greater understanding and resilience. All the while biodiversity and natural habitats benefit.
Everyone is encouraged to visit and two extra-special visitors to the community garden were none other than their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales.
It was an absolute privilege to be asked by the Mid Glamorgan Lieutenancy and Professor Peter Vaughan, to accompany the Royal couple, as they visited Meadow Street Community Garden.
The volunteers who work on this incredible project were brilliant - and I'm so grateful to them for their warm welcome, even though they were extremely busy with the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Another privilege was to witness at first hand the most sociable of interactions between their Royal Highnesses and the volunteers, who were delighted to host the Royal visitors.
In turn. the Prince and Princess of Wales were most gracious and were immersed in the story, mission and results of the community garden and its vision.
Please, like the Prince and Princess of Wales, support the Meadow Street Community Project - pay a visit.
Diolch yn fawr iawn. Llongyfarchiadau.