Shane winging his way back for garden opening (From South Wales Guardian)

Shane winging his way back for garden opening

4:10pm Thursday 12th July 2012 in Ammanford news

RUGBY ace Shane Williams is flying back from Japan to officially open Garnant Family Centre’s Community Garden at Maes y Bedol, on Saturday (July 14).

THe former Wales rugby international – now playing for Mitsubishi Dynaboars – will be there to witness the final transformation of what was formerly a patch of overgrown land into a vibrant communal area with new play equipment including swings, climbing frames and a roundabout.

The project has resulted from a £50,000 grant through the Landfill Communities Fund of Waste Recycling Group administered by the Environmental body WREN and the County Council Environmental Works Project part of the council’s Carmarthenshire Homes Standard programme to update council homes and benefit communities – which contributed £56,500.

Residents would also like to thank the County Collaboration Fund and Cwmaman town council for their support.

The park equipment was chosen by parents that use the family centre, with everyone involved in the planning of the garden, which consists of an ecolodge, raised plots, children’s planting area, and fruit trees and bushes as well as room for a poly-tunnel, greenhouse and a chicken shed and run.

It will be open to the families that attend the family centre, as well as members of the community who would like to get involved.

Garnant Family Centre is currently seeking volunteers to help out.

Council leader and local member Kevin Madge described it as a “fantastic”

facility that would benefit many people.

“I’m really pleased to see a project of this calibre at the heart of the Garnant community,”

he added.

Garnant Family Centre co-ordinator Eira Wilshere said: “With the eco-lodge, we have an extension to the Family Centre which means we can use this building to run courses, workshops and craft activities.

“The play area and garden are an amazing resource for families and the local community that are already being well used.”

Saturday’s official opening – from 11am to 2pm – will include a free barbecue, childen’s activities and games, a raffle and refreshments.

For further information, or to arrange use of the garden, contact Garnant Family Centre on 01269 825941.