Volunteers at Bishop’s Park (Parc yr Esgob) in Abergwili have been recognised for their work with a King’s Award for Voluntary Services (KAVS). The park and gardens, which surround the county museum, have been restored by the Tywi Gateway Trust, with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and now boasts a visitor centre with a popular café.
The equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.
Sara Edwards, Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed presented Parc yr Esgob volunteers with their award at a celebration lunch during the summer.
Parc yr Esgob volunteers were presented with their award by Sara Edwards, Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed during a celebration lunch in the summer.
Betsan Caldwell, Chair of the charitable Trust which manages the park, said:
“Our long-term ambition has always been to put Parc Yr Esgob on the map as an outstanding destination for visitors to explore beautiful landscaped gardens, parkland and views across the Tywi valley, discover fascinating wildlife and history, and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors in nature. This award is testament to the hard work and dedication of our many volunteers in helping to realise that ambition.”
There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to KAVS Awardees, but groups that are worthy of the award are recognised as being truly outstanding and making a big difference to their local community. They are volunteers, rather than paid staff, who work hard to support the Trust’s activities and display the highest standards in everything they do.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism – Cllr Hazel Evans said:
“Congratulations to Parc yr Esgob’s volunteers on a much-deserved award. Those of us who live and work near the park will know how well-kept the gardens are. Volunteers are frequently seen around the gardens and are involved in several other roles as well. I am very proud of their achievements and success in receiving this award.”
Further to the well-earned recognition of its workforce, the Lord Lieutenant also recently planted a hazel tree sapling from the ‘Canopy of Trees’ sculpture in the park. The ‘Canopy of Trees’ is a scheme that was set up for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee to help encourage communities to plant trees. 350 saplings made up the ‘Canopy of Trees’ and they are all being sent across the UK, with each county receiving a sapling
