A SMALL not-for-profit company established to run the Barry Community Garden and Allotment, has held its first AGM.

Barry Community Projects Ltd recently held the meeting at Parkside Christian Centre, in Gibbonsdown, Barry.

The garden and allotment is sited next to Pencoedtre Splash Park, off Dyfnallt Road, in Gibbonsdown.

Chairwoman and director Jane Clay, of the Citizens Advice Bureau, and all of the directors were present, as well as the garden manager, Lisa Williams.

A number of individual regular volunteers plus three volunteers from the Woodlands Day Care Centre, who have been attending the garden every week for a number of months, were also present.

The current board of directors was re-elected and financial reports heard before the volunteers were each presented with a certificate of appreciation and a small token of thanks.

Special mention went to Julie Timothy of Leadbitter Construction, who has provided invaluable assistance with machinery and operators at the garden to dig out the wildlife pond and the new orchard. Lloyds Bank were also thanked for the hard work their staff undertook erecting the two polytunnels as part of their Day to Make a Difference Scheme.

The success of the Community Garden and Allotment, thanks to Lisa and the volunteers, was attributed to the investment in time and finance of Environment Wales.

Support and commitment from Gareth Davies, one of their development officers, has meant the project has got off the ground.

A Tackling Poverty Grant, through Communities First, has enabled other excellent facilities to be provided at the garden.

The directors expressed their thanks to all involved in making this a successful project.

The garden opens every Monday, from 10am to 4pm, and every Tuesday and Wednesday, from 10am to 2pm for anyone wishing to get involved.

There is an all-inclusive policy and adults are welcome to visit and have a go at growing their own fruit and vegetables, and learn about gardening, conservation and the environment.

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Facilities include a large summerhouse, full range of tools, two polytunnels and a compost toilet.

Anyone interested should email gardenmanager@hotmail.co.uk or contact via Facebook page www.facebook.com/BarryCommunityGardenAllotment.