An overgrown piece of land in Bangor, that was full of litter and scattered with used needles, has now been transformed into a beautiful community garden.
Grŵp Cymunedol Maestryfan Community Group was founded in the summer of 2021, with the aim of upgrading the children’s park equipment and generally improving amenities in the area, as well as creating opportunities for local residents to get together and socialise following the pandemic.
The Group jumped at the chance to create a community garden at the old Cae Doctor site when the opportunity arose, with Ben Popat, the Chair of the Group taking the lead in creating a bid to Mon a Menai. Funds were made available from Welsh Government via Mon a Menai to enable community wellbeing through improving community green spaces locally. The bid was successfful and the rest is history! Do you remember what Cae Doctor looked like, three years ago?
In the past, Cae Doctor was used to let dogs run free, with the inevitable dog mess; there was a smoking shelter there, reportedly used for all sorts of substances. There were used needles, litter and overgrowth. Thanks to the efforts of people like Ben, Jackie, the Group, all the volunteers and businesses and friends who have helped, the story today is very different.
Today, the garden is full of flowers and fruit trees, wild flowers and lovely shrubs. There are places to sit underneath the trees so you can the enjoy the breeze; there are picnic tables and benches. There is a Gardening Club that meets regularly and everyone is welcome to join in, and soak up the leisurely and peaceful atmosphere. A retreat in the middle of our busy city! We are looking for a new co-ordinator for the gardening club so please contact Jackie Spence or Elin Walker Jones if you’re interested.
The grand opening of the garden was held recently. Residents and friends old and new came together to enjoy the refreshments, an Easter egg hunt and each other’s company. The garden was formally opened by the Mayor of Bangor, Cllr Elin Walker Jones.
The community Group is keen to thank all of you who have helped to realise this dream community garden. There is a thank you board on the garden notice board, and we are humbled and grateful to all those local businesses, groups, charities and enterprises as well as individuals who have contributed to our beautiful garden. Thank you for your generosity, for your time and efforts.
And Jackie Spence, Treasurer of the Group said, “As a resident who was born and raised in Maestryfan, and lived here all my life, I’m overjoyed to witness the roaring success of the Cae Doctor Community Garden.
“I’m so proud to be involved in this project, and happy with all we have achieved as a Group, turning an overgrown, untidy parcel of wasteland into a vibrant and beautiful garden that now stands open in the heart of our community.
“Cae Doctor has become a central hub in the community, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds for Cae Doctor, and for further development on the Maestryfan estate.”
You’re all welcome to enjoy the garden! Diolch pawb!
