Cheltenham Civic Society has organised an inaugural meeting for a new ‘friends’ group to care for the renovated gardens of Cheltenham’s Minster (St Mary’s Church).
The meeting was held on Wednesday 23rd March in the Minster.
In a search for potential volunteers, fundraisers and trustees, members of the Civic Society invited local businesses, other ‘friends’ organisations, neighbours and local residents to the meeting – see and download our leaflet.
Cheltenham Borough Council asked the Civic Society to set up the new group.
Once established, it is expected that the volunteers – initially called ‘The Quarter Party’ – will help with small maintenance tasks, occasional seasonal planting, and organising events.
Three quarters of a million pounds is being invested to transform the churchyard and improve its safety and amenity.
The gardens will also benefit from the activity at the new Minster Exchange, which will overlook the garden, and the adjacent Wilson Museum and Art Gallery, which will open onto the garden once its refurbishment has been completed.
Andrew Booton, Chair of the Civic Society, said: “The gardens, once completed, will significantly improve this dilapidated and unloved area of the town centre. We want to ensure that there is an independent group of volunteers that works with Cheltenham Borough Council, Ubico and neighbours to keep an eye on the space and help to care for it in the future, as many similar groups do successfully for parts of the town such as Montpellier Gardens and Pittville Park.”