A BENCH will be unveiled in memory of a "great" gardener who regularly opened her garden to the public to help raise money for charities.

Sydney Thomas was an active member of the Newtown Garden Club who often welcomed visitors to her garden in Tregynon through the National Garden Scheme.

The memorial bench, which was designed and made by William O'Brien, of Berriew, has been donated to the Parson’s Field Community Garden by Tregynon Community Centre Committee. At 2pm on Saturday (December 9) the new bench will be unveiled with mince pies, mulled wine and the inevitable cup of tea available in the church.

County Times: Parson's Field Community Garden in Tregynon.

"Sydney Thomas was a great gardener of Tregynon," said a spokesperson for the Parson’s Field Community Garden.

"She would very much have approved of the transformation of the wasteland in the Parson’s Field into a beautiful community garden with picnic benches, newly planted native woodland, orchard and wildflower meadow.

"The creation of the garden was only possible through the generous grant funding from Wales Government’s Local Places for Nature Scheme administered locally by the Powys Nature Partnership.

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“There have also been very generous donations from local charities, such as the Cefn Twlch Trust, the Tregynon Windfarm Trust, Tregynon’s Knit and Natter the Woodland Trust and Montgomeryshire Federation of WIs as well as amazing donations of time and plants from local people, too many to mention."

In the event of rain most of the celebration will be in the church. Parking is available at the Community Centre and from there it is a short walk up to the Parson’s Field and Church.

A warm welcome is extended to anyone who knew Sydney Thomas or wishes to show support for the garden.