Tranquillity Garden opens to remember Covid victims
People who died as a result of the Covid pandemic will be remembered at an award-winning community garden.
The Tranquillity Garden at Holy Trinity Church, Penrhyndeudraeth, is dedicated to all victims of the pandemic and has just been officially opened
Built by volunteers, with help from local suppliers, it offers a haven of peace in a busy town. It features commemorative benches with views of the Dwyryd Estuary towards Harlech Castle, flowerbeds for pollinating plants, a wheelchair accessible path and raised beds for less mobile residents to take part in gardening. A children’s educational and conservation area provides a picnic and outside working area, with a small pond to attract aquatic wildlife.
The small coastal town of Penrhyndeudraeth in Bangor Diocese was badly affected by the pandemic. It depends heavily on tourism and the loss of that had a huge impact on its economy.
A Book of Remembrance is also being planned, says church member, Anne Swann. “The garden is open daily throughout the year, free to visit, and will remain a place of quiet reflection in the crossroads of a busy town,” she says. “Anyone whose family, friends or colleagues died as a result of contracting the virus and were Gwynedd residents are invited to have their names recorded into a Book of Remembrance, planned for 2023, at the church, which is now open daily from 10-4pm.”
The Revd Roland Barnes, Vicar of Holy Trinity, says, “In a world dominated by pressures and worries, from Covid and climate change to economic woes and conflicts, it is so nice to have a calm, quiet space to sit and reflect, and have our spirits lifted by something truly beautiful; the bright colour of flowers and singing of birds.
“The garden is a credit to the church members and members of Penrhyndeudraeth community, who have come together to create something really worthwhile.”
Councillor Meryl Roberts said, “It was an honour to open the garden and I would like to thank everyone who has worked on it.”