The History of the Friends of Newport and Nevern dates back to the 1960s, when the Friends first took an interest in a derelict site at the top of Market Street. The Friends managed to prevent an inappropriate development and instead created the lovely garden now enjoyed by so many. The Friends later became a registered charity in 1983, and continues to maintain the garden and to take a keen interest in local matters.
The creation of the garden is covered in more detail by the following newspaper article, published on Thursday, November 4th, 1971.
ARTICLE FROM WESTERN TELEGRAPH.
“Prince’s award is fitting accolade”
The Newport project – before (below) and after (above).
THESE two photographs show the excellent work undertaken by the Friends of Newport and Nevern in developing the Market Street Garden at Newport.
Last week their efforts were recognised when they won the coveted Prince of Wales Award.
This set seal to a story which started over four years ago.
Explained the secretary, Mrs. Sali Shields: “The Friends first took an interest in the derelict site at the head of Market Street as long ago as 1967. At that time a tiny stone-built Welsh-type cottage was demolished by the then owners, who proposed to erect two two-storeyed buildings of an unattractive design. The development – if granted -would have blotted the main feature of the Market Street – namely a fine view of Newport Castle of the ancient Barony of Kemes.”
She went on: “The society have been very conscious of the fact that Newport (Trefdraeth) is one of five towns in Pembrokeshire listed by the Council of British Archaeology as having both distinct historic and architectural importance and interest.
“So once again the ‘Friends’ got ready to fight an undesirable development, just as we have done so often in the past. So in October of 1968, the chair-man of the Friends’, Miss A. Bosvile negotiated to purchase the site, signed a contract, and personally paid the required deposit. This set the mood, and the project got off to a great start. By the end of the year the ‘Friends’ were able to pay the £12,000 for the site,” said Mrs. Shields.
“Development of the site now followed. A member of the committee cleared the site; the money still came in; Mr. Hainsworth of Manorbier, a landscape gardener, built the three-tiered garden; and with the addition of the teak seats the project was complete. We are very grateful to all who donated so generously, many of the gifts being anonymous in memoriam gifts.
Today we have won the Prince of Wales award,” she remarked. “We are very proud of this accolade; we are also very proud to have saved for posterity a very fine vista in an historic town like Newport and to have given the community a sunny garden and a pleasant spot for people to meet together and enjoy a quiet rest.”
Notes: These days the garden is often referred to as the Millennium Garden since the large stone with an inscription was added in 2000.