Silver-Gilt awards in 2012 and 2011. Cheryl Welsh, Bilston Town Centre Manager, said: “The funding from Biffa Award is recognition of how we are working really hard in Bilston to make our local green spaces better and more accessible for local people and involve residents in their town environment. The Gallery has been a key part of Bilston in Bloom and we can’t wait to see the improvements.” Sophie Heath, Curator of Bilston Craft Gallery, said: “We are delighted that we can undertake these vital repairs and improvements to the garden which provides a safe green space for local people of all ages, making it an even better community space. It’s also wonderful to be able to give something back and support the volunteers whose hard work and dedication keep the garden beautiful.” The garden at Bilston Craft Gallery © Bilston Craft Gallery
Bilston Receives £9,000 for Garden Project
The Gallery’s neighbours, the Bilston Churchill Conservative Club, generously provided a crucial third party contribution.
Following a successful funding bid by the Friends of Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Museums, work is now underway to enhance and maintain the community garden at Bilston Craft Gallery. The project is being funded by Biffa Award, a multi-million pound fund that helps to build communities and transform lives through awarding grants to community and environmental projects across the UK.
The Bilston Craft Gallery community garden is a large green space with mature trees and informal cottagegarden style planting. It is the setting for the Gallery’s regular family fun days and is used throughout the year by families and local residents having a picnic lunch or seeking a quiet place to enjoy the outdoors. The garden is largely maintained by volunteers and stocked using plant cuttings and donations. For the past four years, the Gallery has been part of the local Bilston in Bloom campaign, which works to improve green spaces in the town. Bilston was awarded Gold in 2013, following
The grant of £9,000 is enabling Bilston Craft Gallery to carry out improvements and develop the volunteer gardening group that looks after the garden.
The Biffa Award grant will enable repair of a broken-down historic stone wall between the Gallery and the Conservative Club by a stonemason. The funding will also support additional seating and signage about the garden and a programme of training and support for the local volunteers who work hard to keep the garden wellgroomed and flourishing. The Gallery always welcomes new volunteers so anyone who is interested in getting involved with the garden or another part of the Gallery’s work is invited to get in touch on 01902 552507 or email bilstoncraft gallery@wolverhampton.gov.uk. For more information about Biffa Award, please visit www.biffa-award.org
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