The Star Garden was first opened in March, 1999, and is situated at Llsyyfran Dam. It is a purposely designed area for the planting of trees. Each tree in the garden represents a child whose death is remembered by the loving family left behind. The trees complement each other and are a symbol of beauty, peace and life. A brass plaque is inserted, engraved with the name of the child and the date the tree was planted. From the original five trees planted at the opening ceremony, there are now more than a dozen trees growing in this beautifully maintained garden.
On Saturday, September 1, a large gathering of people congregated at the Star Garden, situated within the Llysyfran Dam, for the opening of a new pathway and seat dedication. The seat is a round construction and is appropriately placed to allow the person to sit and admire the garden.
Lord Gordon Parry unveiled this seat on Saturday, September 1, surrounded by representatives of many agencies and the families of children. He spoke of the sadness of losing a child, but also the joy of remembering their lives by the living growing trees within the garden.
Thanks were extended to Pathfinders for landscaping and maintaining the gardens and to the International Tree Foundation for supplying the trees.
Welsh Water kindly provided a buffet which enabled families, agency representatives and dignitaries to meet and reflect on the children remembered in the garden.
Anyone wishing to have a tree planted in the garden for a lost child, whose death has occurred since March 1997, and who was a Pembrokeshire resident, can contact Dr. J. Thomas, chairperson of the Pembrokeshire Child Injury Prevention Group, by telephoning (01437) 773856.
There is also a grief support programme for children, young people and their families called 'Sandy Bear and Friends'. This group can be contacted within the Pembrokeshire NHS Trust at the Child, Adolescent and Family Consultation Service on (01437) 773774.