Mr. Peter Hamilton, one of the 250 volunteers working at the National Botanic Garden of Wales at Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire, was the speaker at last week's Pembroke Ladies Probus meeting at the Cleddau Bridge Hotel, Pembroke Dock (writes D.B.).

We enjoyed a fascinating talk about the origin and survival of the gardens. HRH The Prince of Wales opened The National Botanic Garden of Wales in 2000.

The garden was built on the site of Middleton Hall manor house in Llanarthne, which itself was built in the 1600s. In 1789, Carmarthen MP, William Caxton bought the manor. In , the manor was gutted by fire and the lakes drained, however fortunately some of the original buildings remain today.

In 1978, Carmarthenshire County Council decided to restore the estate for the public in spite of the project being quite derelict. In the mid-80s, the artist Mr. William Wilkins had a vision to develop a National Botanic Garden of Wales on the site. Much discussion ensued and work started in 1996 and was completed in 2000 at a cost of £43,000,000. Half of this cost being donated by the National Lottery Fund.

Possible closure threatened a few years ago. Nevertheless, thanks to many wonderful volunteers and everyone originally involved being very determined that the garden should 'grow', the National Botanic Garden of Wales is better than ever today. One can spend the day quite easily at Llanarthne, total escapism. The garden has the largest glass-house in the world, 95-metres long, full of various mediterranean plants. A wonderful visitors land train, fuelled by reusing cooking oil, to take you around the grounds.

The garden's vision is dedicated to research, conservation of biodiversity, sustainability, lifelong learning and the enjoyment of others. The garden has also been voted the best environmental National Lottery project 'ever'.

Peter Hamilton's passion about the gardens and worthwhile work of he and his fellow volunteers, reflected in this very interesting presentation. Anyone can learn more, become a volunteer or join by referring to http://www.gardenofwales.org.uk">www.gardenofwales.org.uk

Mrs. Pam Watton kindly thanked Peter on behalf of the members.

The next meeting will be on September 18, at the Cleddau Bridge Hotel, at 11 am when the speaker will be Rev. Canon Brian Witt, talking about 'Household Inventions'.