AN HISTORICAL colliery shovel was brought back into use one last time to break ground at The Salvation Army in Maesteg ahead of building work to create a community garden.
The rare item was on loan from the collection of South Wales Miners’ Museum at Cynonville. Former miner, Jon Leach, from Maesteg, who volunteers at South Wales Miners’ Museum was on hand to make sure the job got done properly.
The Salvation Army in the town is transforming an area of waste ground adjacent to the local church into an accessible, multi-use community garden available to all, expected to open in June this year. One of The Salvation Army’s mission priorities is Care For Creation, with many of its corps becoming Eco Churches.
Lieutenant Faye-Louise Brophy, leader of The Salvation Army in Maesteg, said: “Our church covers a large and diverse area, including communities where people are really struggling to cope with cost-of-living pressures.
“We plan to demonstrate planting and growing techniques in an accessible space with raised beds for access. Our community garden will be more than just a growing space, it will be a living expression of faith, resilience, and our belief that everyone is invited.
“Together, we can honour where we’ve come from while planting seeds for the future.”
Former miner Jon Leach helped to break ground with an expert touch. During his career in mining Jon wielded a shovel just like the one used this week.
Jon said: “I’m very pleased to help break ground on this project that’s going to benefit my community. It is many years since the shovel we used dug into the earth around this area − it’s a poignant link to the past as we look to the future.
“I’ll be coming along to enjoy the space when it is finished.”
The site will feature raised planters as well as paved paths to make sure the gardens are fully accessible. It is hoped local schools, environmental groups and gardening enthusiasts will use the facilities along with people who simply want to relax in nature. Some current activities that might be held outdoors (weather permitting) include the 3T club coffee morning, ‘The Henshed’ which is about building friendships and English classes every Friday for the local Ukrainian community.
Lt. Brophy hopes that the planned transformation will get people thinking about more uses, adding: “We’re rooted in the strength of our industrial heritage and looking forward to a sustainable future.
“As an Eco Church, we believe the land still has purpose – to nourish both body and soul. Around 20% will be wild to encourage bees, dragon and damsel flies, hedgehogs, birds and bats – all of which are found locally.
“Maesteg was built on hard work and dirty hands so I am looking forward to hearing all the ideas locals have for the different ways we can get stuck in and use the space.”
For more information email: [email protected].
