A flag-raising ceremony was held after Morning Service witnessed by members of Barry Uniting Church, this follows the Community Green Flag award recently received for the Garden at The Bridge Between. The Press release regarding the Green Flag scheme reads as follows:-

Green Flag flying at The Bridge Between Centre on Barry Waterfront

Barry Uniting Church is one of a number of first time Community Green Flag award winners in Wales, announced in July by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy, and this was celebrated recently with a flag raising event after their Sunday morning service.

Barry Uniting Church is a local ecumenical partnership established in 2012, between the Methodist and United Reformed churches. After 7 years of worshipping in a portacabin on land at Barry Waterfront, the church opened The Bridge Between Centre in summer 2021 as a flexible church and community centre off Heol y Llongau at the Waterfront. The community garden has been an important part of the site since 2013 and now provides opportunities for growing space, outdoor activities and an important sanctuary for wildlife at Barry Waterfront.

Church members and other volunteers have worked hard to create and maintain the Community Garden; Vale People First, who are based in the building, are also keen supporters and hold a regular weekly gardening session with their team. The award of a Community Green Flag recognises the high environmental standards, cleanliness, safety, and community involvement achieved by everyone involved.

Rev Paul Martin, minister at Barry Uniting Church said ‘’We are delighted at receiving this award. It reaches the very essence of what we are about. Caring for the environment is not so much an option as an important part of our calling to follow Jesus in our time and place’’.

180 community managed green spaces across the country have met the high standards needed to receive the Green Flag Community Award.

Now in its third decade, Green Flag recognises well-managed parks and green spaces in 20 countries around the world.

In Wales, the awards scheme is run by Keep Wales Tidy. Lucy Prisk, Green Flag Coordinator for Keep Wales Tidy said:

“Free access to safe, high quality green space has never been more important. Our award-winning sites play a vital role in people’s mental and physical well-being, providing a haven for communities to come together, relax and enjoy nature.

“News that a record number of community managed green spaces in Wales have achieved Green Flag status is testament to the dedication and hard work of hundreds of volunteers. We’re delighted to be able to celebrate their success on the world stage.”

A full list of award winners can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.cymru