Role in the park: Receptionist

Background: John has been here “since it opened” and was one of the first receptionists here. He is 81 years old and lives locally. Previous to volunteering at the park he worked for five  years as a hospital receptionist up until the Covid period. John has been volunteering for about 9 years altogether, he says “It’s nice to be in different roles, gets you out the house and meeting people, and I love meeting people”

Favourite part about working here: John enjoys the flexibility of his role at the park along with the knowledge that he is giving back to the community.

Costume Volunteer

Producing 100 metres of bunting.

Volunteering at the park for a few months.

“I am part of the seamstress team of five who are now involved in making costumes for the public and some of the staff re-enactments of period history.

“I have done some sewing and acting in the National Botanic Garden Wales for many years. The time span wasn’t always convenient for me when my husband became terminally ill so joining my team has revived me.

“77 years young, and doing lots of crafts, including painting with acrylics and a process called Gelli printing as I have been in the WRAF and before retiring working in Police Headquarter Carmarthen.

“I love the camaraderie.”

Historical Costume Volunteer

2I have been volunteering at the park since 31^st July 2024

“My sewing friend knew of the walled garden project and after approaching staff to see if you would like any costumes, it was agreed we should volunteer.

“I love looking into the history of what we make and producing items of costume to be enjoyed by those who wear them.

“I worked for 13 years as a technical project manager for Dr Martens footwear, UK & Asia, trained as a pattern cutter in footwear.

“Love creating things.”

Gardening volunteer

“I have been volunteering at the park for 1 year.

“I was told about the opportunity to volunteer here by the other garden (Aberglasney) that I also volunteer at.

“I have worked outside in horticulture most of my career. Volunteering here allows me to carry that on in retirement.

“Born Ipswich, Suffolk. Joined RAF 1981-1987

“Had own gardening company 1987-2019”

Gardening volunteer

“I have been volunteering at the park since July 2025

“I drove past the park on my daily commute to work in Carmarthen for many years, and occasionally called in.  I was always impressed with the peaceful feeling here, the sense of history and the beauty of the buildings, trees and views.  I always thought it was a special – unique – place.

“Soon after retiring from full-time work, I bumped into Yvonne, the Assistant Head Gardener on a cycle ride to the Park and got talking about her work there and the plans for development of the garden.  That gave me the idea of volunteering – it is something that I want to be a part of.”

What you enjoy in your volunteering role and why?

“Lots! Spending quality time in a very beautiful, peaceful environment. Meeting new people, who are all great. Getting fresh air and exercise. Picking the brains of expert gardeners and learning a lot.

“Hopefully giving something back to the community and doing a bit to help maintain and further develop this wonderful place.

“I also like to see and sometimes talk to the many people who visit the Park, and particularly their dogs!  Everyone who goes there is happy.

“I’m a vet, recently retired from full-time work.  I’ve been lucky to have had a varied and exciting career and worked in some interesting parts of the world.  Most recently in West Wales.

“I’ve always been involved in gardening – from helping grandparents as a child to ending up – very unprepared – with a large plot of my own.  My gardening has been mainly learning from mistakes, which is why seeing how it should be done, at the park is so enjoyable.”

“Gardening volunteer and, more recently, making a model of the glasshouses as they were in Victorian times.

“I have been volunteering at the park since the start of the project, initially helping with the archaeology in the Walled Garden.

“I had previously volunteered on another project with the Project Manager so I “followed” her to this one.

“I was keen to help with a worthwhile Heritage project, fairly close to where I live.

“At Parc yr Esgob I have been able to work on a number of substantial projects such as building a drystone wall, improving access to the Walled Garden, and various jobs maintaining walls, fences and paths. It is satisfying to see these improvements enhancing the park.

“I am a retired College lecturer with a keen interest in Heritage.”

Gardening volunteer

“I’ve been volunteering at the park for 18 months.

“I called in for a coffee and saw the volunteer forms in reception.

“It’s a pleasant place to work, no pressure! Good “Boss”!

“I’m 68 years, retired full time and enjoy helping out – as and when. Background in agri contracting and engineering, so maybe NOT a proper gardener!”

Glasshouse research volunteer

“I have been volunteering at the park since August 25

“I was there right at the very beginning. I was one of the founding trustees. The restoration project was initiated by the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust. As a WHGT trustee, I organised a garden recording session for our members at the Bishop’s Park and was horrified at how unloved the place was at that time (2012). Michael Norman and I worked together to fundraise and set up the Tywi Gateway project, then a project under the WHGT umbrella, to try to do something to improve the gardens. When the second stage of funding was approved by the Heritage Lottery Fund, we set up The Tywi Gateway Trust as a charity in its own right. Due to ill health, I stepped back in 2018. I am still struggling with ill health, but I am able to work quietly from home, so last year volunteered to help with researching heating systems for glasshouses. It is something I can give back to my community. It gives me a way of doing something constructive. Having been busy, all my life, I still need to feel useful and connected.

“I have a passion for gardening, which is limited now as I can’t spend very long in my own garden, and I love reading.  Doing research is fascinating and  I am excited by how much there is now available on the web.

“I retired last year, due to ill health, from The Trust for Welsh Archaeology, formerly The Dyfed Archaeological Trust. I had worked there for the last 17 years. I am married with four children and five grandchildren, and live on a smallholding just outside Carmarthen. We are scaling back now as we get older, and will probably move into something smaller in a year or so.  I am very restricted in what I am able to do now, so am glad that I can dedicate my time to research.  I also volunteer in the Carmarthen Records Office, and run the Carmarthen u3a History group. I am treasurer and secretary of the Carmarthen branch of WHGT, and volunteer with Llais on an ad hoc basis. I have a terrible need to be busy.

“I have travelled extensively, spending most of my childhood abroad, and enjoy visiting gardens across the UK, and overseas. I am a lifelong member of the National Trust and the RHS. I studied horticulture at Lackham College for 2 years, taking time out of work to do so. I am an accountant by trade with a passion for gardens. I trained with Grant Thornton, both in their Portsmouth and Bournemouth offices specialising in Charity Accounts.”

Gardening volunteer

“I’ve been volunteering since joining the ‘Nature’s Nurture’ gardening course June 2025

“I have lived in Abergwili for 29 years and seen how the park has developed and grown over the past few years. I have always been an outdoor person and used to enjoy pottering about in the garden. Due to ill health, I am unable to carry out activities like I used to. The Nature’s Nurture course gave me support, encouragement and confidence moving forward.

“Bishop’s Park is part of my community, and I enjoy being involved in the volunteering role. I like to be outdoors in the relaxed atmosphere, where I can be involved in hands on activities. I am re-learning skills meeting and chatting with new people and giving back to the community for the help which I’ve received.

“Since the age of 10, I’ve lived in Bronwydd, Carmarthen and Abergwili. My wife and I have 2 grown up sons, with families. I enjoy football, being outdoors, rambling and spending time with the grandchildren. Since retiring from my role as an information analyst in the NHS, my health has declined and I have had to re-learn skills and make many adaptations following a head injury. I need prompting and encouragement but am always up for a new challenge.”