Day 1 of the Art Trail! Sun-catcher workshops at the park, love and community, live stream, Penhros care home

Wow. What a day. 8.30am-5pm, and a constant stream of wonderful people coming to spend time with one another in the peace of the garden, connecting, sharing, creating sun-catchers.

The day started with the help and support of Ros and her husband Wayne, who came to help set up the gazebo and start the ball rolling with the making of the sun-catchers. Ros gave me the most beautiful handmade ceramic trinket bowl as a celebratory/graduation gift. So kind. The dogs enjoyed the bench, too!

Then Hannah from growing spaces who hosts creative activity sessions in the building of the gardens brought her lovely group into the garden to make sun-catchers! We all connected so beautifully, everyone sharing, laughing...even plaiting hair! Each and everyone's creations were so beautifully unique and authentic. One lady stayed well beyond the group session. She spent hours making a hugely moving piece. Representing her heart , the light and the shadow, and her experience of grief at the loss of her mother. She shared so openly. Each and every section was so carefully placed and planned, one side of the heart woven with moss to represent the darkness and winter, the other, the lighter side. She saw as people came and went, and bonded and shared with all. It was wonderful to hear about stories of her childhood growing up in Ponty, and this park...and her artistic journey. She reflected just how much she appreciated today and all our wonderful connections, particularly those of us on the course. She shared wisdom about never letting go of this, as it makes a real difference and reflected just how peaceful and good with others we were. It was a must that she kept her piece with her dearly.

Brian swung by!!!! So lovely. He came and saw the bench in its pride of place, and how everyone sat around it, making, This was a really special moment that he took time to come by.

Roisin came!!! My mentor and wonderful person Roisin had just finished a yoga session in the park, and came by afterwards. She spent time looking at the bench and reflected how important it was to have a little explanation to invite people in. I feel so lucky that people I have connected with over the years have taken time to come and see the project. It means so much. And highlights just how many friends I have made in this wonderful community.

A police woman came and spent time resting on her break, chatting and talking about pilates, yoga, relaxation....she enjoyed watching and being in the company of others.

Heloise and her friend popped by! So lovely to have a quick chat and reflect on the day so far.

Sadie, Sabina and Bran came, all wonderful friends and fellow course mates/ alumni. They slotted in with such ease into the makers around the table, reflecting on next stages in life, and listening to one lady's story. Again, I felt so very lucky to have such love and support in those around me. Sabina so kindly helped me pack down, too, I couldn't have done it without her.

All throughout, course mates and their family came by to see.

Two ladies and a 7 month old baby were admiring the bench and activity in the gazebo over the fence....I invited and welcomed them to join and they did! They felt so at ease and peaceful here, and stayed a very long time so comfortably. They had such interesting stories, and it felt like this moment of connection and time spent here was a needed moment of peace. The lady took hers home as it was very dear to her, in memory of her two dogs.

Hayley came after the MAJOR AND AMAZING SUCCESS of her facilitation in Penhros care home....they had made sun-catchers for the bench, which now hang beautifully on the bench. The residents and staff loved being a part of it, and having the scents of the gardens brought to them through the plants....they enjoyed the live stream and watching the world go by. They felt a part of it. Huge huge gratitude to Hayley for making this happen. There was wonderful feedback from the manager, too.