A NEW manager has taken over the helm at Helmsley Walled Garden.

June Tainsh was project director at Gilmerton House Walled Garden prior to coming to Helmsley and is keen to undertake some big projects to move the garden forward.

June said her chief aim was to generate funds to cover the cost of necessary maintenance and to fund an expanded horticultural therapy service.

“I am hoping lots of people will want to be involved, either as friends and supporters of the garden, or as fundraisers, volunteers or trustees,” she said.

“The first small project will be to raise funds to build The Alphabet Garden.

"This will be a learning space for young children from three to seven that’s both informative and fun."

June said the garden would also like to hear from anyone who is interested in becoming a trustee.

“The board is actively seeking trustees with knowledge and professional experience of marketing, finance, education and the health sector.

“We’d love to see more volunteers joining the team here. They can give as a little as an hour and a half in each individual volunteering session. There are different teams working in the gift shop, in the garden and as part of the maintenance team who help in the day-to-day upkeep of the structures in the garden. Anyone who wants to know more, please give me a call.”

Mike Belton, chairman of trustees, said: “This is an exciting time for the garden as June takes charge. As part of that, we’d be delighted to hear from anyone who is interested in becoming a trustee, helping to steer the garden forward on this next stage of its development.”

For more information, email June Tainsh at june@helmsleywalled garden.org.uk