As the morning got better we removed the pots from the other lorries and also the soil and the decorative stones, ready to be combined together to form the first fully completed Palm Tree and Pot.
Once they were assembled, we then had to place them in their pre-planned areas along the Promenade and around the Harbour. Onlookers watched as we continued this hard work on both the 8th and the 9th of April 2008.
Once they were in their place it had a dramatic effect on the skyline. As people walked along the Promenade, many commented on how wonderful they looked, and there was a definite feel good factor surrounding us.
The final outcome of the project is there for all to see. Already people are talking about them and it really hits home what can be achieved with a lot of hard work and a close and determined team of local volunteers.
The Harbour area also benefited from the new look, and the trees complimented this beautiful and peaceful place. There really are only a few places in the world that can compare to the views we have here in Barmouth.
After months and months of planning, we can finally enjoy the benefits of these impressive Palm Trees. A walk along the Promenade has always been a pleasure, but now a new sight accompanies the romantics amongst you.
We could not achieve this unique project without the kind sponsorship from local businesses and individuals and to them we owe a great debt, and we thank them all from the bottom of all our hearts. A list of all those who sponsored a Palm Tree can be found at the bottom of this page.
There was no Council money or grant funding given for the Palm Trees and the pots and all the work was done by all 8 BRIG members. The Project cost well over £40,000 and the money raised was by us and us alone.
For the Name Plaques, we were awarded a grant from the Communities First Trust Fund, inconjunction with the WCVA, and we would also like to thank those who helped us gain this important grant.
Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony took place at 2.00pm on Sunday 18th May 2008, at the RNLI building. The weather was brilliant and the day turned out perfectly.
Onlookers lined the Promenade and enjoyed the occasion with us.
The Mayor of Barmouth and BRIG The Batala Samba Band play to a big
Chairman Rob Williams starts it all off crowd their unique and enjoyable music
Founder Member Greg Courtney gives Ysgol Y Traeth Kids entertained us all
thanks to all involved in this project with two beautiful and enjoyable songs
Elfyn Llwyd MP cut the ribbon with Elfyn drew the raffle from Rhian's pot
the group to officially open the project revealing Mr Collis as the lucky winner
The project has been a great success and has been hard work for all the committee members and those who helped, and we now have a truly remarkable and unique project that the whole town can enjoy.
The adventure started in March 07 with an idea and has flourished like the Palm Trees into something special of which we are all proud to be a part of.
Thank you
We would like to make a special thank you to the RNLI Building for letting us hold the event there and the work done by the crew.
Also Kim from Goodies who gave us remarkable and impressive choice of foods and refreshments and worked so hard on the day, and to Pauline who worked tirelessly alongside her.
The children of Ysgol Y Traeth deserve special praise for their wonderful songs, The Samba Band for supporting us and giving many performances during the day, and Barry for the exotic music at the Life Boat Station.
As well as being our Honorary President, Elfyn Llwyd MP gave a brilliant speech and his presence their was really appreciated by us all. He managed to take time out of his busy schedule to join us as our special guest and for that we are truly greatful.
We would also like to thank Brian Luke an owner of a Holiday Home on Caerddaniel for videoing the day, and to Mike the Ambulanceman for taking pictures, many of which have been used in this page.
The Air Cadets from Llanbedr collected money for us and we thank them all for their hard work on the day, and to those who donated in the collection boxes.
There were many special guests, too many to mention them all, but we would like to thank the Councillors and Honoured Guests who made the effort to support us and who gave generously on the day.
Marston's Brewery gave us a large and generous single donation and the Committee applaud their dedication to us and to Barmouth as a whole.
But again, all this would not have been possible without the kind support of our sponsors listed below. It is their bravery and commitment that has delivered this project, and we hope that we have made them proud of us. Thank you all.