Sardis Parks and Gardens volunteers are pleased to pay tribute to Jane Elliot-Hunt who died in May 2019

Jane was a resident of Sardis and a volunteer right from the beginning of the village scheme - writes Rosmarie Irvine

On behalf of Sardis Parks and Gardens village scheme.

Work started over 20 years ago in 1999 and there was a daunting amount of work to do because the centre of Sardis had been neglected for many years.

It was a group of residents who, over the years, have transformed the village using their energy and imagination carrying out many tasks and Jane was a long-standing loyal supporter and volunteer from the beginning.

Today, the centre of Sardis, with its floral boxes, mown verges along the roadside and seating, is very different to the Sardis that was overgrown with brambles and rubbish.

For many years, Jane was one of the planters who dug endless holes in spring for the annual floral displays.

Jane was also one of the group who planted thousands of Pembrokeshire snowdrops and daffodils.

In summer time, Jane would carry full cans of water up to the floral boxes and at times, this was almost every day.

Jane had her own garden to tend, but understood that regular gardening and attention is required for the maintenance of floral boxes.

The annual flowers come and go, but those first bulbs planted in the woodland by a group of residents, still flower every spring.

To be in the village was always a delight for Jane and when she was physically unable to walk along the grass verges and into the woodland to plant and carry water, she was enormously supportive by writing letters seek funding and support from many organisations who have provided funding for Sardis village scheme.

Jane understood that things just don’t happen and she used her skill and talent in other ways to make things happen in Sardis.

Everyone who has ever volunteered knows how hard it can be to step back and how much effort it takes to realise some things are no longer possible for you.

But Jane did not give up on Sardis Parks and Gardens. She directed her energy in other ways.

She was clear in her belief that community groups improve the lives of people in many ways and that without funding many activities never get off the ground.

Jane understood that there has been a steady decline in the funding of activities for small schemes.

For this reason, at the end of her life, Jane wanted to continue her support in a very special way.

It was her wish that in her memory, her friends and relatives made donations to Sardis Parks and Gardens. To this end, a large sum of money has been received.

In compliance with this wish, it it will be used to fund the planting of many more boxes and the endless costs like annual insurance.

Yes, Jane loved Sardis. She was proud and grateful to live in this small beautiful community.

She is remembered with fondness for her kindness and for her enthusiasm.

She was a resident and friend of Sardis and is sorely missed.