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New appointments

The National Botanic Garden of Wales has announced the appointment of two further trustees to strengthen the existing board.  The new trustees are Robin Lewis, Chairman of The Magstim Co. and a former Chairman of the National Trust Wales and Deputy-Chairman of the Welsh Development Agency. He is joined by Councillor Clive Howells, of Carmarthenshire County Council and former Chief Executive of Lliw Valley Borough Council.  This brings seven new appointments to the Board of Trustees this year.

Alan Hayward, Chairman of the Trustees, welcomed the new appointments, nominated by Carmarthenshire County Council.  He said: “This exemplifies the close constructive working partnership between the Garden and Carmarthenshire County Council.  The Garden is performing better than anticipated in its recovery plan, and I would like to thank the team led by Dr Rhodri Griffiths for the outstanding work in reducing costs and improving the quality of the visitor experience.”

Mr Hayward has also announced the appointment of Roy J Thomas as interim Chief Executive to add to the experience and expertise of the management team at the Garden.  Mr Hayward added: “Roy will focus on commercial development, fundraising, marketing and communications and work in tandem with Rhodri who will continue to manage the operational aspects of the Garden, its science and education programmes and further enhancement projects.”

Alun Pugh AM, Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport said: "The Garden continues to implement its five year strategy and the Welsh Assembly Government is pleased to be supporting this with an overall financial contribution of £900k. These are positive steps forward for the Garden and we are pleased that these appointments will add more strength in depth to the Board and Management of the Garden. After a good summer in terms of visitors the next challenge is to improve yet further in 2006. These appointments will help to achieve that."

Mark James, Chief Executive of Carmarthenshire County Council said; We are pleased to continue to work with the National Botanic Garden of Wales.  The strengthening of the Board of Trustees and the management of the Garden is essential to help secure its long term future. The two new trustees will add considerable strength and depth to the Board. They will I am sure work well with existing Trustees.

 “We are also pleased to welcome Roy Thomas as Interim Chief Executive. We have been working closely with Roy over the past year as he has assisted the Gardens in delivering its business plan. Roy has a great deal of experience and a good understanding of what is required.  We look forward to working with him to further develop a successful Garden.”