METROPOLITAN PUBLIC GARDENS ASSOCIATION

About The Metropolitan Public Gardens Association

The MPGA is a long established Charity which over the years has played a vital role in the preservation and improvement of countless gardens, neglected sites and green open spaces across London. We provide modest grants to those who share with us a desire to improve the environment and thus the quality of life for the local community. Our work brings us into contact with a wide variety of groups, including local councils, schools, hospitals, hospices, museums, voluntary organizations and community groups.

The Association is run by an Executive Committee of 10 to 15 people with Roger Payton as the current Chairman. Our Secretary, Joyce Bellamy, has worked with us over many years and has an intimate knowledge of the projects with which we have been involved since our foundation over 100 years ago.

In fact our records, which go back to 1882, have frequently proved invaluable in connection with grant applications to the Heritage Lottery Fund. In addition to advice given on funding, we can also provide horticultural expertise over a wide range of issues. Each grant application is discussed by the Committee, carefully considered and investigated before a final decision is made. The Committee endeavours to monitor each grant and encourages feed back from the recipients.

We rely entirely on voluntary contributions and our funds come from a number of different sources, for example, the invested income from past donations, grants, subscriptions and bequests. These funds are critical to the aims and objectives of the Charity. We are also supported by The Worshipful Company of Gardeners, with whom we have a close association.

With our new website, we are currently involved in raising awareness of the work of the MPGA, aiming to attract new members and to build up the level of annual subscriptions.

Registered Charity No 303330