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The WardenLast updated: 24 November 2005
Since retiring as a timber feller,81-year-old Jim Bell fromPresteigne has pursued a newpassion. He's taken on the taskof restoring "The Warden" - anancient castle site fallen intodisrepair.
Jim Bell wrote this article after visiting the BBC Wales Bus inKnighton in December 2003. He also penned a short lifehistory - looking back at the poverty of his childhoodupbringing and the changes he's seen over the generations.
Take a photo tour of The Warden site.
Jim's Unique Gem
"The Warden consists of an ancient castle site on the fringesof town, which was gifted to our townspeople by the 5th Earlof Oxford about 200 years ago, after the site had been laidout as an outstanding parkland of flowerbeds, pathways,bowling green and seats; many individual trees, shrubs andcolourful bushes. What a wonderful gift to this thenextremely poor town.
Obviously the people made good use of the site and atcertain times of the year the Warden Wakes were held, alongwith many other activities. This carried on until the 2ndWorld War, afterwards lots of changes took place.
The local council did attempt to look after the place untilabout 20 years ago when the County Council took over andas usually happens they gradually fell down on the job, whichin turn led to total neglect and in due course led to manycomplaints from locals.
Enter the 'ancient woodsman' in the shape of myself. Isuggested that thetownspeople should actuallydo what was requiredourselves, and at the sametime enabling me to putsomething back into the townthat has been my home basefor so long. In response to mydemonstration of leading fromthe front I ended up with ahandful of willing volunteersand after well in excess of4,000 hours of work we havenow bought it under controland look forward to the springwhen things will begin toshow some results...
I am now exploring the possibility of forming our own localgroup to set up a charitable trust which I have called 'The
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Wardens Guardian Foundation'. (Banking facilities at our localLloyds Bank, Hereford Street, Presteigne.) Since we are beingforced to seek funding on our own basis that where anyfuture donations need to be forwarded.
The purpose of the funding will be used specifically to hiremachinery and professionals to carry out the duties andrenovations to the site and also provide a managementpolicy, with a view to employing a full time ranger to carryout the general maintenance of the complete site, and beprovided with all necessary tools and machinery. Also toarrange adequate accommodation for a skilled man and hisfamily.
Furthermore we intend to purchase some waste land next tothe site boundary for a car park and picnic area. We alsointend to landscape the quarry area to provide a root andfern garden as an extra attraction to this very valuable site.
Of course there are many other smaller matters to be takeninto account, as you will understand this is a substantialundertaking overall, and will entail a large fundraisingoperation right across the board. We are hoping everyone willwant to demonstrate their interest in this project in theappropriate fashion."
"We are very fortunate to have such a priceless in the midstof our border town, therefore we should be exploiting thenumerous benefits such an attraction that the warden soobviously affords rather than leaving it to become overgrownand inaccessible." Written by Jim Bell from Presteigne.
TakeThe Warden Photo Tour.Read a short history of Jim's life.Visit our Presteigne Guide
your comments
George Lancett, PresteigneMy dad Phil says that the trees that border the road to thesouth of Warden Rd are part of Warden [that's why there's afence between them and the field]. Why not open this area tothe Public as a safe footpath?Thu Oct 5 12:34:28 2006
Tommy Randell from West LothianMy grandfather Harold used to live in a half timbered house atthe corner of the road as you turn up to The Warden andevery year we used to visit in the school holidays .The oldhouse had been home to my dad's brothers and sisters andwe used to go a walk up the Warden and collect blueberrieswhich my aunt used to put in a pie with apples and bake inthe oven .Absolutely delicious !Fri Jul 22 19:32:02 2005
Ron Davies, WorcesterThe Warden most of my childhood was spent playing upthere. Great to see what Mr.Bell and his asociates haveachieved. Keep up the good work.Fri Jul 22 10:38:07 2005
David Appleby from FloridaJim, Happy to see the work of you and your helpers, in
particular, my old friend of many years, Kurt Ockert. The lastday of my last visit saw Kurt swinging away his bill-hook withtotal enthusiasm. He told me not to tell Sue!!! Great stuff youguys. I will check out your status in a few months. DaveAppleby Sun Dec 19 03:10:38 2004
Pam Vasey (Martin) from NorthallertonI lived in Presteigne as a child and spent many a happy hourplaying on Warden. My Grandfather and I used to sit and lookat Cole's Hill, or Jumbo as we called it! I think it is wonderfulthat you are restoring The Warden to its former beauty as itwas very neglected when my sister and I visited to reminiscea few years ago. Well done!Good luck with your efforts.Wed Feb 4 18:56:31 2004
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The WardenLast updated: 24 November 2005
For more than a decade, Jim Bell has been restoring the siteof an ancient castle on the edge of his hometown ofPresteigne. For the 81-year-old retired timber feller, it's alabour of love.
The Warden before it was transformed.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
The Warden before Jim Bell and other volunteers bought itunder control.
Jim's campaign to restore The Warden.Jim's memories
your comments
Stephen BirchMainly leaving a message to Patsy Birch or any other BirchFamily Members connected to Presteigne or Radnor. StephenBirchI would love History on these areas...birchfamilytreeMon Jun 15 09:55:05 2009
Patsy Birch from New MexicoThere must be something in one's heart & blood that goesback to their ancestors! My ancestors are from Evenjobb &Old Radnor. I've been searching my family tree and afterseeing your beautiful photos I now know where all thesedeep feelings come from for the old knarled trees,etc. ILOVE seeing them. There's a feeling of "going back home"when I see them. Your photos are BEAUTIFUL! Thank you somuch for sharing!Fri Feb 11 02:58:23 2005
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The WardenLast updated: 24 November 2005
For more than a decade, Jim Bell has been restoring the siteof an ancient castle on the edge of his hometown ofPresteigne. For the 81-year-old retired timber feller, it's alabour of love.
Jim Bell hard at work!
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
The work of revitalising the Warden was done by a handfulof willing volunteers.
Jim's campaign to restore The Warden.Jim's memories
more from this section
Presteigne2006 Art ShowAsk a LocalBuilding on the PastFrom Russia...Grounds for LivingJudge's Lodging - 1920sLocal DialectLocal PhotosMy TownPotted HistoryPresteigne Festival of Music and the ArtsSheep Music 2009The Judge's LodgingTour de PresteigneUseful Info
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Canolbarth
The WardenLast updated: 24 November 2005
For more than a decade, Jim Bell has been restoring the siteof an ancient castle on the edge of his hometown ofPresteigne. For the 81-year-old retired timber feller, it's alabour of love.
The Warden after the transformation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
After well in excess of 4000 hours of work the volunteershave now bought the Warden under control and look
forward to the spring when things will begin to show someresults.
Jim's campaign to restore The Warden.Jim's memories
more from this section
Presteigne2006 Art ShowAsk a LocalBuilding on the PastFrom Russia...Grounds for LivingJudge's Lodging - 1920sLocal DialectLocal PhotosMy TownPotted HistoryPresteigne Festival of Music and the ArtsSheep Music 2009The Judge's LodgingTour de PresteigneUseful Info
10 May 2012Accessibility helpText only
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The WardenLast updated: 24 November 2005
For more than a decade, Jim Bell has been restoring the siteof an ancient castle on the edge of his hometown ofPresteigne. For the 81-year-old retired timber feller, it's alabour of love.
Part of The Warden
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
A footpath at the Warden.
Jim's campaign to restore The Warden.Jim's memories
more from this section
Presteigne2006 Art ShowAsk a LocalBuilding on the PastFrom Russia...Grounds for LivingJudge's Lodging - 1920sLocal DialectLocal PhotosMy TownPotted HistoryPresteigne Festival of Music and the ArtsSheep Music 2009The Judge's LodgingTour de PresteigneUseful Info
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The WardenLast updated: 24 November 2005
For more than a decade, Jim Bell has been restoring the siteof an ancient castle on the edge of his hometown ofPresteigne. For the 81-year-old retired timber feller, it's alabour of love.
Flowers
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
One of the colourful bushes from The Warden
Jim's campaign to restore The Warden.Jim's memories
more from this section
Presteigne2006 Art ShowAsk a LocalBuilding on the PastFrom Russia...Grounds for LivingJudge's Lodging - 1920sLocal DialectLocal PhotosMy TownPotted HistoryPresteigne Festival of Music and the ArtsSheep Music 2009The Judge's LodgingTour de PresteigneUseful Info
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The WardenLast updated: 24 November 2005
For more than a decade, Jim Bell has been restoring the siteof an ancient castle on the edge of his hometown ofPresteigne. For the 81-year-old retired timber feller, it's alabour of love.
The Warden in Autumn
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
The Warden in all it's glory during the Autumn.
Jim's campaign to restore The Warden.Jim's memories
more from this section
Presteigne2006 Art ShowAsk a LocalBuilding on the PastFrom Russia...Grounds for LivingJudge's Lodging - 1920sLocal DialectLocal PhotosMy TownPotted HistoryPresteigne Festival of Music and the ArtsSheep Music 2009The Judge's LodgingTour de PresteigneUseful Info
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People & Places
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Local BBC SitesNews
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Neighbouring SitesNorth East Wales
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Canolbarth
The WardenLast updated: 24 November 2005
For more than a decade, Jim Bell has been restoring the siteof an ancient castle on the edge of his hometown ofPresteigne. For the 81-year-old retired timber feller, it's alabour of love.
The Warden during the Winter
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
It's Winter at the Warden
Jim's campaign to restore The Warden.Jim's memories
more from this section
Presteigne2006 Art ShowAsk a LocalBuilding on the PastFrom Russia...Grounds for LivingJudge's Lodging - 1920sLocal DialectLocal PhotosMy TownPotted HistoryPresteigne Festival of Music and the ArtsSheep Music 2009The Judge's LodgingTour de PresteigneUseful Info
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Canolbarth
The WardenLast updated: 24 November 2005
For more than a decade, Jim Bell has been restoring the siteof an ancient castle on the edge of his hometown ofPresteigne. For the 81-year-old retired timber feller, it's alabour of love.
People enjoying the fresh air at Warden
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Some of the local residents take a stroll at The Warden. TheThe 'Wardens Guardian Foundation' intend to purchase some
waste land next to the site boundary for a car park andpicnic area.
Jim's campaign to restore The Warden.Jim's memories
more from this section
Presteigne2006 Art ShowAsk a LocalBuilding on the PastFrom Russia...Grounds for LivingJudge's Lodging - 1920sLocal DialectLocal PhotosMy TownPotted HistoryPresteigne Festival of Music and the ArtsSheep Music 2009The Judge's LodgingTour de PresteigneUseful Info
10 May 2012Accessibility helpText only
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Things to do
People & Places
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Local BBC SitesNews
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Neighbouring SitesNorth East Wales
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South East Wales
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Canolbarth
The WardenLast updated: 24 November 2005
For more than a decade, Jim Bell has been restoring the siteof an ancient castle on the edge of his hometown ofPresteigne. For the 81-year-old retired timber feller, it's alabour of love.
The view from The Warden
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
One man and his dog relaxing at The WardenMore Mid Wales Slideshows
Jim's campaign to restore The Warden.Jim's memories
more from this section
Presteigne2006 Art ShowAsk a LocalBuilding on the PastFrom Russia...Grounds for LivingJudge's Lodging - 1920sLocal DialectLocal PhotosMy TownPotted HistoryPresteigne Festival of Music and the ArtsSheep Music 2009The Judge's LodgingTour de PresteigneUseful Info
10 May 2012Accessibility helpText only