New benches honour beloved Powis Castle volunteer

Powis Castle and Garden is now home to four beautiful, air-dried oak benches, generously donated through the legacy of Ann Markwick, a devoted former volunteer and advocate for the gardens.

The benches, thoughtfully placed in the wilderness area of the garden, offer visitors a tranquil spot to relax, enjoy sweeping views, and connect with nature — a fitting tribute to Ann’s lifelong love of the outdoors and her dedication to Powis Castle and Garden.

The benches include one three-seater and three two-seaters, each crafted from durable oak to complement the natural beauty of the castle grounds. Nestled among the trees and complemented by a planting of elegant Galanthus elwesiisnowdrops — a larger, rarer variety that Ann adored — these additions create a serene space for reflection and wellbeing.

Ann’s connection with Powis Castle began in 1997 when she started volunteering in the castle office, assisting Maddy and helping to manage finances in a pre-digital era.

In 2001, her passion and dedication saw her appointed to the National Trust Committee for Wales, where she served two terms, concluding her tenure in 2007.

Always keen to expand her skills, Ann also trained in book conservation under the guidance of a National Trust Conservation Officer, lending her meticulous care to preserving historical volumes until her work was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Ann’s remarkable legacy at Powis Castle is a testament to her commitment to the preservation of history, beauty, and wellbeing for future generations. Her thoughtful bequest not only celebrates her personal connection to the garden but also enhances the visitor experience for countless others.

Ann’s husband, John, shared heartfelt words about her enduring legacy and said: “Ann’s love for Powis Castle and the gardens was unwavering and it’s fantastic to see her memory honoured in such a meaningful way. The benches and snowdrops will provide visitors with a place to pause and appreciate the beauty of the area that she cherished so much. I would like to thank the National Trust and the team at Powis Castle and Garden for ensuring that Ann’s legacy will continue, bringing joy and tranquillity to others for years to come.”

Shane Logan, General Manager at Powis Castle and Garden, added: “We are delighted that our beloved volunteer and colleague Ann decided to leave these wonderful benches in her Will for our visitors to utilise in such a unique and wonderful location.

“The woodland is a wonderfully quiet area which is perfect to aid mental wellbeing – I will certainly be heading here to sit and absorb the relaxing nature of the woodland area, whilst thinking about Ann and the impact that she had on us all.”

The benches are a perfect example of how Gifts in Wills can make a meaningful difference in preserving and enriching cherished places cared for by the National Trust. However, it is Ann’s tireless dedication, spanning over two decades, that stands as an enduring gift to Powis Castle and its visitors.

The team at Powis Castle said that it invites all visitors to take a moment to enjoy these new additions, to pause, and to reflect on the profound impact one person’s passion, time and generosity can have.

PICTURE (by Dan Stanley): Niel Markwick, John Markwick and Noemi Markwick on one of the benches. The son, husband and granddaughter of Ann.