Supporter groups in Wales

During the winter months they organise talks covering a wide range of subjects. In the past these have covered topics such as travel around Wales by water, visiting India and living there as a bride in the 50s, the history of Halloween and many more.

In the winter they usually have a celebratory lunch and in summer, a lovely summer evening party is held at Chirk Castle with the kind permission of the General Manager.

Visits are in the summer months and have included train and canal journeys, visits to museums and other National Trust properties. In the autumn they arrange a short break to an area of Great Britain visiting many places of interest.

Membership is open to all National Trust members and volunteers, drawn from a wide area surrounding the castle.

Please email WalesSupporterGroups@nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.

Membership comes mainly from the Ruthin, Denbigh and Mold areas and they love to welcome new members. They organise a varied programme of events, with lectures during the winter months held at Llanrhaeadr Village School.

In summer, they arrange outings which often include visits to homes usually closed to the general public, or a private tour with an architectural historian or gardener to make it a special experience.

For more information about the association and joining, please contact them via email.

They have a year-round programme of talks, coffee mornings, lunches, exclusive membership events and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes tours and previews of events and tours held within the grounds or the house at Dyffryn.

They also enjoy visits to other major gardens both public and private, seasonal lunches normally during the summer and Christmas periods and discounted shopping events at Dyffryn.

Members receive the latest issues of the Friends Newsletter and occasional e-newsletter.

To find out more and to join, visit the Friends of Dyffryn Gardens website or contact the Secretary via email.

Members enjoy a series of interesting and entertaining talks from erudite and expert speakers. Talks take place on the second Friday of each month from September to May at 2.30pm in the Granary Gallery at Penrhyn Castle.

Their annual short summer holiday to another part of the British Isles and outings programme are enthusiastically enjoyed - taking advantage, of course, of National Trust membership to visit other places.

For more information and to join the Eryri Association, please contact the Chair on 01248 600248 or via email.

During the winter months there is a programme of illustrated talks. There are also a number of social events held around the area to raise funds.

From time to time throughout the year there are day and evening tours to both National Trust and private homes and gardens as well as short holidays further afield.

Visitors are welcome at any talks and many of the events.

For more information and to join the Gwent Association, please contact them via email.

Their series of lunches and coffee mornings at a variety of locations enable members to get to know each other and escorted walks give the opportunity to get out into the fresh air. For example, past outings include a guided tour and explanation of the Glaslyn Osprey project and a trip by coach and train to the new visitor centre and café at the top of Snowdon.

For more information and to join the Merioneth Association, please contact them on 07814 080500 or via email.

You can find out more on the Pembrokeshire Association’s website.

To join please contact the Membership Secretary on 01437 731525 or via email.

They hold monthly talks on various topics ranging from historical to humorous. Information is always on display in the Mess Room.

They also organise day and afternoon trips to historical properties all over the country. In June they will be visiting Powis Castle so why not come and join? November and December evening events are held in the New Hall at Tredegar House.

When you become a friend, you will receive a membership card, free parking in the grounds for four hours per day and four newsletters a year. To find out more please visit the Friends of Tredegar House website which is updated regularly with details of their activities and upcoming events.

As well as enjoying a programme of social events, they raise funds for Trust projects, usually those in Wales, but not necessarily so.

They hold lectures on the third Wednesday of each month from September to April. These normally take place in Cowbridge and cover a wide range of topics.

During the summer there are day trips, usually to National Trust places, but not exclusively so.

They have also organised residential coach holidays which involve visiting local sites of interest.

If you wish to join, please pick up their leaflet at Dyffryn Gardens or Tredegar House and complete the form incorporated, or get in touch via email.

They support the work of the Trust locally, particularly at Erddig, and aim to add to the enjoyment of membership.

All funds raised through the programme are used to support special projects, large and small, at Erddig. They helped complete the renovation of the Victorian children’s playhouse and reconstruct the vinery. They also provided two oak benches by the canal, supported the upgrade of the bakery annexe, funded the restoration of the dovecote and its weathervane.

• By joining, you can enjoy a series of talks held in St Margaret’s Church, Chester Road, Wrexham, on the second Tuesday of the month from October to March

• During the summer, they arrange regular coach trips to places of historic interest

• In addition, throughout the year special coffee mornings, lunches and evening meals are organised as well as an annual association lunch and Christmas meal

• The Association also runs a members’ lottery, established in 2006, with a draw four times a year.

Please email their Membership Secretary or call 01978 841545 if you would like to know more.