Proposers of the scheme have visited the site with representatives from Crest Homes (Northern) Ltd, the developers who have recently purchased the adjacent Bradford & Ilkley Community College site, and the estate agents Dacre, Son and Hartley.

As a result of this meeting, the Managing Director of Crest Homes, Tony Vincent, has pledged both substantial financial support and contractors' assistance with construction of Darwin Gardens. This generous donation should ensure completion of the Millennium Maze and its surrounding area in time for a formal opening during Millennium Year, and will give a major impetus to further phases of the project. Crest Homes will be a significant presence in Ilkley for several years to come, and view their involvement in the scheme as an expression of commitment to making a beneficial contribution to the local community.

We are continuing to develop a cooperative dialogue with officers and managers working for Bradford Metropolitan District Council, and are scheduled to meet their Legal Services representative, to arrange formalising our organisation as a Trust. The Council's Technical Unit are preparing a detailed site plan to serve as a basis for more detailed planning of the landscaping and planting scheme. We expect to include planting areas for 'New Beginnings' and 'Family Trees' in the first phase of the project, as a setting for the Millennium Maze feature.

We welcome all contributors, whether as individuals, local businesses, or school and community groups to demonstrate their interest in this unique opportunity to celebrate the Millennium in Ilkley. By helping to create an inspirational, educational and recreational feature, of enduring value to both residents and visitors of all ages, we can all show our respect for Ilkley's past history and our determination to act positively for the future of our town and its surroundings.

An exhibition of current proposals is to go on display at various locations in Ilkley, the first of which will be Booth's supermarket. We are inviting constructive comment from the general public, plus offers of assistance in any of the following ways:

suggestions for planting schemes and other landscape features;
technical & artistic advice;
specialist construction skills;
labour, tools and materials;
fund-raising capabilities;
sponsorship;
publicity;
contacts.

So please get in contact with us to find out more about the scheme, and let us know what you would like to do for DARWIN GARDENS
 

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