UPDATE 8 : 8 February 1999  'A PROMISING SEASON'

The project has now received a further offer of sponsorship - from the firm of E H Booth & Co. Ltd, the owners of the Booths chain of supermarkets. Full details of their involvement in the scheme are to be discussed later this year.

Another enthusiastic pledge of support for the scheme has come from the well-known local business of Rombalds Hotel & Restaurant. The proprietor of Rombalds, Mr Colin Clarkson, commented: "Unlike many suggested projects to mark the Millennium, I feel that this project is an excellent initiative and will provide future generations with a facility that all will be able to enjoy. It is also fitting that the garden be named after Charles Darwin, with his Ilkley connection, and who is recognised as one of the Millennium's greatest scientists."

In this context, a recent survey conducted by the radio program 'Today' voted Charles Darwin into the top half-dozen 'most influential people of this Millennium'.

We have opened communication with Mr Stephen Keynes, a great-grandson of Charles Darwin. He is currently involved in the planned restoration of the gardens at Darwin's home - Downe House in Kent - which is now in the care of English Heritage. We expect to be able to share a wealth of ideas in developing these diverse but complementary schemes, and hope to benefit from a reciprocal exchange of knowledge, experience and publicity.

Plans of the scheme are on show at the Public Library until February 5th. We hope to give all sections of the local community the chance to see and comment constructively on our plans, and to put forward their own suggestions, or objections, on survey forms provided at the display stand or by writing in to the address given below. The scheme is on the agenda for discussion at the Parish Council Open Meeting to be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday February 17th at the Clarke-Foley Centre.

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.

If you can also offer assistance in any of the following ways: