The Millennium Maze Dedication Scheme has been successfully launched, with excellent publicity from our local newspapers, who were the first organisations to show support by booking commemorative stones in the maze. After just one month, over 100 stones have now been reserved, including 10 of the special feature stones for local societies and businesses. Individual supporters include Jilly Cooper, the well-known novelist who spent her childhood in Ilkley, who has dedicated stones to her parents, brother and herself. Feature stone supporters include Ilkley & District Arts Federation, Rombalds Trefoil Guild, Amnesty International, Crest Homes, The Candy Box, and Joy Godfrey.

The scheme is run by the Parish Clerk, Miggy Bailey, at Ilkley Town Hall, where stones can be 'booked' for a donation of £5 per stone for individuals or £25 for the group/business feature stones. Hedgerow trees to be planted as part of the wildlife hedge on the site can also be dedicated at a cost of £1 per tree.

Don't miss this chance to take part in a lasting memorial to the Millennium! The Parish Clerk's Office is open for personal callers between 10 - 12 am on Mondays/Wednesdays/Thursdays/Fridays; donations to dedicate stones or trees can also be sent by post to: The Secretary, Darwin Gardens Trust, Parish Clerk's Office, The Town Hall, Ilkley, West Yorkshire
LS29 8HB.

We have held three work-party days where "Darwin's Garden Army" of volunteers, from 'cadets' (Andrew Maclean age 10 is our youngest) to 'veterans', have been out in force to clear an invasion of brambles and bracken from one of the ghylls in West View Park. An attractive vista of cascades, and a pleasant streamside stroll have now been opened up. We have also planted 1,500 daffodil and narcissus bulbs (supplied by Bradford Council Recreation Division) beside the trees bordering Wells Road, and hope these will provide a superb display for the first spring of the new Millennium. We are now preparing the ground for planting the wildlife hedge, and welcome more volunteers to join in this task.

We welcome all contributors - individuals, local businesses, schools and societies, 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 and our determination to act beneficially for the future of our town and its surroundings. If you can offer assistance with: contributions to planting or landscaping schemes; technical, artistic or organisational advice; construction skills; labour, tools and materials; fund-raising; sponsorship; publicity; contacts; then please get in touch and let us know what you would like to do for The Darwin Gardens Millennium Scheme.

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