UPDATE 19 : Christmas 1999  'STONEWORK'
The site of Darwin Gardens has been visited by Darren Yeadon 'Artist in Stone' who has been chosen to carve the stone monuments at each end of the Millennium Maze. Darren is no stranger to Ilkley, having worked in a stonemasonry business here, and he plans to carve one of the monuments in public after it has been installed on site next year. A donation of £50 towards the Christian Millennium monument has been gratefully received from Ilkley's Sacred Heart RC Church. Chippindale Plant and E H Booth Supermarkets have joined the growing list of businesses and community organisations reserving feature stones in the Millennium Maze. Over half of the limited number of these stones (which can be dedicated for £25) have now been booked.

Dedications of the £5 personal or family stones were also boosted by a stall at Booth's supermarket, staffed by our volunteers over the weekend before Christmas, bringing the total number dedicated to over 200 before the beginning of Millennium Year. Dedications of Millennium Maze flagstones will continue to be available by post or personal call to: Parish Clerk's Office, The Town Hall, Ilkley, LS29 8HB. (01943 436212) (personal callers between 10 - 12 am on Mondays/Wednesdays/Thursdays/Fridays please).

Volunteers have continued planting the community wildlife hedge supported by the Forest of Bradford, with additional planting materials donated by Compostmentis and Ilkley Good Neighbours. Although planting has been suspended by recent frosty weather, the remaining trees are being kept safely in our nursery bed, awaiting the return of more favourable conditions. Trees can be dedicated at £1 per tree (same arrangement as above).

Mr Bob Harrison of Guiseley, who previously lived in Ilkley for many years, has made an individual contribution by donating and planting several varieties of buddleia. These bushes have been planted as part of the hedge alongside the area planned to become a wildflower meadow (to be established by Moorfield School). They will help to attract butterfly species to the site, as well as making a colourful addition to the hedgerow.

Volunteers clearing scrub at West View Park have revealed 'hidden' gold treasure: the unmistakable blossom of a flourishing and long-established bush of Berberis Darwinii! We have also discovered several sturdy, young yew trees - the 'official' Millennium species. These outstandingly long-lived trees have the capacity to survive for more than a millennium, so they could still be growing in 3000AD! All volunteers, or bathers and spectators on their way to or from White Wells, are welcome to join us for hot mulled wine or coffee at Darwin Gardens (West View Park) between 12 noon and 2pm on New Year's Day to celebrate a Happy New Millennium!

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