UPDATE 21 : 21 March 2000  'SPADEWORK'
Volunteer work parties have now commenced improving tarmac path and step surfaces, using sharp spades to remove weeds and moss following initial treatment by Bradford Council Landscape Services. Catherine Clarke, representing Ilkley Disabled Access Group, has paid a site visit, and advised on features to help the disabled or less-able, which will include the provision of two viewpoint areas for wheelchair users. The restored pathways have been satisfactorily 'test-driven' by a wheelchair-using member of Bradford College's 'Skills for Living' course, who have visited the site with their tutor Marina Wilson, to inspect and appreciate the range of landscaping activities in progress.

These include a new flowerbed created by the Wharfedale Group of Amnesty International, who have planted out forget-me-nots (their organisation's floral emblem) and have undertaken to maintain the feature. Other planting donations include those of Peter & Pauline Wild, who have contributed several seedling oaks which will be grown on to act as replacements for any tree losses; and of Barbara Chambers, who has offered to sponsor one of the substantial memorial trees which we plan to plant later this year.

We have arranged for Bradford Council Woodlands Management to remove a fallen silver birch (victim of recent gales) and to pollard several willows which have become dangerously unstable, as part of their tree surgery operations. We plan to follow these up by extensive planting of native wildflowers such as snowdrops, bluebells and primroses along the ghyllside, which we hope will complement the fine display of daffodils (donated by Bradford Council and planted by volunteers) flowering alongside Wells Road.

Donations have also been gratefully received from Ilkley Gardeners' Association, who hosted a presentation and discussion of the Darwin Gardens Scheme at their first meeting of the new millennium; and from St John's Church, Ben Rhydding who have contributed £50 towards the Christian Millennium monument. More feature flagstones in the Millennium Maze have also been dedicated - by Reg Cranage School of Motoring, Gasbags, Stonecraft, Ilkley Choral Society and Wharfedale German Circle.

Dedications of Millennium Maze flagstones 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). Prices are £5 for individual flagstones or £25 for business/community group feature stones.

We welcome all sections of our community - individuals, businesses, schools and societies, to become involved in this unique opportunity to commemorate the Millennium in Ilkley.

Note this green letter date in your diary! - our official opening will be on 24th June 2000

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