Darwin Gardens - Ilkley's own Millennium Scheme, may be regarded as a mere trifle in comparison to some of the grandiose, and vastly expensive, projects going on elsewhere. We rely heavily on the labour of enthusiastic volunteers, and donations in cash or kind from local people, businesses, community groups and grant-awarding bodies. The results of our efforts will be open freely to all at all times, and will, we believe create a lasting and meaningful monument to the millennium, that may be modest in scale, but memorably impressive in its scope.
Besides its recreational and educational objectives, my personal wish for Darwin Gardens is that it may provide an inspiring example of how the spirit of friendly co-operation within our community can lead to results which benefit both ourselves, our local environment and wildlife, and our many visitors from afar. At the dawn of the New Millennium, I should like to believe that our town's scheme will offer hope rather than hype, and be an act of real faith in the future, as well as reverence for the past.
The New Millennium is as significant or as mundane as you want to make it. For many it will be no more than an excuse for just another big binge and booze-up. But it could provide an opportunity to make a real and permanent change for the better, if you are determined to make it happen! It would be naive to think that apathy and cynicism can be left behind with the old millennium, but let's all try to think more positively, and act more constructively, in the new one.
The Darwin Gardens Trust extends a warm welcome to all our volunteers (and to anyone en route to/from the White Wells dip) at West View Park on New Year's Day between 12 noon and 2pm. We will be offering hot drinks, and a perambulation of the site to discuss what has been achieved so far, or is being planned for the future. Come along to wassail with us and welcome in the New Millennium!
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