Harrogate's Award Winning Park
Below are past articles that have appeared on our web site. They are in no particular order, but represent achievements and contributions that should not be forgotten.
From Side Bar:
The Old Magnesia Well Pump Room will be open to visitors from 10.30am to 2.30pm on 1st December
YOU CAN DONATE TO FOVG ON LINE!
If you would like to support Valley Gardens and FOVG, please click on the "Donate" button below. All donations are greatly appreciated.
.PROPOSAL TO REPLACE THE PITCH AND PUTT GOLF COURSE WITH A PUMP TRACK FOR BIKES AND SCOOTERS
North Yorkshire Council are proposing to install a pump track above the play area in Valley Gardens. A pump track is a looped circuit using the natural bumps and bends of the land with a compacted hardcore surface for bikes and scooters. This would complement the play area and skate park giving additional activity for children up to the age of 10 years.
This new facility would be approximately 2,000 square metres and would replace the existing pitch and putt golf course. North Yorkshire Council are inviting comments on this proposal until the 30th of November at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/your-council/consultations-and-engagement/current-consultations/proposed-pump-track-valley-gardens-harrogate. The image below is for illustration purposes only.
WORKS ON THE FLOWER BEDS IN VALLEY GARDENS
We have had various FOVG members, along with members of the general public, voicing great concern with the works being carried out in Valley Gardens. The trustees of FOVG were made aware of the plans prior to the works commencing. With permission, the North Yorkshire Council Briefing Notes produced by Kirsty Stewart, the Parks and Grounds Maintenance Manager, can be viewed here and will explain what is happening.
VALLEY GARDENS AND HARROGATE WIN AWARDS IN THE YORKSHIRE IN BLOOM 2022 COMPETITION
Congratulations to the professional gardeners and volunteers who keep Valley Gardens looking so beautiful resulting in Valley Gardens winning the Platinum award in the Yorkshire in Bloom 2022 competition.
Harrogate has also been awarded gold and is the overall winner in the small city category.
HARROGATE IN BLOOM SHIELD AWARD
At the annual award ceremony, the Japanese Garden was again awarded the Harrogate in Bloom Shield. This is a fitting tribute to the Friends of Valley Gardens trustees and volunteers who maintain this garden. Thank you to Pam Grant, Team Harrogate and 63rd+1st on Albert Street who hosted this successful event.
FOVG AGM
The FOVG AGM was held via Zoom on 15th March 2023. Thank you to those members who were able to attend and to those members who sent their apologies.
Ann Beeby has now retired from her position as trustee and secretary, and has been replaced by Peter Holmes. We look forward to working with Peter.
OLD MAGNESIA WELL PUMP ROOM OPEN FOR VISITORS
The Old Magnesia Well Pump Room is open for visitors as follows: Saturday, 3rd December, Sunday, 4th December, Saturday, 10th December and Sunday, 11th December. All days open from 11 am to 2 pm subject to the weather. Please come visit!
VOLUNTEER GARDENING IN VALLEY GARDENS
Volunteer gardeners are working on alternate Wednesday mornings. We would love for you to join us.
The gardening dates will be every fortnight: 23 November and 7 and 21 December.
Please contact our Volunteer Gardening Coordinator, Liz Chidlow, if you are interested in joining us.
BRITAIN IN BLOOM 2019
In 2019 Harrogate was awarded gold in the Britain in Bloom small city category on each of the three judging levels: environment, horticulture and community.
Due to the condition of the Stray, Team Harrogate decided against entering Harrogate as a whole in 2020 and planned to just enter the Valley Gardens. Unfortunately, because of Covid 19, this year’s competition has been cancelled. Hopefully things will return to normal next year.
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THE NEW ZEALAND GARDEN SCULPTURES
Ten years ago, a legacy donation made it possible to restore the New Zealand Garden by a team lead by Tony Sissons, the city of Wellington in New Zealand donated plants and a Maori pou whenua. To increase sunlight to this garden 3 Leyland cypress trees were cut down, Mike Burns (Chainsaw Mike) was asked to carve the tree stumps into suitable New Zealand subjects.
For the last 10 years Harrogate residents and visitors have enjoyed the Kiwi, Marlin and Maori bench sculptures.
It was always known that these sculptures had a limited life. The wood rots naturally and that makes them vulnerable to further damage from misuse. Unfortunately, two of the sculptures are in such a poor condition that they have been removed. They will be sadly missed.
Harrogate International Partnerships who manage Harrogate's twin town links are planning a replacement. If you would like to support this project financially or have an opinion about the new sculpture, please get in touch. For further information about Harrogate's twin towns see the HIP website https://harrogatetwinning.org
Freshly carved Kiwi.................................................................... Kiwi today
WEATHER PHOTO OF THE WEEK:
This beautiful photo of Valley Gardens took 1st Place in the StormHour photo of the week competition. The 1571 statue lit up the snow on Friday evening, 15th Jan, and was taken by Richard Maude @Silverginger. The competition is run in conjunction with The Royal Meteorological Society. To learn more about the competition please click here.
THANKS TO THE FAMILY OF RICHARD DOBSON
Richard was a long-term member of the volunteer gardening team. His family kindly donated the money raised at his funeral to FOVG. Being the appropriate planting season, the money has now been used to purchase a white flowering cherry tree (Prunus gondouinii Schnee), which has been planted near the pagoda in the Japanese Garden. It will flower in late April and early May once established and have autumn gold and orange leaves.
On the main path towards Harlow Carr a Spaeth Alder tree (Alnus spaethii) has been planted, which will have lovely big catkins which will provide food for bees and give yellow autumn leaves.
Also on this path a native Hornbeam tree (Carpinus betulus) has been planted. This species also has catkins and is good for wildlife.
In addition they have purchased a seat in memory of Richard. The seat is sited looking towards the circular cherub fountain bed. The curved beds in this area are known as the Well Beds. This is because there are 22 wells in the beds, most of which have been grassed over.
JAPANESE GARDEN PROJECT NOW COMPLETE
With heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers, the Restoration of the Japanese Garden is officially finished. We have received the final 10% of the grant due to a successful evaluation of our project by the Heritage Fund and it has also been finalised with Harrogate Borough Council. We are extremely grateful to the Council staff from both the Parks and Environmental Services Department and the Finance Department for their support throughout the project; Kate Dawson deserves a special mention in this regard.
RE-FORMATION OF THE FRIENDS OF VALLEY GARDENS: In October 2009 Anne Smith, the chairman of Friends of Valley Gardens (FOVG), announced that she was retiring. As no replacement was found Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) called a public meeting to discuss Valley Gardens in general and the possibility of setting up a new Friends Group to work alongside the council with the aim of improving the appearance, facilities, activities, conservation value and safety of their local park. A number of public meetings were held, and in February 2010 Tom Holleman was confirmed as Chairman and Jane Blayney as Vice Chairman.
In April 2010 FOVG was officially established and a website was created by Tom. The group met monthly and initially numbered 35. Tom, who is an American citizen, continued as Chairman until he had to return to the US in March 2011. At this point Jane Blayney took over as chairman and remained in that position until November 2018.
Donations had been received and fundraising events had been carried out throughout 2010, and so the decision was made to restore the Old Magnesia Well Pump Room (OMWPR), which had been neglected over many years. Jane became the major fundraiser and project manager. The restoration of the adjacent Peat Garden was carried out at the same time. The OMWPR was officially opened in October 2015.
The first 1940s Day fundraising day was held in 2011. This was a very successful event and was repeated annually until 2017, at which point it became too onerous a task for the working party and small number of volunteers to continue.
Jane was the instigator of FOVG becoming a charity in July 2012. She worked tirelessly to raise the profile of FOVG. Her application to the Duke of York Community Initiative Award was successful in October 2012.
During the period of Jane’s chairmanship, FOVG was awarded £89,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore the Japanese Garden, which had become overgrown. The restored garden was officially opened by the Japanese Ambassador to the United Kingdom in October 2018.
November 2018 saw the official opening of the King Edward VII Memorial Gate and memorial rose garden at which point Jane retired as Chairman after seven very hardworking years
On Jane’s retirement no replacement chairman could be found and so a group of four trustees, Liz Chidlow, Ann Beeby, Andrew Jordan and Anne Grange took over joint responsibility for the day to day running of the group.
The three ex chairmen, Anne, Jane and Tom are still actively involved with FOVG. Anne and Jane have recently published a Souvenir Guide to Valley Gardens, which includes a brief history of the gardens, along with many photographs. Tom still helps with the design and maintenance of the website.
International Visitors: The Old Magnesia Well Pump Room has developed a worldwide following since the building was officially opened in 2015. We have welcomed visitors from across the UK, as well as most European countries. Visitors from further afield include USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and other parts of Asia.
Britain in Bloom 2019: Harrogate was invited to take part in Britain in Bloom this year in the small city category; and the bid was put together by Team Harrogate led by Pam Grant. A forty page portfolio was produced for the judges to read in advance of judging day which covers everything from the community horticultural efforts to street furniture and recycling. (www.harrogateinbloom.org.uk)
Judging took place on August 1st and our judges were Bill Romald from Scotland and James Cordingly from the South West neither of whom had judged here before.
Judging Day is always preceded by a lot of hard work around the town as the route is extensive and covers several areas beyond the town centre to showcase the best of Harrogate, and of course particularly in Valley Gardens by both Simon and his team and as many gardening volunteers as we can muster to make the judging route as beautiful as it could be.
The judges were obviously finding their day very interesting as they were 40 minutes late arriving at the King Edward VII Gate entrance where they were met by Anne and Robert Grange who told them about the Gate project. They then moved down into the Japanese Garden and talked to Ann Beeby, back up along the dahlia border to talk to Simon Collier. We all gathered at the peat garden information board where the judges met Andrew Jordan who gave them a lot of information about this area of Valley Gardens; unfortunately Liz Chidlow couldn’t be with us owing to illness. The Old Magnesia Well Pump Room was next where Anne and Robert Grange, dressed in their Victorian period costumes, told the judges about the importance of the building in relation to Harrogate’s Spa History.
The judges then walked down through the rest of the gardens with Simon showing them the highlights and finally to The White Hart for lunch before catching their train to the following days judging in Kirkaldy.
Did we win Gold? Britain in Bloom Judges comments
Harrogate was awarded gold on each of the three judging levels: Environment, Horticulture and Community.
Overall Award of GOLD
Harrogate is in the small city category, judged by population size. It was one of five entries and within the group there were three golds and two silver gilts.
There was just one mark separating us and overall category winner Derry.
Judges Feedback on Valley Gardens
Both judges said how much they had looked forward to coming to Harrogate and that they were not disappointed.
They were both very impressed with the Valley Gardens and they really didn’t know how Simon and his team achieve what they do.
Friends of Valley Gardens
The judges were most impressed by our two inspirational heritage projects; the King Edward VII Gate and the Old Magnesia Well Pump Room. These demonstrated the town’s heritage beautifully. They loved the fact that Anne and Robert Grange dressed up to demonstrate the history of the Pump Room.
They thought the Japanese Garden was impressive and they recognised that it is an on-going project.
Harrogate was deemed to be a very strong entry. We have improved and our score was higher than when we were judged in Champion of Champions in 2017.
This was James’ first visit to Harrogate but he plans to come again! That’s what it’s all about!!
Team Harrogate
FOVG were awarded the In Bloom Shield by Team Harrogate for the completion of the Japanese Garden Restoration project.
Our Latest 2019 Newsletter Is Now Available: Our third newsletter of 2019 is now available. Please click below to download your copy or a copy of the previous editions:
Newsletter 3 - Nov 2019
Newsletter 2 - June 2019
Newsletter 1 - Jan 2019
Japanese Garden Project Now Complete: With heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers, the Restoration of the Japanese Garden is officially finished. We have received the final 10% of the grant due to a successful evaluation of our project by the Heritage Fund and it has also been finalised with Harrogate Borough Council. We are extremely grateful to the Council staff from both the Parks and Environmental Services Department and the Finance Department for their support throughout the project; Kate Dawson deserves a special mention in this regard.
OLD MAGNESIA WELL PUMP ROOM OPEN MONTHLY: The fully restored Old Magnesia Well Pump Room will be open from 10.00am to 3.30pm on the days shown under “Forthcoming Events” subject to the availability of volunteers. Please drop by for a visit. Openings can be arranged for groups or for private showings by contacting us.
TOURS OF VALLEY GARDENS AND PRESENTATIONS NOW AVAILABLE: Friends of Valley Gardens are now offering tours of Valley Gardens and the Old Magnesia Well Pump Room as well as the sites of our recent projects, the Japanese Gardens and the King Edward VII Memorial Gates. We also provide presentations to community groups about Valley Gardens.
If you are interested in scheduling a tour, please contact us. Tours can accommodate all types of groups. We frequently host gardening clubs and schools and both the Brownies and the History Society have visited as well as the groups shown in the photos below. All proceeds are applied towards the restoration, maintenance, and refurbishment of Valley Gardens.
AERIAL VIDEO OF VALLEY GARDENS: An aerial video of Valley Gardens has been created and offered to us for display for free. We extend out thanks to David Bridgen of DroneCam Solutions Ltd of Harrogate. Please click here to view the video.
FRIENDS OF VALLEY GARDENS
The Friends of Valley Gardens restore, maintain and enhance Valley Gardens and promote the Spa history and heritage of the area. For current information about Friends activities and events, please visit our Friends Pages.
Future FOVG Meetings: We have been well served by St Peter’s Church enabling our past meetings to take place centrally. However, we now have the opportunity for a change and our next meeting, the AGM, will be held in the Jubilee Room of the Bramall Centre, RHS Harlow Carr at 10.00 am on Saturday, 3 March 2018 followed by a talk by Peter Mathers entitled 'Municipal Marvels’. The arrangements include FREE ACCESS to Harlow Carr Gardens after each meeting!
We look forward to seeing you.
AERIAL VIDEO OF VALLEY GARDENS: An aerial video of Valley Gardens has been created and offered to us for display for free. We extend out thanks to David Bridgen of DroneCam Solutions Ltd of Harrogate. In the video you will note the floral display depicting initials and the number 50. This represents the 50 years of the Harrogate International Festival and four famous authors: WS for William Shakespeare who died 400 years ago, BP for Beatrix Potter who was born 150 years ago, CB for Charlotte Bronte who was born 200 years ago, and RD for Roald Dahl who was born 100 years ago. There are approximately 11,000 plants in this display! Please click here to view the video.
Free Wellbeing Events in Valley Gardens: The Friends of Valley Gardens and Harrogate Borough Council are delighted that the Yorkshire Centre for Wellbeing on Duchy Road in Harrogate has joined with us to provide additional FREE 45 minute sessions for a maximum of 30 participants to explore ways of Wellbeing in the garden. The sessions are all on Saturday and start at 11.00am. The last session will be held on September 15th : Chris for Tai Chi.
You can contact Anne-Marie in advance for more information and to register an interest on 01423 524893. On the day it will be the first 30 people to register who are able to take part. Registration commences at 10.30am at the upper entrance to the Japanese Garden. In the event of wet weather the sessions will still go ahead up in the Colonnade near the Sun Pavillion. 
FOVG Annual General Meeting Held on 3rd March at RHS Harlow Carr: FOVG held its AGM on March 3rd in the Jubilee Room, Bramall Centre, RHS Harlow Carr. The meeting was followed by a talk by Peter Mathers entitled 'Municipal Marvels’. Click here for more information.
Friends of Valley Gardens Win Platinum Award in the 2017 Yorkshire in Bloom Open Spaces Category! Congratulations to all the volunteer gardeners and thanks for all the extra shifts you put in to bring the Gardens up the this standard. Also congratulations and thanks to Simon Collier, HBC Head Gardener, and his team for all their support.
RHS Harlow Carr to host 'Visions of Paradise' - Japanese Gardens in the UK. This exhibit by the Japanese Garden Society is showing in the Bath House Gallery at RHS Harlow Carr from January 8th until February 25th from 10.00am to 3.00pm daily.
There is a section covering the Valley Gardens restoration project including work from all three participating schools.
As stated on the RHS website:
The most northerly RHS garden in Harrogate is turning Japanese in the New Year as it hosts an exhibition telling the story of Japanese gardens and how their design and planting styles inspired the British to build Japanese-style gardens here in the UK. There will also be a display devoted to the ongoing restoration of the 1920’s Japanese-style garden in Harrogate’s nearby Valley Gardens.
A pop-up Japanese Shop will set up in the garden selling authentic Japanese products and gifts throughout the exhibition and each weekend there will be a chance to try your hand at Japanese-inspired crafts such as calligraphy, origami, and the Chopstick Challenge under the expert guidance of Japanese tutors in traditional costume.
Admission to the gallery is free with paid admission to RHS Harlow Carr.
Japanese Garden Now Open
The new Japanese Garden is now open. Please click here to view a video of the opening ceremony that was created as a promotion by Nissan, one of the sponsors of the opening. The project runs through to 2019. An important part of this project is the Community involvement so that young people and our visitors can learn about the heritage of the garden and increase their understanding of Japanese culture. This is being achieved by taking part in the creation of the garden, an information board and publicity, and through activities and events both in and related to the garden.
The final period is one of evaluation of the project and report writing, not until all this is completed to the satisfaction of Heritage Lottery Fund will we receive the final 10% of the grant.
Harrogate Borough Council has been very supportive throughout, and are supporting the final 10% of the finance so that we can continue to final completion.
Thanks to Kingsley Allison for this photo of the Garden.
FOVG Community Involvement:
Harrogate High School GCSE Art Module on Japanese Art: On 19th June 2017, FOVG sponsored a Chinese Brush Painting Workshop for the Harrogate High School Art Department. Japanese gardens evolved in their design from Chinese landscape painting. Below are images of some of the art work produced. The teacher is Anne Allan. The students responded well to the workshop and FOVG are supplying them some brushes and paper as part of the project so they can continue to practice these new skills.
Art Class Students and Brushes Used
Teacher, Anne Allan
Preliminary and Final Piece with Camellias and Butterflies
Bamboo
Graham Hardman, the designer of the Japanese Garden in Valley Gardens, gives a presentation on garden design to the GCSE art students, with particular emphasis on Japanese Garden layout.
Grove Academy Horticulture Students and Staff Help Prepare the Japanese Garden: Early this year, from February to early April, when students from Grove Academy were doing their level 1 and 2 NVQ horticulture, they came into the Garden with Grove Academy staff to help prune and remove plants, including a huge clump of bamboo, which were in the way of a new path. 
In the Grove Academy allotment preparing the hostas
Help from Horticap: Horticap students helped out for two days during January and February when we were preparing the site.
Japanese Garden Society Team Work on the Water Course and Create Rock Arrangements During May and June
Progress on Site: Below are photos of the Japanese Garden and stream/pond area while under construction. To see additional photos, please visit Ann’s Blog or our dedicated Instagram page for this project by clicking this link: 
_Instagram
Watercourse Under Construction
Liz Chidlow discusses the plans for the watercourse with
the contractor
Paths and Bridges Under Construction
Johnny Clasper Working on the Weir and his Beautiful “Stream” 
FOVG Newsletter: The latest edition of our newsletter, the Albatross, is now available. You can download a copy by clicking on the following link: Spring/Summer 2017
FOVG Newsletter: The latest edition of our newsletter, the Albatross, is now available. You can download a copy by clicking on the link below. Past editions are also available:
- Spring/Summer 2017
- Autumn/Winter 2016
- Spring/Summer 2016
- Autumn/Winter 2015
- Autumn/Winter 2014
- Summer 2014
- Spring 2014
- Autumn 2012
- Spring 2012
- Autumn 2011
- Summer 2011
FOVG Says Thanks to 1940s Day Tombola Sponsors: FOVG would like to thank the following sponsors who made our 2017 1940’s Day Tombola such a wonderful success.
Press Coverage
Articles about Valley Gardens and FOVG are posted here.
Click on the stories below to download the full article:
- Restoring part of Valley Gardens’ 1930s golden age, Harrogate Advertiser
- £90,000 boost for Japanese Garden revival, Harrogate Advertiser
- Opening the Gates to Edwardian Grandeur, Harrogate Advertiser, 23 June 2016
- Celebrating the wartime spirit, Yorkshire Ridings Magazine, July/Aug 2015
- Vintage crowds for fantastic 40’s Day at Valley Gardens, Harrogate Advertiser, 2 July 2015
- Back to 40s in Valley Gardens, Harrogate Advertiser, 25 June 2015
- Friends set for high flying 40s Day to help restore gardens gem, Harrogate Advertiser, 18 June 2015
- Pupils tour of spa history in Valley Gardens, Harrogate Advertiser, 18 Dec 2014
- Plea to help find rare Victorian artefacts, Harrogate Advertiser, 11 Dec 2014
- Valley Gardens Described in BBC’s Countryfile Magazine, 28 Nov 2014
- Harrogate schoolchildren plant bulbs with MP, Harrogate Advertiser, 19 Oct 2014
- “It felt like another, more beautiful, world” - Valley Gardens as described in the Daily Telegraph, 27 Sep 2014
- Column, Daily Telegraph, 27 Sep 2014
- Crowd of 27,000 at Harrogate 1940s day, Harrogate Advertiser, 3 July 2014
- 1940’s Day Souvenir Program, 2014
- Those Roaring Forties, Down Your Way, June 2014
- The Debate About Trees - and Open Spaces, Harrogate Advertiser, 31 Oct 2013
- Exciting Time for the Friends of Valley Gardens, Harrogate Advertiser, 24 Oct 2013
- Arts Groups Win Share of £17k Cultural Fund Jackpot, Harrogate Advertiser, 17 Oct 2013
- Wartime spirit revived as 20,000 people flock to Valley Gardens, Harrogate Advertiser, 20 June 2013
- Evoking the wartime spirit, Yorkshire Ridings Magazine, June 2013
- Tracing the History of Harrogate’s Museums, Harrogate Advertiser, 9 May 2013
- Charities to Benefit from Store Initiative, Harrogate Advertiser, 28 March 2013
- Father Christmas and the Old Magnesia Well at the Valley Gardens, Malcolm Neesam, Harrogate Advertiser, 20 Dec 2012
- Well project gets a Royal seal of approval, Harrogate Advertiser, Oct 2012
- Step Back in Time (2011 40’s Day), Harrogate Advertiser, July 2011
- Skateboard Park Groundbreaking, Harrogate Advertiser, 25 Feb 2011
- Fundraisers hope to put new sparkle into old pump room, Yorkshire Post, 21 Jan 2011
- Skate park set to get go-ahead despite pedestrian reservations, Yorkshire Post, Jan 2011
- Gardens will get skate park, Harrogate Advertiser, 14 Jan 2011
- Valley Gardens revamp put on hold, Harrogate Advertiser, 19 Nov 2010
- HBC Grant Award to FOVG, Harrogate Advertiser, 19 Nov 2010
- Pat Clark’s Open garden event for Friends of Valley Gardens raises £604 for well’s refurbishment, Harrogate Advertiser, Aug 2010
- The Magnificent Seven, Yorkshire Ridings Magazine, June 2010
- Gardens skatepark design is fantastic, Harrogate Advertiser, 2010
- The Stray at Bogs Field - Bygone Harrogate, Malcolm Neesam, Harrogate Advertiser
- Historical Lecture on Valley Gardens to benefit Friends of Valley Gardens, Harrogate Advertiser, 2010
- New Zealand Garden Dedication – Carving for garden adds strength to Kiwi link, Harrogate Advertiser, 20 Aug 2010
- The New Zealand Garden: Saying It With Flowers - a new chapter in a tale of two cities, Harrogate Advertiser, 2010
- Henry Ward, The Man Who Made the Valley Gardens, Harrogate Advertiser, 16 Apr 2010
- Unveiling for play park in the Valley Gardens, Harrogate Advertiser, 31 July 2009
Valley Gardens Head Gardner, Simon Collier Walked Coast to Coast to Raise Funds: HBC’s head gardener in Valley Gardens, Simon Collier, accompanied by his dog, Russell, Simon's brother, Michael, and good friend, Steve, have walked 84 miles spanning the length of Hadrian's Wall from Bowness to Wallsend. The walk, which was completed from 19th - 24th July, raised money to be divided equally between FOVG and Starbeck in Bloom. The total raised was a magnificent £1,342! A presentation of the funds to the beneficiaries will be made at 11.00 am on Tuesday, 19 Sep in Starbeck Park next to the Library. You are cordially invited to attend and add your congratulations to Simon for a job well done.
Below are some photos of the walk.
Planning the trip
Seventh Annual Fabulous 1940s Open Day Hosts 39,000 Attendees: FOVG would like to thank the volunteers and attendees at the 1940’s Day who helped to make this year’s event the most successful ever. The Harrogate Advertiser reports that more than 39,000 people enjoyed the beautiful weather and wonderful entertainment!
Add this to Simon’s walk information:
To Donate in Support of Simon’s effort, please use the “Donate Button” below. As you complete the form, please insert the phrase “In support of Simon’s Walk” in the “Personalised Message” box along with any other remarks of encouragement for Simon that you would like to include. You can also pledge by contacting Peter Blayney (Secretary, Friends of Valley Gardens), 01423 505231, 07794583888, email pjblayney@gmail.com.
Add this to the Friends page after new projects: ...If you would like to make a donation, please click on the button below.
Add this to the Home page:
Donations: Donations are also greatly appreciated. Text donations can now be made on your mobile phone by texting 70070. To donate £5, simply text FOVG13£5. Any amount is welcome. Please tell your friends!
Another way to donate is to click the button below:
Harrogate Rock Choir to Perform: Please join us!
PERFORMING IN THE VALLEY GARDENS
SUNDAY 4 JUNE
HARROGATE ROCK CHOIR
FROM 12.00 - 1.00pm
BY THE BAND STAND
PROCEEDS IN AID OF FRIENDS OF VALLEY GARDENS
FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE GREEN PARK ENTRANCE
TO BE KNOWN AS THE KING EDWARD VII MEMORIAL GATE
Seventh Annual Fabulous 1940s Open Day to be Held in Valley Gardens on 18th June: FOVG is pleased to announce that the seventh annual 1940s Open Day in Valley Gardens will be held on 18th June. Please plan now on joining us for this fantastic event. Last year we had approximately 30,000 visitors. Let’s make this year even bigger! Please click on the image below to download a flyer.
List of Events and Bandstand Programme
10.30am March of Evacuee Children from Valley Gardens Main Gate led by the Mayor of Harrogate, Harrogate Band, Western School and visiting children plus accompanying adults. (40s Dress preferred but not essential)
11.00 Official Opening by Mayor of Harrogate
11.10 Western School
11.30 Harrogate Band
Midday Major Swing and Kitty
1.00pm Maria Manchester
2.15-3.00 Echo42 Band
3.15 Harrogate Harmony Barbershop Chorus
4.00-5.00 Echo 42 Band
Event Compared by Major Swing
Fly Past by Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (confirmed - details to follow).
To see photos of past events, please click here.
All funds raised will be put towards the restoration of the Green Park Entrance. We are over halfway to meeting our £60K target.
For further details, please contact Jane Blayney (Chairman Friends of Valley Gardens)
01423 505231, 07794583888, email jane.blayney23@gmail.com
Volunteers Needed for 40s Day:
We look forward to seeing you Sunday 18th June for FOVG’s 7th 40sDay. Volunteers for the Pump Room, Information Tent, Cake Stall, and Tombolla for any period of time from an hour to the whole day(with breaks) are very welcome. Donations to the Cake Stall and Tombolla are also very welcome. We sold 70 cakes last year and netted £2,000 on that stall. Volunteers to collect bucket monetary donations are also needed. For further details, please contact Jane Blayney (Chairman Friends of Valley Gardens) 01423 505231, 07794583888, email jane.blayney23@gmail.com
Heritage Lottery Award for the Japanese Garden Restoration
The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded a grant of £89,200 towards the restoration and refurbishment of the Japanese Garden. The first part of our grant has been received. Click here to see how we are getting on.
Peat Garden and Old Magnesia Well Pump Room Win Platinum Award in 2016 Yorkshire in Bloom and Also the 2016 Harrogate in Bloom Shield: FOVG are delighted to announce that we received a Platinum award (the top one) in the Open Spaces category for the Peat Garden and Old Magnesia Well Pump Room Project. We also received the 2016 Harrogate in Bloom Shield. These are great results and we send a big thank you to all of you who have helped on this project and continue to maintain the garden and the pump room. This is a testament to all your hard work. To learn more about this project and our entry, please click here.
Heritage Lottery Award for the Japanese Garden Restoration
The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded a grant of £89,200 towards the restoration and refurbishment of the Japanese Garden. The first part of our grant has been received. Click here to see how we are getting on.
FOVG Receives the Harrogate in Bloom Shield for 2016
Jane Blayney (Chairman Friends Of Valley Gardens) receives the
Harrogate In Bloom Shield 2016 on behalf of Friends Of Valley Gardens
Old Magnesia Well Pump Room Photos: Here are two photos of the Old Magnesia Well Pump Room looking grand in the snow in 2015 and in the spring of 2016. Thanks to all who have supported this restoration project!
Aerial Video of Valley Gardens Now Available: An aerial video of Valley Gardens has been created and offered to us for display for free. We extend out thanks to David Bridgen of DroneCam Solutions Ltd of Harrogate. Please click here to view the video.
In the video you will note the floral display depicting initials and the number 50. This represents the 50 years of the Harrogate International Festival and four famous authors: WS for William Shakespeare who died 400 years ago, BP for Beatrix Potter who was born 150 years ago, CB for Charlotte Bronte who was born 200 years ago, and RD for Roald Dahl who was born 100 years ago. There are approximately 11,000 plants in this display!
FOVG Undertaking Two New Projects: With the completion of the restoration of the Old Magnesia Well Pump Room and Gardens, FOVG is now initiating two new projects:
- Restoration of the Japanese Garden led by Ann Beeby and Liz Chidlow
- Restoration of the Green Park Entrance to the Gardens led by David Mason
Old Magnesia Well Pump Room Open Every Month: The fully restored Old Magnesia Well Pump Room is now open each month on the first and third Sundays of the month from 10.00am to 3.30pm. Please drop by for a visit. Openings can be arranged for groups or for private showings by contacting our Chairman, Jane Blayney at jane.blayney23@gmail.com or by phone at 07794583888.
Original Press Release for Green Park Entrance project
The Friends of Valley Gardens have recently been granted planning permission by Harrogate Borough Council to create the new King Edward VII Memorial Gate on the south east side of the gardens. This will be at the entrance to the gardens at the junction of Valley Drive and Harlow Moor Drive which has been known as the Green Park Entrance, named after the hotel which ones stood opposite.
The entrance is currently marred with just one lonely stone pillar and the Friends have long felt that this did not do justice to the high standards of Valley Gardens.
The proposed gate posts originally stood on King’s Road, opposite Cheltenham Parade, and gave access to the old Spa Gardens which later became the Rose Gardens. The stone posts are currently stored in Harrogate Council’s depot. The posts, together with cast iron gates and railings, were donated to the people of Harrogate by William Henry Baxter back in 1911 to commemorate the death of King Edward VII who died in 1910.
The posts, gates and railings had to be removed from King’s Road in the early 1990s to make way for the new Exhibition Hall M. A few years ago the railings and gates became separated from the stone posts but the Friends of Valley Gardens managed to track them down and purchased them from a farm near Pateley Bridge.
The FoVG now need to raise £60,000 to execute the project and restore some grandeur to this much used entrance to the gardens. For further details of the project and for those wishing to join the Friends of Valley gardens, or make a donation, please visit our website:
http://www.friendsofvalleygardens.co.uk/
Please click here to view the approved Planning Application submitted to HBC for this project.
Tours of Valley Gardens and Presentations are Now Available: Friends of Valley Gardens are now offering tours of Valley Gardens and the Old Magnesia Pump Room as well as the sites of our current projects. We also provide presentations to community groups about Valley Gardens. The following informative presentations are now available to be booked:
- “Restorations Completed and Being Undertaken” by Jane Blayney. Please call 07794 583 888
- “East Meets West Through Japanese Gardens” by Ann Beeby. Please call 07966 729 299
Recent tour for the Leeds Paxton Friday Forum lead by Jane Blayney
In Memorium - Tony Sissons
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Tony Sissons on the 7th November 2015. Tony was a driving force within Friends of Valley Gardens. His wisdom, support and gentle approach to the gardening tasks will be sorely missed.
Obituary written by Narelle Sissons for her dearly loved father.
The family suggests a donation to Parkinsonʼs disease in lieu of flowers.
Jane Blayney, Chairman, Friends of Valley Gardens writes of Tony:
It has been a great pleasure to have known Tony. We first met in 2010 when he was efficiently organising the Friends Of Valley Gardens volunteers in planting out the New Zealand Garden with plants that he had personally sourced. Tony had a wealth of knowledge on New Zealand plants and rhododendrons, keeping detailed photographic records of both. On 1940s Open Day and other fundraising events Tony’s salesmanship came to the fore, whether it was selling programmes or attracting new members. Tony’s painting skills were employed only a couple of years ago in painting the fall pipes on The Old Magnesia Well Pump Room. Of course he was able to advise us with expert knowledge of which type of paint Friends Of Valley Gardens should use for durability. Tony’s repertoire of information, ‘knowing smile’ and sense of humour will be sorely missed.
FOVG Chairman, Jane Blayney, Wins Harrogate and District Community Volunteer Award - 2015: Congratulations to our Chairman, Jane Blayney, on winning this well-deserved award.
Jane would like to say:
“Thank you Members, Volunteers , Sponsors, Donors, Funders and Partners in the project, and Harrogate Borough Council for your support in the restoration of the Old Magnesia Well Pump Room and restoration and replanting of the Peat Garden.
Your support, enthusiasm, generosity and hard work won this award.
With gratitude,
Jane Blayney
Rev Brian Hunt, Jane Blayney, Cllr John Fox
Opening of the Old Magnesia Well Pump Room by Harrogate Historian Malcolm Neesam, Freeman of the Borough of Harrogate: Friends of Valley Gardens are pleased to announce that the restoration of the Old Magnesia Well Pump Room and Gardens has been completed. The building was formally opened to the public at a ceremony on 6th October 2015. Malcolm Neesam, M Phil, Freeman of the Borough of Harrogate, led the ceremony.
The Pump Room is to become an Information and Education Centre portraying the Spa History and Development of the Valley Gardens over time.
Future opening times for the Pump Room will be posted on the outside information boards or contact Jane Blayney 01423 505231 /jane.blayney23@gmail.com to arrange a private viewing.
The restoration was completed in partnership with Harrogate Borough Council.
Without the generosity and support of the members, grants, donors, and sponsors, the restoration of the building and surrounding Peat Garden would never have been completed. To you all we extend our thanks.
The Friends Of Valley Gardens are now hoping, as their next projects, to restore the Green Park Entrance and Japanese Garden.
Left to Right: Mayor of Harrogate Councillor Nigel Simms;
Harrogate Historian Malcolm Neesam, Freeman of the Borough of Harrogate;
Chairman of Friends Of Valley Gardens Jane Blayney;
President of Friends Of Valley Gardens Horticulturalist and Broadcaster Martin Fish;
Mayoress Mrs Lynne Simms.
(L to R) Current FOVG Chairman - Jane Blayney, Former
Chairman - Tom Holleman, Peter Blayney, Marge Holleman
We are also pleased that our information panel is now on display near the Peat Garden adjacent to the Old Magnesia Well Pump Room. You can download a copy by clicking here.
Western School Children Build Bug House: Thank you Western school for building a Bug House in Valley Gardens. You all worked very hard. We look forward to the arrival of hedgehogs frogs, spiders, beetles and worms!
The Bug House has been named “Western Bug Mansion” by the Western School Children.
Also in the photograph are Western School teachers Holly Taylor, Avril Mc Govern , and Sarah Newby with Friends Of Valley Gardens Volunteer Co-ordinator Liz Chidlow.
Old Magnesia Well Pump Room Open During Heritage Days: The restoration of the old Magnesia Well Pump Room is now complete and the building was open to the public during Heritage Open Days. Thanks to all our volunteers who helped over the four days and to those who stopped by to visit.
Autumn/Winter 2015 Newsletter Available: Please click here to download your copy of our Autumn/Winter 2015 Newsletter.
2015 40’s Day a Wonderful Success! Thanks to everyone who supported our 5th annual 1940’s Open Day. Please click here for some of the initial photos including a gallery of photos from the Harrogate Photographic Society.
The flyover was reported by the Ripon Gazette on 29 June as follows:
Spectacular flypast by Spitfire in Harrogate
The heroes of the Battle of Britain were remembered in Harrogate with a flypast by a real Spitfire at the weekend.
Part of Sunday’s hugely popular 40’s Day of nostalgia which attracted thousands of people, the Spitfire was in the D Day white stripes on the wings and body and in colours of Squadron Leader Tony Cooper who flew this actual spitfire during the Second World War.
It was flown on Sunday, in an event organised by Friends of Valley Gardens, by Wing Commander Justin Helliwell of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
The original heroic pilot, Tony, is still with us and has recently been reunited with “his” Spitfire whose registration number AB 910.
Autumn/Winter 2014 Newsletter Available: Please click here to download your copy of our Autumn/Winter 2014 Newsletter.
Western Primary School Students Plant Bulbs in Valley Gardens: Approximately 60 students from Western Primary School joined with FOVG volunteers, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, Andrew Jones, and the Mayor of Harrogate, Jim Clark, to plant 1000’s of bulbs in the Peat Garden at the Old Magnesia Well Pump Room. Our thanks to these eager volunteers. Please join us in the spring to see the results of their efforts. To read the article about the visit in the Harrogate Advertiser, please click here.
Congratulations to the Friends of Valley Gardens Volunteers and to Tony Sissons: Congratulations to the FOVG Volunteers who won the Larchfield Manor Trophy from Harrogate In Bloom at the 2013 Discretionary Awards Ceremony on 29 Sep. The citation reads as follows:
"Now the parks staff do appreciate all the hard work that the volunteers undertake in the Valley Gardens, not just at the Magnesia Well, but helping in the New Zealand garden, in the Dahlia border and generally working with the gardeners on a regular basis. So Harrogate in Bloom would like to show our appreciation by giving one of our discretionary awards, The Larchfield Manor Trophy to the garden volunteers from Friends of Valley Gardens".
Yorkshire In Bloom Judging Day:
Gardening Team on Parade.
Also, congratulations to Tony Sissons who won the Mayor’s Trophy with the following citation:
that he has served on the Harrogate in Bloom group for more than twenty years and has always enjoyed having a project in which to be involved. Some years ago he set up the sound guide which visitors can access on a mobile phone or Ipad and learn about various key floral points in the town. These points are all on our Floral Trail. When it was time to re-vitalise the New Zealand Garden it was impossible to keep him away - he arranged for plants to be imported, making sure they were named correctly and on a daily basis he worked alongside the gardeners in the Valley Gardens to make sure the garden was ready for the official opening by our Maori guests from New Zealand in August 2010. Following all that he has been, and still is, an active volunteer for Friends of the Valley Gardens. This very special person is Tony Sissons.
FOVG Receives £10,000 Grant: FOVG would like to thank the Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation for their generous grant of £10,000 to help in the restoration of the Magnesia Well Pump Room.
Valley Gardens Featured in BBC’s Countryfile Magazine, Christmas Issue, 28th Nov 2014: Click below for the full article.
Friends Of Valley Gardens Graded “Outstanding” by Yorkshire In Bloom: In the “It’s Your Neighbourhood” category, FOVG were graded Level 5 - Outstanding and complimented for having raised £38,000 towards our target of £70,000 for the restoration of the Old Magnesia Well Pump Room project.
Green Park Entrance Original Photos
Below are photos of the existing entrance.
Consultants Report Presenting Ideas for Improving Valley Gardens
In 2003, HBC contracted with Landscape Design Associates to develop a Conservation and Management Plan. This plan identified numerous concepts for improving Valley Gardens. You can download the Plan (7.2M) by clicking here.
We will continue to consider new concepts to improve the Gardens. There are a wealth of areas needing our support. One such idea, the renovation of the Rockery and Creation of the Rockery Walk, is discussed here.
Potential Future Project Concept: Renovation of the Rockery and Creation of the Rockery Walk
Decades ago you could walk along both sides of the stream on paved walks. This area was called “The Rockery” because of all the large landscaping rocks that had been placed along the stream to enhance the beauty of the area. There were also bridges crossing the stream. Now there is no access to the area south of the stream and the whole area is overgrown and unused. This entire area could be transformed. At the east end near the main entrance, the Rockery could be renovated and a walk added to provide the visitor with new vistas of the gardens and the stream. Near the Magnesia Well Cafe, a path could be built on the other side of the Duck pond. It would provide a woodland area within Valley Gardens with unpaved paths, shade, and an entirely different feeling from the more developed areas.
Below is a photo of the Rockery in 1972 and an early postcard showing a path and bridge at the Duck pond.
