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07
May 2021
Authors celebrate Valley Gardens' journey from springs to scenic spot
A guide book that celebrates the rich history of Harrogate's Valley Gardens is now on sale.
The book covers the history of the park from its early days in the 1860s, when it was known as Bogs Field, to the fight to save a deteriorating Sun Pavilion in the 1980s and 90s, to the restoration of the Japanese Garden in 2016.
It has been a labour of love for co-authors Jane Blayney and Anne Smith.
Ms Smith is a former journalist and founded the Friends of Valley Gardens (FOVG) group in 1986. She was its chair until 2009.
Ms Blayney is also a former chair of FOVG and said documenting the history of the cherished space is important for future generations.
Ms Blayney said:
The book costs £5 and is printed in glossy full colour. It's available to purchase in Harrogate Waterstones, RHS Harlow Carr and Harrogate Tourist Information. It's also available to buy online here.
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The book's introduction is written by Harrogate historian Malcolm Neesam, who also helped with fact checking.
Stories include the battle to restore the King Edward VII Memorial Gate, which was donated in 1911 and dedicated to those who died in the First World War.
In 1994, when a new hall was built for the Conference Centre, Harrogate Borough Council sold the gate to a scrap metal merchant who then sold it on to a farmer.
FOVG bought the gate back from the farmer so it could be restored and returned to the park. The gate was formally opened in 2018 for the 100-year commemoration of the end of the war.
The book is not for profit and all money raised will go towards printing a second run.
Ms Blayney said "we are very lucky" in Harrogate to have a place like Valley Gardens.
The Stray Ferret and the Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID) have worked with Malcolm Neesam to produce two fantastic history audio tours of Harrogate. Both last about an hour and are easy to do. The first will take you back to the golden age of Harrogate’s Victorian Spa days and includes a stop at Valley Gardens, the second will take you through the heart of the shopping district, stopping to learn about historic buildings as you go. To take a look click here.
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