My book

These past few months have been exciting. It all started because I am the founder of the Friends of the Valley Gardens to save the Sun Pavilion, Colonnades and New Zealand Garden in the Valley Gardens from being demolished in order to build a car park. I was friendly with Geoffrey Smith, James Herriot and David Bellamy and asked them to be Patrons. They were and after many years hard battle the Sun Pavilion, Colonnades and New Zealand Gardens were saved.   I was Chairman for 22 years and following me came Jane Blayney. This year Jane and I decided to write a book about the Valley Gardens as there has never in the whole history of the Gardens been a book. So this is what we did and we had a fun time doing it. It came out on Tuesday and so far we have sold 200 copies. It is called A Souvenir Guide to the Valley Gardens, Harrogate and it has photos old and new, history and a map showing all the buildings and species of trees. It really is a splendid book and it will be launched by County Councillor Jim Clark in the Sun Pavilion on the 13th October. All the local dignitaries will be there. living here so long we have done this book for the residents and tourists and have kept the price down. It is £5 and will be available all over Harrogate and I hope Pannal too.
Fortunately not a lot has happened in Pannal whilst I have been writing. Everyone is waiting to see how the Dunlopillo building, which we hoped was going to be demolished, will look turned into apartments.It will need to be an amazing face lift as it is such an ugly building. We are all extremely interested to see how they will beautify it.
The weather lately has been brilliant. Only yesterday we were all out in the sunshine without jackets. Now will we be able to get out and about. Probably not to our usual places but this end of town should be ok. No golf competition on Tuesday at Pannal. Those that can make it will get a game as it is a Roll up. I shall be involved with Jane selling our book. No shortage of takers.I hope you all like it.