Ilkley'S Darwin Gardens millennium scheme should be wheelchair-friendly after a

rigorous 'testing' programme.

Dr Peter Harnett, chairman of the Darwin Gardens Trust, is determined the former West View Park site should be accessible to all.

He said: "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."

Dr Harnett said restored pathways on the site had been satisfactorily test-driven by a wheelchair-using member of Bradford College's Skills for Living course.

Course members have visited the site, with course tutor Marina Wilson, to inspect and appreciate the range of

landscaping activities in progress.

Dr Harnett is delighted with the progress being made and the level of community involvement.

Both practical and financial support continues to be offered, from flowers to millennium maze dedications. Dr Harnett said: "There will be 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," he said.

Anyone wanting to join the growing band of Darwin volunteers should contact Dr Peter Harnett on 01943 601743 or Brian Hill on 01943 436359. The on-site number is 0771 4419481.

GARDEN PLEA: Ilkley's very own celebrity gardener, Alan Titchmarsh MBE, is appealing for people to help sow seeds of hope in Africa.

The presenter of popular BBC programme Ground Force has just become Patron of recently established charity Seeds For Africa, and as he realises this is the time of year gardeners start to think about purchasing seeds, he is urging everyone to purchase an extra packet to send to the charity.

Seeds required throughout the whole year include runner beans, peas, french beans, sweet corn, tomatoes, carrots and onions.

Seeds For Africa, set up in July 1998, specialises in the

distribution of vegetable seeds to

impoverished families and is

currently supporting 15 projects in ten different countries.

A particular effort is being made to purchase much needed seeds for Mozambique following the recent disastrous flooding.

Over 100,000 families have been helped by the charity since 1998, as it seeks to train people in gardening skills that bestow independence and dignity.

In assisting the poorer people they hope to build a legacy that will enrich lives, not just for this generation but for generations to come.

l If you would like to join with Alan Titchmarsh in helping the work of this charity please

contact: Seeds For Africa, PO Box 581, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7SW. E-mail seedsforafrica @mail.com.

Catch them on the web at www.seedsforafrica. ukgateway.net.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.