15 April 2008
Cheshire’s Year of Gardens 08 is officially unveiled
Stunning displays and a host of VIPs were among the highlights
of celebrations to mark the official launch of Cheshire’s Year of
Gardens 08, a long-term programme to develop Cheshire as the
destination of choice for garden lovers world-wide.
The launch event at Tatton Park was hosted by local tourism
board, Visit Chester & Cheshire.
It was attended by many of those who are leading and backing the
ambitious Year of Gardens project which will see more than 300
special events taking place at 29 ‘Gardens of Distinction’ in and
around Chester and Cheshire.
Cheshire’s Year of Gardens Chair Felicity Goodey CBE thanked all
the Cheshire Year of Gardens partners, congratulating them on their
remarkable achievement in bringing together what she described as
‘a unique collection of extraordinary garden attractions’ and
creating a winning idea.
“This is just the beginning,” Felicity continued. “It’s the
opportunity for ‘big name’ industries and small businesses to work
together with small businesses and prove that Chester-Cheshire can
be up there, competing with the very best for a place as one of the
UK’s top ten attractions.”
Cheshire’s Year of Gardens is expected to attract 300,000
additional visitors and generate an economic impact of £15 million
over this and future years.
Peter Mearns, Executive Director of Marketing at the Northwest
Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said: “Cheshire’s Year of
Gardens celebrates the county’s proud garden heritage and will
ensure that Cheshire benefits from the significant economic and
cultural benefits linked to European Capital of Culture 2008.
“I have no doubt that the distinctive programme of events will
not only enhance Cheshire’s reputation as a leading destination for
gardens at an international level but will also bring enjoyment to
many thousands of local people.”
Cheshire County Council Chief Executive Jeremy Taylor praised
the impact of the Year of Gardens on local communities. The County
Council has been able to support a grants programme in partnership
with Groundwork Cheshire which has so far developed 50
community-based projects designed to enrich the lives of many
people across the area, he explained.
Cheshire Building Society is the latest of Cheshire’s leading
business organisations to announce its backing for the programme.
It will highlight Year of Gardens events throughout its branch
network and via its website as well as hold society events at
Cheshire gardens.
Speaking at the launch event, Cheshire Building Society’s Chief
Executive Karen McCormick, said: “As a mutual society, the role we
play in our communities is
central to all we do and we are delighted to work with
Cheshire’s Year of Gardens. The partnership approach which is
being fostered through this programme is a tremendous illustration
of what can be achieved working together in the Northwest.”
In addition to the Gardens of Distinction, visitors will be able
to choose from dozens of memorable events, many of them unique and
UK ‘firsts’ including a fun-packed weekend featuring Pumpkin Games
for all the family at Arley Hall; the unveiling of new sculptures
at five Cheshire gardens, an orchid festival and access to a secret
garden!
• More Cheshire’s Year of Gardens 08’ events and activities are
being added every week. Residents can keep up to date with
programme developments by visiting www.yearofgardens08.com
Ends
Note to Editors: for further information, visit www.yearofgardens08.com, or
telephone Hems de Winter: 01244 320677; email: de.winter@mdew.co.uk
• Cheshire’s Year of Gardens is part of a groundbreaking
initiative to unlock the tourism-boosting potential of nearly 30 of
Cheshire’s leading garden attractions. It has been developed by
local tourism board, Visit Chester & Cheshire, in partnership
with Cheshire County Council, the Northwest Regional Development
Agency (NWDA), Rural Enterprise and Cheshire’s ‘Gardens of
Distinction’.
• The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads
the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest
and is responsible for:
o Supporting business growth and encouraging
investment
o Matching skills provision to employer needs
o Creating the conditions for economic growth
o Connecting the region through effective transport and
communication infrastructure
o Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life