Monday saw volunteers from the group working with staff from Harrogate Borough Council's Parks Department as they continue to make in-roads into restoring the gardens.

Formed in 2005, the Friends aim to attain Green Flag status for Bebra Gardens – named in honour of the town's links with Bebra in Germany but which were forme
Following the successful grant application the design plan for renovation of the gardens is now about to go ahead.

On Tuesday the Friends group met with designers Jonathon Buckley and Alex Stappard to walk around the gardens and discuss possibilities for the design.

Chairman of FOBG, Andrew Willoughby said: "We don't want a design that spoils what we have already got. Bebra Gardens is a wonderful place, we have to retain the magic but improve things as well. These designers seem happy to work with us to achieve what we want, so that is good.

"The masterplan should be completed by July this year and then the real work can begin, removing what is not wanted and planting up some areas."

"This is the first restoration since the gardens were laid out as Moat Gardens in 1931. Before that the land was just a grassy field. Following town twinning with Bebra, Germany, in 1969 the gardens were re-named Bebra Gardens in 1971.

The Friends Group meets monthly and is always keen to attract more volunteers. They have created a website so people can keep in touch with what is happening. The website with some stunning photographs is at www.knaresborough.co.uk/bebragardens

*The Friends group would very much appreciate any information about your times in the gardens. They would especially like to see any old photographs, or hear about your memories.

Please get in touch with any photographs, memories, or anything connected with Bebra Gardens by emailing andrew@willouby.demon.co.uk

07 February 2007