Green fingers do the talking to support the Samaritans
14 July
Harrogate Council's horticultural experts are supporting national Samaritan day on 24 July.
The aim of this special day is to highlight the Samaritan's
24/7 availability and council gardeners have created a flowerbed on Montpellier Hill in the form of a telephone.
Councillor Mrs Pat Jones, Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, and Sheila Watson, Director of Harrogate Samaritans will unveil the flowerbed at 2.00 pm on Friday, 17 July 2009.
Councillor Richard Cooper, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services who has responsibility for parks and open spaces says the council was happy to lend a horticultural hand to these tireless volunteers.
He said: "This is a very private organisation for very obvious reasons so I am pleased that this floral bed has flourished and will be visible for the rest of the summer in support of the Samaritans.
The aim of this dedicated national day is to raise funds and the profile of the charity.
They need financial support as well as new volunteers to provide this 24/7 support."
"The flower bed is a beautiful reminder to the people of Harrogate that we're here for them 24/7, added Sheila Watson, Branch Director.
"Volunteers will also be in the town centre on Saturday 25 July raising funds for Samaritans and providing refreshments at Wesley Chapel from 10.00am to 2.00pm.
I would like to invite people to come along and support us and perhaps find out more about our work."
Sue Wood, the council's Horticultural Officer, designed the flowerbed and used red and white begonias for the background and lettering and Pyrethrum Golden Moss (feverfew) for the telephone.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Councillor Richard Cooper is available for comment on 07792 655535.
Further technical information is available from Mr Patrick Kilburn, Head of Parks and Open Spaces on 01423 556704.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lynne Mee, Communications and Media Manager on 01423 556022 or email lynne.mee@harrogate.gov.uk