In June last year, we awarded funding to The Friends of Temple Newsam Park. They are a voluntary group that was formed in 1999. Over the last 22 years they have raised many tens of thousands of pounds to support projects in the park that have improved the facilities for visitors.
Our grant was part of a project to purchase two mobility scooters for use by elderly and disabled people at Temple Newsam Park, a Tudor Jacobean Estate in the heart of Leeds. The scooters have been well received and are free to use. A first-time user just needs to complete a short registration form. Then they are given instruction on driving the scooters so that they are confident using them.
For future use they just have to ring the park and book the scooter for a certain day and time. The scooter is then waiting for them close to the disabled parking area in the main car park when they arrive.
The Friends of Newsam Park started a log book for users to leave their comments and the following are a couple that they have received:-
Julie from Gray Court, wrote "lt was fantastic! I was able to go round all the park. I wouldn't have been able to walk very far. Thank you ".
Margaret from Tranquillity Court, wrote " Thank you so much for this wonderful facility. I am 86 years old and wouldn't be able to access the park without it. I have enjoyed Temple Newsam park for 60 years and can continue to do so thanks to your generosity''.
Friends of Newsam Park reported that these comments have made all their fundraising efforts worthwhile. The photograph is of the Friends of Temple Newsam Park handing over the cheque to the Park management team.