Mr Yorke’s Walled Garden, an 18th century Richmond garden, with views of Richmond Castle and Culloden Tower, is opening for local charity, Just the Job Environmental Services, today from 1pm to 5.30pm.
All money raised will go towards the charity’s Big Green Build Project.
Just the Job is a social enterprise which supports adults with a wide range of abilities in practical, work orientated therapeutic activities.
Having grown out of their multi-site accommodation, they are planning to build a much-needed new facility all on one site, supported by Zetland Estates on land adjacent to Gallowfields Trading Estate.
The Big Green Build is a pioneering project for the local area, incorporating solar panels, green roof, reed bed water filtration, timber frame construction and straw bale insulation. The building will incorporate specialist rooms for activities, fully accessible toilets with changing equipment, multi-use outdoor areas and a horticultural project.
To fulfil their ambitions, Just the Job need to raise £600,000 to move into their new facility, which will broaden its provision, support more individuals from the local community and increase the opportunity for joint work with other local projects and schools and create new employment opportunities. Ultimately this important charity will have a more sustainable future.
Owners of Mr. Yorke’s, Dennis and Marcia McLuckie, are pleased to be able to support Just the Job.
Marcia said: “Just the Job is an amazing charity doing an incredible job. They have worked from four different sites for the last 15 years and really need this new building to be able to give its users an even better experience and increase the numbers of people who can benefit from what they offer.
“Dennis and I are glad that we are able to open our garden to raise funds towards their new building’.
Mr Yorke’s Walled Garden was built by John Yorke II, who lived with his wife, Anne, in a 17th century mansion, which stood near the Green by the banks of the River Swale.
The Yorke family’s mansion was demolished in the early 19th century, and the Walled Garden was later used as a market garden. In the 1980s it was planted with a variety of interesting saplings that were to be grown on for sale, but many were left and are now mature.
Dennis and Marcia have worked hard over the last eight or so years to restore the garden, which has been redesigned around the existing trees and pathways. Shrubs, trees, lawns, herbaceous borders, roses, ponds and a vegetable garden. New this year is a stream that bubbles between a new middle pond and the bottom ponds, a reminder of the underground streams that flow from beneath Westfields down and under the garden.
Just the Job is one of this year’s chosen charities for Richmond and the Dales Soroptimists, who will be serving teas, coffee and cake to raise additional funds. This will be in the lower part of the garden to avoid pinch points by the house.
Mr Yorke’s Walled Garden, Cravengate, Richmond, DL10 4RE is open for Just the Job on Sunday 30th August 1 – 5.30pm.
Admission for adults is £5.00. Children under 16 are admitted free.
A one way in and out route is in operation and people are asked to observe social distancing.
No booking required, but if there are too many people in the garden you may be asked to wait until others leave. Just the Job will be selling plants and crafts so, use your waiting time to browse and buy!
There is no parking or drop-off at the garden Visitors are asked to park in Newbiggin, the Market Place or car parks at Nuns Close and The Green. The garden is on a hill. Main grass paths are accessible with a wheelchair, but they are quite steep.
Regret that due to Covid-19 there will be no toilet facilities this year.
For further information please email marcia@yorkshirecountryholidays.co.uk or call 01748 825525.
