"Every time I come to Egremont I find new developments making the castle grounds a more lovely place," Lady Egremont told Egremont Today on her visit to open the new sensory garden on Wednesday 18th June. She was warm in her praise of Friends of Egremont Castle who are never short of imaginative ideas and projects.
Parks Department staff had been working round the clock, including weekends, in their attempt to get the garden ready for the visit. The work had involved major reconstruction of the stonework to allow for disabled access, and it is now a particularly welcoming space, with scented plants growing healthily in the raised stone borders, set around beautifully laid stone paving.
It is the latest, but not the last of the projects to make the Castle the proud face of Egremont. Wiring is already in place for its illumination, with amazing economy of light and power, and a pavilion to protect concert performances from the rain should be ready for use early next summer.
Mayor of Copeland, Keith Hitchen, who with the Mayoress, Freda, was by Lady Egremont's side at the official opening thanked all the Volunteers, Copeland staff and contractors for the great work they have done in producing the Sensory Garden at the Castle. "What a change from Egremont of 1971 when I worked at the youth centre!" he exclaimed. "These projects show that the people of Egremont are taking the regeneration of the town to their hearts. Well done Egremont! I'm sure your hard work will pay dividends in the future."
He also praised the Gateways project, effectively designed to draw attention to the remarkable features of the town and attract visitors.
Also present was Gill Fawcitt, representing the North Western Development Agency which funded the Regeneration of Egremont Project.