A NEW sensory garden is being considered at High Royds Memorial Garden and Chapel in Menston.

The intention is to give people who are sight-impaired or have problems with dementia the opportunity to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the garden.

Chairman of the management committee Ron Sweeney said: "Plans have been drawn up for a Sensory Garden to be developed as part of the three acre site and an appeal is being launched to raise the necessary funds.

"The design of the garden will help to facilitate easy access as all the pathways were professionally designed to conform to national guidelines for wheelchair access. The same professional attention to detail is being shown in the design for the proposed Sensory Garden. Further details will be published as the project progresses but in the meantime any interested person can contact the Chairman: Dr. Ron Sweeney, info@itcworld.org."

High Royds Memorial Garden & Chapel has been lovingly and carefully restored. The paupers' graveyard (closed in 1969) which belonged to High Royds Psychiatric Hospital (closed in 2003) was restored in 2011 to create a tranquil garden of remembrance. The Heritage Chapel, which contains details of the 2861 people who are buried there, remembers those who have gone before and helps with the campaign to remove the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health. Its loving restoration has created an oasis of peace.

In 2017 members of the management committee were invited to St James Palace to meet the Duke of York. At the meeting the Duke thanked the Trustees and asked them to convey his best wishes and thanks to all the volunteers that had transformed the graveyard into something the community could be proud of.

In addition to the interest shown by the presentation of the Duke of York’s Community Initiative Award other projects throughout England have visited or contacted the Garden Trustees for help in developing similar sites throughout the country. A further boost to the Memorial Garden came earlier this year when it was officially recognised as part of Historic England which gives added protection and recognition of its status

As part of the Heritage Open days, the Garden and Chapel will be open this coming weekend (Saturday and Sunday September 15/16th) between 11am and 1pm and 2pm and 4pm. Members of the Management Committee will be available to answer any question

A Thanksgiving and Remembrance Service, conducted by the Revd. Andrew Howorth of St. John the Divine, Menston and Choir Members of Ladies Please will be held at 4pm on Sunday in the Chapel. All welcome.