Hello and welcome to my first blog as Community Engagement Officer for the National Lottery Heritage Fund project to regenerate South Cliff Gardens.
In the first few weeks since my appointment, I have tried to get out and about as much as possible and have had inspiring meetings with a diversity of local people, from community action groups to theatre troupes. I have been overwhelmed by the warm and generous welcome I have received and by the genuine sense of pride and affection that South Cliff Gardens generate. They really are Scarborough’s hidden gem and I’m one of the lucky people selected to help polish them up and put them firmly on show.
I’ve already discovered so much to enjoy in the gardens. Whether it’s promenading on the Paxton Steps, drinking in the tranquillity of the Rose Garden, enjoying the glorious architecture of the Italian Gardens whilst feeding/ fending off the cheeky resident squirrels, sending a letter to the fairies in the Shuttleworth Gardens or playing for bragging rights on the putting green, there’s just so much on offer.
With that in mind I would like to reassure you that I’m not here to reinvent the wheel, but to build on the gardens’ existing foundations in order to help restore their original purpose of providing a haven for improved health and vitality.
I also really want to celebrate just how unique South Cliff Gardens are by using them as a canvas for the exploration and appreciation of local arts and heritage.
I appreciate how generously the local community has given to this project already and I look forward to working both with and for you moving forwards. There is still so much exciting potential to unlock within the gardens and together we have the chance to build a fantastic legacy for future generations to enjoy.
If our paths haven’t crossed yet and you want to know more about my role and how it fits within the wider restoration of South Cliff Gardens, how you can get involved or are simply wondering why the regeneration project even needs a Community Engagement Officer, please get in touch; I’d love to have a chat.
Likewise if we have been introduced and you now have a burning question or brilliant suggestions, then please don’t hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Gemma