Sir Donald Sinden re-opens the Bancroft Gardens, Stratford-Upon-Avon
Introducing Sir Donald at the reopening ceremony on Friday 24 April 2009, Cllr Les Topham, chairman of the World Class Stratford Strategy Group and leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said the foundations had been laid for one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. The works were designed by Land Use Consultants and undertaken by English Landscapes: both award-winning companies with extensive experience working with local authorities on parks and gardens. The aim of the new design and layout was to create a high quality contemporary landscape within the historic setting of the gardens. This has enhanced its character, quality and function, while relating to its unique position by the River Avon and adjacent to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Major new features created within the gardens included a human sundial celebrating the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service and a bespoke stone bench memorial paying tribute to the four firefighters who lost their lives in Atherstone-on-Stour in 2007. Hardscape supplied Magma granite setts and slabs together with Crystal Black granite for the planters and the area around the fountain. The Memorial consists of Magma and Crystal Black granites.
