Celebrating Our Supporters
The recently restored pavilions and fountain were the cause of an evening of celebration this May.
It was an evening of double celebration at Sheffield Botanical Gardens when supporters and guests gathered to admire the restored pavilions and fountain whilst marking the 250th anniversary of the Sheffield Assay Office.
Guest of honour and Sheffield Botanical Gardens Patron, H. M. Lord-Lieutenant Professor Dame Hilary Chapman was joined by other local dignitaries including the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire, Professor Jaydip Ray, Master Cutler Dame Julie Kenny and Lady Mayoress of Sheffield, Councillor Jackie Satur to enjoy an evening drinks reception in front of the iconic pavilions in the early summer sunshine. Guests were also treated to beautiful music played by young musicians from Sheffield Music Academy, led by its Music Director Martin Cropper.
The special evening provided a chance to thank representatives from the organisations which made the pavilion restoration possible: Sheffield City Council, the Sheffield Town Trust, the Freshgate Trust Foundation, the J.G. Graves Charitable Trust and the Sheffield Botanical Gardens Trust. The fountain refurbishment was sponsored by the Assay Office in commemoration of their landmark 250th anniversary. It was last refurbished over 20 years ago by the Sheffield Assay Office and they were delighted to be approached about supporting the recent conservation work. Assay Master Ashley Carson said ‘This is a wonderful opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in the Sheffield Assay Office’s 250th anniversary year, the fountain looks wonderful.’ A laser engraved plaque has been attached to the stonework surrounding the fountain to mark the occasion.
Speeches at the event - which was also kindly sponsored by the Sheffield Assay Office - were made by Dame Hilary, Assay Office Chairman Charles Turner and Chairman of the Sheffield Botanical Gardens Trust Miles Stevenson.
We at Sheffield Botanical Gardens Trust, the charity responsible for raising money to keep the Gardens looking lovely, hope all our visitors will be able to enjoy and appreciate the freshly restored pavilions and fountain for many years to come.
Guest of honour H.M. Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE and Sheffield Botanical Gardens Trustee, Karen Horsefield.
The VIPs plus SBGT Chair, Miles Stevenson (right hand end) and Trustee, Matthew Sibley (left hand end).
Left to right; Friends Chair, Carolyn Clark, Trustee, Christine Rose, Trust Chair, Miles Stevenson and Friends Secretary, Lynda Price.