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Colourful tulips light up York Museum Gardens thanks to donation by First York employees

DATE: 26 April 2022

Over 30 varieties of colourful tulips are blooming in York Museum Gardens, thanks to the generous donation of £3000 that was made by the Rider York Sports and Social Club last year. Members of the club, who work for bus operator First York, helped plant the bulbs in November 2021.

Steve Williams, Gardens Manager at York Museums Trust said, “We’re so grateful that First York’s employees decided to donate this money to us. Whether it’s local residents walking through the gardens or tourists visiting the city, we have been provided with this fantastic opportunity to lift everyone’s spirits with an array of spring colour. I think everyone is very aware of just how important our connection with nature is to our wellbeing, and we are hopeful this will give everybody a boost!

“This Spring marks two years since the start of the first lockdown, and we hope this spectacular display will keep people feeling positive and bring smiles to those visiting our historic Garden.”

The Rider York Sports and Social Club comprises of around 130 members, including bus drivers, engineers, managers and office staff who have undertaken fundraising for various causes for 20 years. Each member contributes 50p per week, which would normally be used to subsidise their own social activities and day trips for the members. However due to lockdown, they decided to generously donate the money to York Museums Trust, and specifically York Museum Gardens.

Speaking on behalf of the Rider York Sports & Social Club committee and its members, driver Tony Richmond said: “We’re always trying to think of new ways to raise money and find new charities to support. This usually involves the members taking on a challenge, but this time it’s a donation that we hope will make a lasting impression at these beautiful gardens and give something that visitors can enjoy for years to come.”

York Museum Gardens are open every day from 9am-6pm, and are free for all to enjoy.

As a charity, York Museums Trust have been hit hard by the pandemic. If you enjoy your visit to York Museum Gardens and would like to make a donation to help keep the gardens looking beautiful, please visit Donations – York Museums Trust.