A range of plants, including over 30 varieties of tulips, to be planted in York Museum Gardens following the donation

York Museums Trust are delighted to have received a generous donation of £3000 from the Rider York Sports and Social Club, whose members work for bus operator First York. The funds have helped purchase more than 7000 bulbs for next year’s Spring flower display in York Museum Gardens, including over 30 varieties of colourful tulips.

Steve Williams, Gardens Manager at York Museums Trust said, “We’re so grateful that First York’s employees have 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!

“Spring 2022 will mark 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.”

Members of the group have helped plant the new bulbs this month, and both First York and the Gardens Team at York Museum Gardens are very excited to see the uplifting transformation in the Garden that the spring flower display will deliver as we move from winter 2021 into spring 2022.