Celebration as park reopens after £2m makeover

More than a century ago, the well-known solicitor bought a plot of land in the historic port of Whitby which had previously been used for orchards, nurseries and market gardens to preserve a much needed open space in the coastal town.

But Mr Pannett passed away on July 22, 1920, before the park was created as the scheme became blighted by delays and protracted discussions with the local authorities.

Now, however, more than 80 years since its official opening in 1928, the town's only park, which continues to bear the name of Mr Pannett, has been given a major restoration to bring it into the 21st century and ensure its popularity for future generations.

The newly renovated park was officially unveiled yesterday after nearly 2m spent restoring some of its most famous features and creating new attractions.

The Marquis of Normanby, whose grandfather was at the official opening in 1928, cut the ribbon yesterday with a pair of garden shears to mark the completion of the restoration, which had been planned for the last five years.

The chairman of the Friends of Pannett Park, Walter Turner, who grew up in Whitby and still lives in the town with his wife, Sandra, said: "The town is very proud of the park, and rightly so.

"I remember walking about the park as a little boy, and it has always had a special place in my heart.

"It is obviously a shame that Robert Pannett never got to see the park finished but hopefully we have done him proud with the restoration."

The Friends organisation was launched five years ago after a public meeting to deal with a growing dissatisfaction about the state of Pannett Park.

A group of dedicated volunteers then began work with the aim of returning it to its former glories, notching up more than 6,600 hours of work throughout the past five years.

The Friends of Pannett Park's first major success was replacing a floral clock in 2006 after the original had been removed more than two decades earlier.

The main restoration only began, however, after the Friends group, Whitby Town Council and Scarborough Borough Council were awarded 1.4m by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Parks for People Programme in December 2008.

The scheme, which has also received funding from Scarborough Council, has seen the lily pool area and rose arch restored, while whale bones which originally stood in the park have been replaced by oak replicas.

A 300,000 play area opened in August last year, and three new gardens have also been created - including a Jurassic-themed area dedicated to the Yorkshire coast's famous dinosaur heritage.

The official opening of the park after the restoration had a 1920s theme to commemorate the era when it was originally launched, and the public were encouraged to turn up dressed in period costume. The day's programme included Charleston dancers, a jazz band and a performance by the Whitby Community Choir, as well as a Punch and Judy show and storytellers.

Vintage cars were on show, along with the old Whitby lifeboat, and there was also a marquee of craft stalls. Stands included a fossil stall and the Friends group raffled a piece of Whitby Jet.

Scarborough Council's portfolio holder for tourism and culture, Janet Jefferson, paid tribute to the efforts of the people of Whitby to restore the beloved landmark.

She said: "It has been a wonderful day, and the culmination of five years of hard work. It is something that needed to be done, but without the efforts of the Friends group, I really do not think the restoration would have happened.

"Pannett Park is the jewel in the crown of the parks along the Yorkshire coast, and it is wonderful to see it looking like it does today. The restoration has been done by the people of Whitby for the people of Whitby, and it has been a real community project."

Plans are now being drawn up to secure its future, and a team of full-time workers, including a park keeper, a gardener and an apprentice, is due to be appointed to help the work.

Donor died never seeing his dream

Covering eight acres and tucked away close to the centre of Whitby, Pannett Park has always been at the heart of the port community.

It was only created after the death of Robert Pannett who bought the land at the turn of the 20th century, believing the town needed a park sheltered from the sea winds.

But the Whitby Urban District Council was unwilling to finance it and it was only after he passed away in 1920 that work actually began.

Before his death, Mr Pannett, a solicitor who went on to become a councillor, JP and an alderman, had set up a trust to create the park as well as a gallery.