Park friends commemorate family’s wartime generosity

FOR the last 90 years, the special area of land has remained a testament to the bravery of those who gave their lives in the First World War.

Now, residents of York are being urged to mark a landmark anniversary of the city’s Rowntree Park – at a major event this weekend.

The Rowntree Company gave the park as a gift to the people of the city 90 years ago on July 16, 1921, in memory of workers who fell during the war.

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It has become an annual custom to celebrate the generosity of the chocolate company’s owner, Joseph Rowntree, on the Sunday nearest to this date with a birthday party in the park.

An afternoon of celebrations will be held on Sunday between 2pm and 5pm to mark the 90th anniversary of the park, which will include 40 community and charity stalls, falconry displays and family-themed entertainment. The Friends of Rowntree Park will be cutting a cake to mark the occasion.

York Council’s cabinet member for leisure, culture and social inclusion, Councillor Sonja Crisp, said: “Rowntree Park has been such an important part of the city’s leisure history and its great that we can mark this milestone with a day packed with entertainments and activities.

“We hope that people will come along and join in the festivities.”

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