Keen gardeners celebrate Ayr 800

(I-Newswire) February 17, 2005 - For the next event in Ayr 800, the 12 month-long celebration of Ayr's 800 years as a Royal Burgh, the Ayrshire and Arran Group of the National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens has organised an illustrated public lecture by Fergus Garrett, head gardener at Great Dixter in East Sussex.

The title of the lecture is 'Extending the Seasons in a Mixed Border'. It takes place at 2pm on Saturday 26 February in the John Hannah Lecture Theatre, Scottish Agricultural College, Auchincruive.

Tickets price �6.50 can be obtained from Sandy Sandiford, Harrowhill, Moscow, Kilmarnock, KA3 6HX. Cheques payable to 'NCCPG' please.

About Ayr 800

In 2005 the historic town of Ayr in Scotland marks the 800th anniversary of King William the Lion of Scotland signing a Charter in 1205 proclaiming Ayr to be a Royal Burgh.

Ayr Guildry, an association of local business people which itself dates back to 1325, is currently organising Ayr 800, a 12 month-long calendar of events to celebrate the anniversary throughout the year.

Brian Martin of Ayr Guildry said today: "It seems fitting and appropriate to celebrate 800 years of Ayr's history in as many different ways as possible.

"Since the inception of this project, I have been amazed to discover the number and diversity of clubs, associations and groups that flourish in our town. Ayr 800 will provide them all with a magnificent opportunity to play a prominent part in our year of celebrations.

"For people and businesses in the hospitality and tourism industry, Ayr 800 will provide the chance to attract visitors who might otherwise not have come to our town in 2005.

"And Ayr 800 will offer an additional platform for local businesses to promote their products, skills and services to the world."

Brian Martin concluded: "Regular updates to the calendar of events will be posted on the Ayr 800 website at www.ayr800.co.uk

"All businesses, clubs, societies and individuals who would still like to take part in this great celebration of our town's history will be most welcome, and should get in touch with us as soon as possible."

About the NCCPG

Founded as a registered charity in 1978 to combine the talents of botanists, horticulturalists and conservationists with the dedication of keen amateur and professional gardeners, the NCCPG's aims are to: encourage the propagation and conservation of endangered garden plants in the British Isles, both species and cultivars; encourage and conduct research into cultivated plants, their origins, their historical and cultural importance and their environments; encourage the education of the public in garden plant conservation.

Through its membership and the National Collection Holders, the NCCPG seeks to rediscover and reintroduce endangered garden plants by encouraging their propagation and distribution so that they are grown as widely as possible.

The NCCPG works closely with other conservation bodies as well as botanic gardens, The National Trust, The National Trust for Scotland, English Heritage, The Royal Horticultural Society and many specialist horticultural societies.

Website: www.nccpg.com

Enquiries:

Brian Martin, Ayr Guildry. Telephone: +44 (0)1292 442103.
John Hay, Clerk to Ayr Guildry. Telephone: +44 (0)1292 264091.

Websites:

http://www.ayr800.co.uk
http:// www.nccpg.com

Issued on behalf of Ayr Guildry by Fame Publicity Services.

Media enquiries:

Murdoch MacDonald
Fame Publicity Services
10 Miller Road
AYR, Ayrshire
Scotland KA7 2AY

Telephone: +44 (0)1292 281498
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Web link: http://www.ayr800.co.uk/news.htm

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