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The Backhouse

To fund a feasibility study to transform an old park-keeper's lodge into a heritage centre and cafe.

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The Backhouse

The Backhouse

The Backhouse

The Backhouse

The Backhouse

To fund a feasibility study to transform an old park-keeper's lodge into a heritage centre and cafe.

To fund a feasibility study to transform an old park-keeper's lodge into a heritage centre and cafe.

To fund a feasibility study to transform an old park-keeper's lodge into a heritage centre and cafe.

To fund a feasibility study to transform an old park-keeper's lodge into a heritage centre and cafe.

Jane Cullen
Jane Cullen
Jane Cullen
Jane Cullen
1 Campaign |
York, United Kingdom
$3,195 USD $3,195 USD 85 backers
50% of $6,340 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal


Short Summary

My name is Jane Cullen and I am the Founder of The West Bank Park Heritage Project. West Bank Park in York is based on the site of the James Backhouse Plant Nurseries, a world famous site once known as The Kew of the North.  James Backhouse was a gifted botanist, philanthropist and Quaker missionary. In 1832 he travelled to Australia to visit the convicts and settlers, and played an important  role in developing more humane methods of prison reform. He continued his Mission to South Africa and Mauritius, writing journals and collecting plants throughout his travels.

Ours is a fabulous park, but like many, it is under threat due to council cuts. An idea to give this park an independent revenue stream for its  continued maintenance is to transform the old park-keeper's lodge into a Heritage Centre and Cafe. The Backhouse would be a place for young and old to share and celebrate the history of this park, whilst  enjoying a cup of tea together.

Many people worked at the Backhouse Nurseries and we also want to celebrate that heritage. The achievements of James Backhouse and his son (also called James) were so important in the botanical world. In this little park in York, history really was made.  By helping to fund this feasibility study, you will be ensuring that this history  is remembered.


What We Need & What You Get


The City of York Council owns this building, and whilst we have had many meetings and have  engaged with the community about this project, the point has now come to let the numbers do the talking. In order to consider its viability as a Heritage Centre and Cafe, the Council need to see that we have seriously considered the figures. We need appropriate organizations to put our dreams and ideas into formal business forecasts. A full feasibility study is now the only way that this project will move forward. However the outlook is very encouraging. 

By helping  us to fund this feasibility study you will not only be helping us to move to the next level, but also giving tangible proof to all interested parties that there is a need and great support for such a service in our park. 

Imagine having a tea or coffee in a wonderful traffic-free environment, where children can play and access is available for all? We currently have nothing in the area that acts as a hub for young and old alike,  where we can spend time in a shared space together.  

If you help to fund this study, we have some great perks, and even if we don't get what we need, the money will be handed to the Friends of West Bank Park who will use it for  other park projects.

The Impact

As a Quaker Missionary James Backhouse went from his former home,  which was based at West Bank House  in the park,  all the way to Australia, where he introduced Quakerism. The voyage took him five months and he was away a total of ten years. He was a real-life explorer, and as a Quaker he was a man who did not shout about his achievements, but there were many. His work was world renowned and it deserves to be remembered and celebrated.  

    Risks & Challenges

    This project will need a lot of money to come to fruition, but in finding out all of the pitfalls now we will be prepared for what is to come. There is a lot of local attention to  this story but there is also a great deal of international interest. The work of James Backhouse is known in Australia and his botanical collections of international specimens are still conserved at Kew. 

    Other Ways You Can Help

    Whilst money is crucial to this campaign, we are also asking for everyone to help by  spreading the word. Please pass on this campaign to all of your friends, and hopefully in the not too distant future you can meet them for a cuppa in The Backhouse.


    Please use your soclal media to share our story. 


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    Choose your Perk

    A Big Thankyou

    Currency Conversion $6 USD
    £5 GBP
    We will be grateful for any amount you can give. It will set us off on the first step of this journey....
    6 claimed
    Ships worldwide.

    Free Cup of Coffee

    Currency Conversion $13 USD
    £10 GBP
    If you sign up to offer us £10, you will get a voucher for a free tea or coffee in The Backhouse cafe. This offer is made on the proviso that The Backhouse cafe opens in the future.
    14 claimed
    Ships worldwide.

    Free Meal

    Currency Conversion $63 USD
    £50 GBP
    You will be treated to a free meal at The Backhouse cafe. This offer is made on the proviso that The Backhouse cafe opens in the future.
    2 claimed
    Ships worldwide.

    Free meal for two

    Currency Conversion $127 USD
    £100 GBP
    We will make this a really special meal for you and a friend and we will ensure you get the best selection of the cakes we will have on offer. This offer is made on the proviso that The Backhouse cafe opens in the future.
    2 claimed
    Ships worldwide.

    Private party for 10 people

    Currency Conversion $634 USD
    £500 GBP
    This would be a great perk. Up to 10 people could have a private party. This offer is made on the proviso that The Backhouse cafe opens in the future.
    0 claimed
    Ships worldwide.

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