Three team members from UK-based Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford have between them accrued a century of service with the commercial grower.
Potting Supervisor, Jackie Gunthorpe has celebrated 40 years with the company and Purchasing Co-Ordinator, Elle Field and Technical Manager, Justin Williams have both notched up 30 years long service.
Chairman of Wyevale Nurseries, Heather Williamson, whose grandfather started the company 93 years ago, explains: “Jackie was given a Silver Medal for 40 years’ service and Elle and Justin were each awarded a Bronze Medal for 30 years’ service. These awards were presented by The Bishop of Gloucester, The Rt Revd Rachel Treweek on behalf of the Three Counties Agricultural Society to mark the commitment and longevity of all three.
“I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations to our dedicated trio for their tremendous support of our business, their colleagues and our customers across the decades. We can’t thank them enough for their continued hard work and dedication.
“They are highly skilled and experienced individuals and we’re so lucky to have them on our team. They received their medals to celebrate their achievements at the Three Counties Show in Malvern on June 16.
“Starting as a seasonal worker with us back in January 1983, Jackie found her home in our potting shed and has worked there for more than 30 years. She’s enthusiastic, always positive and cheerful, and is well respected by all her colleagues. Jackie is always there to help if anyone has a problem or needs support of any kind.
“She’s a much-valued key member of the Wyevale Nurseries’ team and this is a thoroughly deserved medal.”
Justin started work as a seasonal worker with Wyevale Nurseries back in January 1993.
Heather adds: “He started on the container ground moving and collecting stock, but it was quickly recognised that he had many talents and was promoted to Technical Manager, which is still his role today.
“Down the years, he has assisted in building polytunnels, setting up irrigations systems and building a reservoir, to name but a few things, and now he has full responsibility for irrigation and infrastructure on the whole nursery site.
“He met his wife, Karin, through work and she’s still here too. Now their daughter, Charlotte, has joined the team as well and is embarking upon her career here! Colleagues have said that he is the calmest person on the nursery. He’s an excellent practical problem solver too!”
Elle started working with Wyevale Nurseries in France before returning to the UK and joining the company’s growing and despatch teams.
“Her horticultural knowledge, versatility and willingness to ‘get stuck in’ has made her an asset to all areas of the business. Elle continually impresses with her positivity, hard work and willingness to go that extra mile to assist the business and her colleagues wherever the need arises.
“In her current role, she has been the first point of contact with many of our suppliers and has built excellent relationships with them. She’s a tremendous ambassador for the business. We thank Elle for the contribution she’s made during the past 30 years and thank her for choosing us!”
Wyevale Nurseries is a member of The Three Counties Agricultural Society, which issues medals to people who have completed continuous service to horticulture or agriculture with the same employer or holding company.
The society is a registered charity working for rural industry, the environment and countryside life. It is committed to supporting farmers, growers and horticulturists in the region and developing understanding between urban and rural communities.
Wyevale Nurseries main business is to supply garden centres, landscape contractors, local authorities, foresters and landowners with a comprehensive array of trees, shrubs, hedging, herbaceous and specimen plants.
