80 years' loyal service celebrated at John Woods Nurseries
Colin Goddard and Charles Whitfield-King have devoted the best part of their lives to the company after chalking up 80 years' service between them with the Suffolk-based nursery.
John Woods Nurseries, supplier of plants to UK retailers, recently marked the achievements with presentations to the two dedicated members of staff during the company's Christmas get-together which was hosted by Managing Director, John Lord and attended by honorary president, Charles Notcutt.
Colin, who works as a supervisor at Loudham Nursery in Suffolk, joined the company straight from school in 1971, aged 14.
During his distinguished career, Colin became a craftsman in 1978 and a leading hand three years' later before taking responsibility for the whip crop at Hacheston. Colin worked as a chargehand in 1990 and then moved back to the main nursery site in 2005.
To mark 30 years' service, Colin, whose hobby is driving horses, was presented with a long service certificate by HRH Princess Alexander.
Charles joined the nursery two months after Colin, in March 1971, working at the Melton & Ufford Fields. He was an earnest student; his report in the autumn 1972 from the East Suffolk Horticulture Centre stated 'one of the keenest students in the class – a very good effort this term'.
Charles is currently employed as trees supervisor at Loudham. He initially gained his experience of trees under the tutelage of the knowledgeable David Cook while working at Hacheston and then Loudham, before becoming a chargehand in 1995.
A keen photographer, Charles was honoured by HRH Duke of Kent in 1997 for 25 years' service and by HRH Princess Alexandra five years' later for achieving 30 years with the company.
Commenting on the long service awards, John Lord, Managing Director of John Woods Nurseries said, “We are delighted to congratulate and thank Colin and Charles for the excellent service they have given over so many years. Their skills, dedication and loyalty have played a huge part in the success of the company, and they continue to impart with enthusiasm the wealth of knowledge they have built up over the years.”
More information: www.johnwoodsnurseries.co.uk.
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Editors’ notes
John Woods Nurseries
John Woods Nurseries was incorporated in August 2007, following a management buyout of the then Notcutts Nurseries by managing director John Lord and finance director John Kirkum.
The original John Woods Nurseries was established in 1837 and purchased by RC Notcutt in 1897. The name was chosen for the new business to reinforce the company’s heritage and authenticity.
John Woods produces hardy nursery stock on a ninety-five acre site in Suffolk. Sixty acres are currently in production, with the remaining thirty-five available for expansion.
The company’s product range extends to 1,500 lines in a range of sizes across shrubs, perennials, roses, ericaceous plants, climbers, trees and fruit. More than 1.3million units are produced annually.
ISO14001 and ISO9001 accredited, John Woods Nurseries is one of the UK’s top five nurseries supplying the garden retail market. Annual turnover is approximately six million pounds.
Industry Awards
Garden Retail Awards ’11 - Best New Plant
Silver-Gilt Flora - BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2011
Silver-Gilt Flora - RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2011
Garden Retail Awards ’10 - Most Successful New Plant
Gold Award ’10 - RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2010
Gold Medal ’10 - RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2010
Grower Awards ’09 - Trade Marketing Campaign of the Year
Garden Retail Awards ’09 - Most Successful New Plant
Grower Awards ’08 - Trade Marketing Campaign of the year
Garden Retail Awards ’08 - Most Successful New Plant
For pictures and more information, visit John Woods Nurseries press room at www.cisionwire.com/john-woods-nurseries
For more information contact redheadPR:
Sara Tye on 07786 176 617 or email: sara@redheadpr.co.uk
Emma De Maio on 07921 160 134 or email: emma@redheadpr.co.uk
