Retiring after 221 Years

Ok, not just one person, though Martin Gee, the head gardener  (front row, second left) started his working career at Weston Park an impressive 54 years ago.  He was the sixth generation of his family to work at the park starting in 1803.  I was pleased to be able to catch up and wish him the best, though I haven't volunteered since 2019.  News photographers were trying to create an engaging photo of Martin and the team of gardeners.

A small celebration of his retirement was organised at the park this afternoon, where he was lauded and applauded by his colleagues, friends and volunteers at a celebration in the orangery.  BBC Midlands Today were there, in the shape of Amy Cole, to do an article and interview him. He will be featured on the magazine programme next Thursday, which will be his last working day.

I'd been out for a walk first thing, coming across ground workers in the park.  I asked and it was explained that the ruts were caused by grass cutters, after a request from sports teams to cut the grass on the football pitches.  Unfortunately the weight of the tractor pulling the cutters was too much for the wetter parts of the grounds.  They were trying to repair the damage as I walked past (see extra).