TWO members of the team from Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford have been rewarded this month after notching up 80 years of service between them at the UK’s leading commercial grower.

Tractor driver Russell Crump, who joined aged 16, has marked 50 years of service with the company this year, while crop protection supervisor, Paul Luntley has celebrated 30 years.

Wyevale Nurseries’ Chairman, Heather Williamson, whose grandfather started the company 94 years ago, explains: “Russell was given a Gold Medal for 50 years and Paul a Bronze Medal for 30 years’ service. These awards were presented at the Three Counties Show in Malvern on June 14 by the Three Counties Agricultural Society, to recognise the loyalty and longevity this duo have demonstrated.

Ms Williamson said Mr Crump, who started with the business "as an enthusiastic teenager", had almost immediately become a tractor driver, involved in the lifting of the former rose crop field at King's Acre.

He has since worked across different departments, and for many years has been responsible for all cultivation, hedge-cutting and maintenance across the farmland within the tree division.

“During his initial period in the tree division based at Stretton Court Farm, Russell was an assistant to the farm manager growing and harvesting arable crops," Ms Williamson said.

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"As our tree division expanded, occupying a significantly increased acreage across the farm, his knowledge of the land and his skills as an operator became invaluable.

“He was also prepared to invest personally in a tractor fleet of his own, which he rented to the business enabling us to expand and develop further."

“He currently has four tractors on permanent hire and is still one of the most capable operators. These days most of his winters are occupied operating a tractor mounted crane, picking up and loading root-balled trees for orders that are then delivered nationwide.

“Russell has always been an exemplary employee, totally reliable and fully committed to the success of our tree business, for which we will always be extremely grateful.”

Several of the team members from Wyevale Nurseries who also received awards for long service in previous years celebrating with Protection Supervisor, Paul Luntley and Tractor Driver, Russell Crump (centre left) at their presentation recently.Several of the team members from Wyevale Nurseries who also received awards for long service in previous years celebrating with Protection Supervisor, Paul Luntley and Tractor Driver, Russell Crump (centre left) at their presentation recently. (Image: Wyevale Nurseries)

Mr Luntley started his career with Wyevale Nurseries in 1994 in the Propagation Department where he assisted production director, Steve Reed. He held this position for 15 years before moving to crop protection.

Kyle Ross, Wyevale Nurseries’ production manager said Mr Luntley has been one of Wyevale's key key spray operatives for the last 15 years, carrying out applications of products to keep plants green and healthy.

"His knowledge of pests and diseases is invaluable," he said.

"Together with his colleague Liam Jones they form the crop protection team. They work tirelessly with heavy equipment in all weathers to keep the nursery weed free and healthy.

“You will not find a more highly regarded member of staff than Paul. Never without a smile on his face, he leaves people laughing wherever he goes. You can ask him to do any task and, not only will he do it, but he will also do it in such a positive manner that his enthusiasm rubs off on you.

“It’s been my privilege to be Paul's manager for the past five years. I cannot put a price on how much I value him and how much his daily ‘morning boss’ puts a smile on my face. Thank you for your service, Paul, we are all incredibly proud of you and love having you on our team.”

Several of the team members from Wyevale Nurseries who also received awards for long service in previous years celebrated with Paul and Russell at the recent presentation too.

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.