THREE team members from 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, while purchasing coordinator Elle Field and technical manager, Justin Williams have both notched up 30 years long service.

Their years of service have been recognised with medals presented by the Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Reverend Rachel Treweek, on behalf of the Three Counties Agricultural Society at the Three Counties Show in Malvern on June 16. 

Chairman of Wyevale Nurseries Heather Williamson, whose grandfather started the company 93 years ago, said: “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."

ALSO READ:

Ms Gunthorpe started working at Wyevale as a seasonal worker in 1983, before "finding her home in our potting shed," Ms Williamson said.

"She’s enthusiastic, always positive and cheerful, well respected by all her colleagues, and is always there to help if anyone has a problem or needs support of any kind."

Hereford Times: Heather Williamson, Elle Field, Jackie Gunthorpe, Justin Williams, and Andy Johnson of Wyevale Nurseries with family and friendsHeather Williamson, Elle Field, Jackie Gunthorpe, Justin Williams, and Andy Johnson of Wyevale Nurseries with family and friends (Image: Wyevale Nurseries)

Mr Williams started as a seasonal worker in the nursery's container ground in 1993, later becoming technical manager.

“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 on her career here," Ms Williamson said. 

Ms Field 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," Ms Williamson said. 

"She 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."

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.