Howard Nurseries in Wortham celebrate long-serving staff

Members of staff at Howard Nurseries in Wortham have been celebrating long service at the internationally-renowned business, with two being given Royal Horticultural medals for 40 years each.

Managing director Christine Howard presented both field department team leader Peter Baxter and container manager Gavin Erith with their medals and certificates, along with a collection of photographs from their four decades.

Christine said she had surprised them with their accolades at a staff barbecue, also inviting the men’s wives to the event.

She said: “Peter and Gavin had put a lot of out of hours time into the nursery, so it was great to be able to give them their medals and certificates.

“We have nine members of staff who have worked more than 25 years and I think it is credit to my parents and our work ethic here that they have stayed so long.

“Also it is quite nice for the next generation coming through to see these long-serving people and hopefully take knowledge from them.”

Other employees who were also recognised included Giles Castleden, who has worked there for 25 years, and Rachel Mugleston, who has been there for 30 years.

Christine said: “The years they have all put into this company is incredible.

“The likes of Peter and Gavin have seen how this business has grown from small beginnings to what it is now and the place would not be what it is without all these long-serving staff members doing what they do best day in and day out.”