On the record
“I am very pleased to have taken part in the awards and to have won,” said the modest champion gardener who keeps the grounds at Littlemore Mental Health Centre looking so well-cared for.
He was keen to point out that he is part of a team. “It’s much more than just me, “ he beamed.
For Chris the award was a timely one. He was honoured for ‘Living the Values’ just a few days before marking 50 years as a gardener. He’s never had any doubt about changing career.
“I’ve always gardened, “ said Chris who moved to Oxfordshire from Dorset as a 17 year old. “I started it as soon as I left school. “I like the people I work with — the estates team and all the staff—and you can’t beat being out in the fresh air. And the patients are good too. I’ve got to know quite a few of them as they can stay with us for quite some time.”