Century of work recognised

At a ceremony in Horncastle, Robert Crowder recognised 50 years of service for both Terry Taylor and Tony Tomlinson.

They started work within two days of each other in April 1966 and have worked for three generations of the Crowder family.

In a presentation in front of all employees of W Crowder & Sons Ltd both Terry and Tony were presented with framed 50-year certificates, Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) certificates and medals, together with gift vouchers.

“In a long established family business with a loyal and stable workforce it is not uncommon to be presenting long service awards, but this is the first time we have given two 50 year awards on the same day,” said Robert Crowder.

“The family ethos of this company is rewarded by the loyalty and length of service of its employees and we are fortunate to have the expertise, experience and knowledge base as a result.”

W Crowder and Sons Ltd was established in 1798 and Robert Crowder is the seventh generation of the family to manage the business.

Crowders Nurseries are well known in the horticultural and landscape industries and grow trees and plants on more than 250 acres of nurseries in Horncastle and Woodhall Spa.

They supply plants to many nationally significant projects, including The Olympic Park for London 2012.

From 1983 to January this year, Crowders Garden Centre in the town’s Lincoln Road was the retail horticultural arm of the company.

The centre is now owned by Wyevale and has been renamed Wolds View.

The centre continues to offer community activities and has a range of events planned for this coming school holiday.

They will be running a series of in-store events from Tuesday May 31 to Friday June 3, inspiring young minds to learn about the magic of bees.

The events, which must be prebooked in store or online, are aimed at children aged between three and eight years old, and are designed to entertain, inspire and encourage little ones by teaching them the vital role bees play in the pollination process, helping flowering plants to bloom.

“A chance to open young minds to the magic of bees, ‘Busy Bee’ Week is a fun and inspiring way to educate Lincolnshire youngsters on the important role that bees play in creating wonderful gardens and outdoor spaces,” said garden centre manager Ken Dawson.

“We look forward to welcoming little ones and their families to the centre over the half-term break.”