Martin Ford has been the Head Volunteer Gardener at Winthrop Gardens since February 2016, when Wickersley Parish Council purchased and took over the running of Winthrop. He approached Parish Council Chair, Sue Ellis, offering his services and Sue has always maintained that his arrival was akin to the answer to a prayer!
Martin had a professional background as an ‘all round horticulturalist’ and the gardens at Winthrop have flourished and thrived under his leadership, and everyone has hugely appreciated his expert knowledge and the benefit of his years of experience. However, Martin will be leaving Wickersley within the next few months to live on the other side of the Pennines nearer to his daughter. Everyone at Winthrop – volunteers, customers, friends and supporters – will miss him greatly although he has promised to be on the end of a phone or email! He will also be greatly missed by the attendees of the very popular U3A Gardening Group which he ran at Winthrop.