CUSTOMERS arrived in full force to celebrate a family-run garden centre on its milestone anniversary.
Long queues had snaked down St Peter’s Garden Centre car park as customers helped the site celebrate its 40th birthday this May Bank Holiday.
Among the early arrivals outside the garden centre this morning was Robert and Christine Posselt who remember visiting when it was “just a shed in a field”.
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“Through the seasons, whether it’s Halloween or Christmas, there is always something and when you look around, there are grannies with grandchildren, families with dogs, and it is a lovely, friendly place,” Mrs Posselt said.
FANS: Nicola Kaced and Robert and Christine Posselt has been attending the site for years. (Image: Newsquest)
“It is not too big and still so personal.”
Nicola Kaced, who lives just around the corner, added: “I have seen the garden centre just grow and grow.
“You are supporting a local family business and it hasn’t lost its personal touch as it’s grown.”
WELCOME: Wayne Jackson, Robert Banks head of hospitality and Abbi Doyle were greeting customers on entry. (Image: Newsquest)
St Peter’s Garden Centre first opened on Farm Pear Tree Drive 40 years ago, in 1986, by Tony Blake.
It was opened as a small local nursery and garden sundries shop for the community and has since grown into the vibrant Garden Centre it is today.
This morning, customers were seen queuing outside the site at 7.30am in a bid to be the first through its doors to grab a free plant.
PROUD: William Blake, owner of St Peter’s Garden Centre. (Image: Newsquest)
Mr Blake’s son, William, who is now the managing director of the business, said: “It’s pretty amazing really that customers were seen queuing so early.
“We have become a massive part of the local community and our customers, some of them, come in every single week and others every day.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Hilary Furnis has been at St Peter’s Garden Centre for over 15 years. (Image: Newsquest)
“It is a really nice relationship we share with our customers.”
Steven John-Tandey started working at the garden centre under Tony Blake when he was 20.
STALWART EMPLOYEE: Steven John-Tandey has been at the site for nearly 25 years. (Image: Newsquest)
The employee has been with the company for nearly 25 years and said he could never imagine working anywhere else.
“I just love the place, love working here and everyone is always so friendly,” he added.
“It being an independent family business makes it so nice to work here, and I love coming here every day.”
