Royal Horticultural Society Honour for Long-Serving Gardener
[image: Parks team at Rhyddings Park]
Long-serving gardener, John O’Rourke, has been presented with a prestigious silver medal, by the Royal Horticultural Society for his dedication to the profession.
A ceremony was held in the coach house at Rhyddings Park in Oswaldtwistle with colleagues.
[image: John O’Rourke and Cllr Paul Cox at Rhyddings Park]
Councillor Paul Cox, Deputy Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council presented John with the award:
“John started working in his role as a gardener for Hyndburn Council in January 1981 and has been a key part of the efforts to enhance and create green spaces for all to enjoy. His dedication and commitment has been inspirational to all who have worked with him and it was great to see his colleagues applauding his achievements at the ceremony.”
Gordon Mason, who won gardener of the year, and Ann Warrington, who won volunteer of the year, in the National Green Flag Awards at the end of 2021 were also presented with their trophies as part of the ceremony.
[image: Gordon Mason and Cllr Paul Cox at Rhyddings Park]
Cllr Cox continued:
“Hyndburn is incredibly lucky to have such a fantastic team of people in the parks department and also community volunteers like Ann who make a difference every day. As we congratulate ourselves on being awarded the most green flag parks for any local authority in Lancashire this past year, we need to remember the people that make this happen, thank you to all involved.”