In This Issue
More sad news at the end of 2022. Alastair Jackson of Poplars Garden Centre has died.
Sad news to end the year, Paul Cooling has died
Alan Roper Interview in GTN's December Sustainability Directory Issue, read on-line here
TV doctor films at Tong Garden Centre
November garden centre sales down -11% on same period last year
Garden centre manager Gavin Cooper dies suddenly
Positive catering sales continue in November
Shortlist for 2023’s 'Most Jumperful' wearer announced
GCA members to compete for Worrall Cup
Dobbies recruiting for senior role at new store in Antrim
Bee Conservation Trust’s founder to create a buzz at upcoming GCA conference
EP Barrus donates gardening tools to Hereford hospice
Perennial continues festive push for fundraising with second print of charity calendar
Perrywood Garden Centre spreads Christmas cheer
New home for Burpee Europe as bigger premises needed for ever-growing seed sales
HTA welcomes Scotland’s planning system and urban focus in Biodiversity Strategy
Bradford garden centre wins Christmas award for sixth time
Spring Fair announces new partnership with Theo Paphitis' Small Business Sunday
Dobbies customers encouraged to start New Year positively
Dobbies CEO interview in GTN's November GIMA Roll of Honour issue, read on-line here
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New garden centre team at AMES UK
MD Richard Hanwell joins main board at MorePeople
Red Gorilla joins BHETA
Kick-off of new buying season at GROEN-Direkt’s Spring Fair
Defra grants increase in seasonal worker visas
The best of last week's
Roller coaster ride for Christmas 2022
GCA announces Christmas display competition winners
Surprise in store for Hogewoning customers at Harrogate Christmas & Gifts show
Notcutts officially opens new-look Brampton Garden Centre
Restaurant re-opens after blaze at Alton Garden Centre
British Garden Centres welcomes Group Buying Director
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GTN October 2022 Issue. To view a digital version click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Sad news to end the year, Paul Cooling has died

Paul Cooling 1964 – 2022

 

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Paul Cooling, Coolings Nurseries Ltd. Paul recently suffered a massive stroke and lost his fight on the 29th December, with family and friends present.

 

Paul has been a larger-than-life character in the UK horticulture industry, often present at many trade functions usually sporting his trademark waistcoats and bow ties. In particular he was significantly involved with the GCA and in 2022 held the office of Vice President of the IGCA.

 

Earlier this year Paul had the foresight to set up Coolings Nurseries Ltd (now four centres) as an Employee Ownership Trust under the stewardship of Chairman Gary Carvosso and the Board of Trustees. Gary said “this is a devastating blow, Paul gave so much to Coolings and the Industry. Both have benefited from Paul’s insight and involvement”.

 

The Family have set up a special email address for Paul and hope that friends and colleagues from the industry will use this to send thoughts, memories and tales involving Paul, along with any messages of support for the family at this difficult time. pauls.message.log@gmail.com

 

Funeral details are to follow.

 

Comment from GTN:  Larger than life and a true force for good within the garden industry we can not belive Paul has gone.  What a shock it was to hear the news.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Carol, the family and Paul's close friends along with all involved at Coolings Nurseries Ltd.

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Sue Willmott
Having been abroad over Christmas & New Year I was so shocked to hear, just today, of the passing of Paul.
Wonderful memories of my visit with Coolings to Highgrove, many years ago & Paul challenging our garden guide with his comprehensive horticultural knowledge. Very impressive.
Simon Shead
Sorry to hear the new of this, such a great man and family in the industry.
Brookside gc
Sarah
Such a lovely man and always so easy to talk to. A great figure in our industry and he will be missed
Tim woodland
Roger Crookes
Oh no - stunned to hear this
What a legacy Paul has left, was talking with him only a few months ago and he was, as ever, very encouraging and seemed genuinely interested in what I was doing with in the trade - thanks Paul.
My thoughts and prayers for Pauls family and all the Coolings teams
Sarah
Just so incredibly sad . Paul was always a happy face and friendly . We are all so sad for Carol , Tom and Jess . With sympathy, Belinda , Steve , Oscar , Annabelle and Heidi wilding
Jack and Carolyn Klemeyer
We are so very sorry to learn of this. Paul was always so welcoming, and of enormous benefit to IGCA and the industry in general. Our thoughts are of course with his family and many friends; he will be very sorely missed.
Lolly Lee
How very sad and shocking to read of Paul’s passing. Paul was always welcoming with a huge smile and made time to have a chat. He will be greatly missed. A massive loss and my thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.