Planters garden centres celebrated 35 years with an anniversary party for 470 staff and family from 5 centres 5 restaurants and the nursery attended. 

Guests enjoyed a circus, hog roast, dodgems and a ferris wheel in the grounds of Planters Tamworth.

Presentations were made to 93 staff who had served more than 10 years service.

Gerald Planter said “35 years ago the Planters site here would have looked very much different. In fact the whole garden centre was not much larger than this big top. And the building not much larger than this circus ring.

“35 years later we have 5 wonderful garden centres, 5 fantastic restaurants, 3 marvellous card shops and a thriving nursery. 

“You are the real stars of the show, you’ve done the equivalent of  jumping through hoops of fire, you’ve swung on the trapeze and juggled a 100 balls all to deliver great customer care and experience.”

See photos from the party below.

Geralds speech from the party in full:

“Firstly, thank you to Christine and Bethany for organising tonight.  As always, they’ve made a superb job.   And also Thank you to our son Matthew, Tom, Bethanys boyfriend and Emma, Matthews girlfriend for helping tonight and lending plenty of support not just tonight but over the last 4 years since our last party.

“We also want to say thank you to all our extended family for their support and help over the 35 years, we could not have achieved what we have without it.

“35 years ago the Planters site here would have looked very much different. In fact the whole garden centre was not much larger than this big top. And the building not much larger than this circus ring.

“35 years later we have 5 wonderful garden centres, 5 fantastic restaurants, 3 marvellous card shops and a thriving nursery. 

“As many of you know we have just been audited by the Garden Centre Association and I’m confident our member garden centres will be at the very Top of the UKs Garden Centres. And not only that but at the top for growth too. A big well done and thank you from us.

“So you are the real stars of the show, you’ve done the equivalent of  jumping through hoops of fire, you’ve swung on the trapeze and juggled a 100 balls all to deliver great customer care and experience.

“Like us you should be very proud of all your achievements.  

“So tonight is a big thank you from us.

“We just want to say a special welcome to our teams from Brookfields and Pacific. Welcome to the Planters family. I know change isn’t always easy but you’ve risen to the challenge and delivered great things already and this is just the start of the journey.

“Now for the really nice bit, we have 93 staff who have worked in the businesses for more than 10 years and in some cases over 35 years. We really do owe you a lot and as a token of our appreciation we would like you to come up and collect from Christine, Matthew and Bethany a little gift.

“Also, for those of you that have been with us for more than 5 years there will be a small bonus in your June pay-packet.”