After reading Charles Stubbs Easter message in GTN Xtra on Easter Monday, Derek Bunker, who is celebrating 50 years of Alton Garden Centre contacted the GTN team to pass on his thanks to all suppliers and staff too:
"I would like to join Charles Stubbs in thanking our suppliers for their efforts throughout this amazing period in garden centre history. Nobody has ever seen anything like the demand over the last 12 months, which is still ongoing.
"Some suppliers have at last seen the light that if we are working weekends to sell their products during busy times, they should support us by also working weekends.
"I think we all accept that, although it has been a terrible time with Covid for those that have lost loved ones, we have been so fortunate to be allowed to open and give the public somewhere to go that is relatively safe.
"As a consequence, garden centres have picked up a lot of new customers. They've discovered we are much more than just a plant supplier with a few tools and chemicals.
"Without the support of our manufacturers and suppliers, we would have missed a golden opportunity. They, along with our own great staff, have helped to carry us through a very difficult period. And when we come out the other side, we should be better businesses than we were a year ago."
If you'd also like to add your thanks and thoughts please use the comments link below or e-mail: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk