More than 60 past and present members and associate members of the Garden Centre Association attended a farewell party this week for their popular former chief executive, Gillie Westwood, who retired earlier this year.

Although she had relinquished her post after last January’s annual conference, the GCA committee had promised her an ‘official’ send-off. The chosen venue was the director’s suite at the Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal FC.

Tributes to Gillie’s 13 years of  service were paid by Warren Haskins and Guy Topping, two of the eight chairman who served during her stewardship.

Following the departure of Phil Slinger, her immediate successor, the GCA recently appointed Ian Wylie, former manager of Grosvenor Garden Centre, as interim administrator. The association is expected to appoint a full-time chief executive early next year.



Above, left to right: Warren Haskins, Guy Topping, Carl Westwood, Gillie Westwood, current chairman Peter Burks and the GCA's office manager Pat Adams at the Emirates Stadium.
Below: Tottenham supporter Steve le Sage of Taylors Bulbs reluctantly takes time out to view the hallowed Arsenal turf .