Sheila Jackson has joined an exclusive group of individuals in ‘the 25 year service club’ at one of the UK’s leading commercial nurseries.

The 63-year-old, who is the receptionist at Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford, joins 22 other colleagues who have all worked for the company for 25 years or more.

Adam Dunnett, Sales and Marketing Director at Wyevale Nurseries, explained: “We would like to congratulate Sheila on reaching 25 years’ of service. She is an integral part of our team and we would like to thank her for her commitment to the company. We look forward to many more years ahead.

“Sheila joins a group of 22 other staff members, which we’re calling our ‘club’ as we think it is fairly unique for one company in this industry to have so many long-serving staff, and in total they have 695 years’ service between them. Together they have a phenomenal amount of horticultural experience, skills and expertise and this is a tremendous asset to the business.”

The longest serving member of staff at the nursery is Roy Rogers, Potting and Mechanisation Manager. The 61-year-old has clocked up 42 years’ of service.

Roy said: “I started with the company under a disability scheme following brain surgery. I have worked in all of the different divisions, progressing to my current position. I have a passion for horticulture and really enjoy my job. We have a great team spirit at the nursery and it is a pleasant environment to work in.

“I have seen the nursery grow and expand from very small beginnings into the business it is today. I feel a great sense of ownership and pride in the part I have played towards this.”

Wyevale Nurseries is one of the largest family-run wholesale nurseries in the UK. It was established in 1928 by Harry Williamson, a horticulturist and entrepreneur. It became the company it is today under the leadership of his son, Peter, who sadly passed away in 2011.

The Williamsons’ saw the opportunity to sell their product to an undeveloped retail market, creating one of the first garden centres, followed by a chain. In 1987, the retail side needed to expand and the 19 garden centres were sold as a PLC.

The family then turned its focus to Wyevale Nurseries Ltd. It continues to be a family-run business with ownership and joint chairmanship currently being held by the third generation, Heather and Simeon Williamson, with plans for the fourth generation to takeover in the future.

Wyevale Nurseries has a significant product range and is regularly introducing new plants. It offers a large variety of trees, shrubs, hedging, herbaceous and specimen plants to garden centres, landscape contractors, local authorities, foresters and landowners.

For further details about Wyevale Nurseries, which is based in Hereford, please call 01432 845 200 or visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk.