30
Oct
Knaresborough Castle gardener bids farewell after 60 years of service
A man who spent 60 years keeping some of the district’s most popular landmarks looking attractive has bid farewell.
Martyn Spence began his council career as an apprentice gardener in Harrogate aged 15 in 1967.
Over the decades, he worked his way up to become parks manager for Ripon, Knaresborough and Boroughbridge before returning to his roots as a seasonal gardener at Knaresborough Castle following his retirement 10 years ago.
A post on the Valley Gardens Facebook page said:
During his career, Martyn was involved in many award-winning projects and helped the castle gardens achieve numerous Yorkshire in Bloom platinum awards. Along the way, he became a familiar face to visitors and residents alike, making many friends, including plenty of the four-legged variety.
Former colleagues joined Martyn at the castle to wish him well, with the four pictured together representing an incredible 180 years of service to the parks department.
Thank you, Martyn, for your hard work, dedication and commitment over nearly six decades. We wish you a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.
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