Thank You Alan – Celebrating 25 Years of Gardening at BBCH

This week, we gathered together with residents and staff to celebrate and thank Alan Chick, who is retiring after being our gardening contractor for the best part of 25 years.

To mark the occasion, we held a special afternoon of tea and cakes, giving everyone the opportunity to share memories, stories, and our heartfelt appreciation for everything Alan has done for our homes over the years.

For so many of us, Alan has been a huge part of life at the homes during the summer months and a vital part of our garden team. His incredible pride, attention to detail, and genuine passion for what he does have always shone through in his work.

People often say they can instantly tell when Alan has been here. The gardens always looked transformed after his visits, with a certain standard and finish that became unmistakably “Alan.” He didn’t just maintain our grounds — he brought them to life. His expert knowledge and love for gardening made a visible difference year after year, creating beautiful outdoor spaces for residents, families, staff, and visitors to enjoy.

Our gardens are such an important part of daily life here, and Alan’s hard work has helped create peaceful, colourful, and welcoming surroundings for everyone. His dedication over the years has left a lasting impression on us all.

During the celebration, Trudi gave a lovely speech to thank Alan and recognise his many years of commitment and service. She spoke about the pride he has always taken in his work, the care he has shown towards the homes, and how much he will be missed by everyone.

We have all benefited from Alan’s wonderful work and the care he has given over the years. We are incredibly grateful for everything he has done and wanted to make sure this special milestone was properly celebrated.

We wish Alan a very happy, well-deserved retirement.

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