RETIRING AFTER 39 YEARS AT CALLOW HALL
We say a fond farewell to Michael
After 39 years at Callow Hall, Michael will be hanging up his secateurs but not for long!
Michael started work in the kitchen at Callow Hall, where he remained for 30 years until venturing into the gardens where he has felt much more at home. Michael enjoys spending time in the garden, so this was the perfect move for him. His favourite plant is the Plantain Lily (common name Hosta). While tending to the plants and shrubs that fill the garden at Callow Hall, Michael was able to pursue his hobby and create a small border of hostas. There are many colour combinations and different leaf structures in the Hosta family, and Michael has a collection of over 600 different varieties in his garden at home near Uttoxeter.
His retirement means that although he will be hanging up the Wildhive secateurs, he will be picking up his own pair to tend to his garden. He is looking forward to hybridising his hostas and creating his own named varieties.
Michael recently celebrated his retirement with a lovely relaxed lunch in the Garden Room with good friends Carol (Bradbury) and her partner, Dennis. Carol and her late mother taught Michael to dance.
Carol, otherwise known as Twinkle Fingers, is a professional entertainer and music teacher, playing at the dances Michael attends. Michael enjoys sequence dancing, a little bit of ballroom, and he also teaches line dancing. The line dancing class is held at a small club at Draycott in the Clay near Michael's home in Uttoxeter. Michael also dances at Derby, Burton, Ashbourne, Moira (near Leicester) and has attended dance holidays including Lytham St. Anne's.
With more time on his hands, Michael is looking forward to attending afternoon tea dances and playing music on his keyboard, although he was quick to add 'not professionally', we think he's being very modest.
We asked Michael what he would miss most from his time at Callow Hall. "I will miss the views and the Hall ~ after 39 years it feels very much like a home - and not forgetting all the friends I have worked with."
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Michael for the wonderful contribution he has made at Callow Hall in a variety of roles over the years and especially in the garden. We will very much miss his knowledge of flora and fauna, his enthusiasm and friendship, but wish him all the very best for a long, healthy, and happy retirement.
Michael may be leaving but his award-winning hostas have not! Thank you Michael, you will be missed!
