The new Chair to the Board of Trustees for The Garden House
The Garden House, with its rich variety of perennials, wildflower meadow, arboretum and traditional cottage garden, is one of our local 'treasures'. However it is also a garden of national horticultural repute and its reputation is the result of years of dedicated gardening, initially by Lionel and Katharine Fortescue who purchased the property shortly after the Second World War, and then a number of inspirational head gardeners including Keith Wiley, Matt Bishop and the current incumbent, Nick Haworth. Lionel and Katharine established the Fortescue Garden Trust and bequeathed the house and garden to the charity in the 1980s so that the integrity of the gardens could be preserved for future generations.
Ashley Beare has recently been appointed as the new Chair to the Board of Trustees for the Fortescue Garden Trust and is delighted and honoured to have the opportunity to lead the Trust and continue the excellent work carried out by the previous Chair, David Incoll.
Ashley grew up and lived in Plymouth before moving to the Yelverton area three years ago, after retiring from his role as a senior manager with HMRC. He is still employment lead for Plymouth Area Business Council, which aims to promote a closer working relationship among Plymouth's business and city leaders, and he is now also Chair of Yelverton Tennis Club, a member of Yelverton Golf Club and a keen squash player.
His wife Sue, is a keen gardener and shortly after moving to Yelverton she enrolled as a volunteer at The Garden House where she is an enthusiastic member of the garden's team of volunteers. Ashley's wealth of experience on various boards and committees meant that when Sue mentioned that The Garden House was looking for a new trustee, he leapt at the opportunity to be involved in preserving and promoting this local inheritance.
Ashley considers himself extremely fortunate to have inherited a fantastic team at the Garden House in terms of fellow trustees, the employees running the garden, office, plant sales and tea-room, and the small army of volunteers. Ashley is keen to build on the success that has been achieved so far and is currently very involved in the marketing strategy for the new season, as well as plans to improve the tea-room and toilet facilities for customers. He would particularly like to encourage more families to visit the gardens and widen their appeal both locally and nationally.
Ashley says: "I am passionate about The Garden House and driven by the potential for creating greater awareness of this amazing 10 acre garden. This really is in my view a local 'jewel in the crown' that is recognised nationally as one of the best plantsman's gardens. Whether you wish to be inspired by a vibrant array of plants that provide an ever- changing backdrop or merely wish to have a relaxing walk and find a quiet area for some peace and reflection, the Garden House really does provide something inspirational for all."
Rosemary Best