Hampshire Gardens Trust is delighted to announce that Alan Titchmarsh MBE, has become its new President, taking over from Gilly Drummond OBE, who has been President since 2010.
The Hampshire Gardens Trust Chairman, Ted Wake says: “As all Chairmen know, it is crucial to have the right President in place to help steer an organisation in the right direction at all times and I am particularly delighted that Alan Titchmarsh has kindly agreed to take on this role. Alan is one of the most respected and popular gardening gurus in the UK, and the Hampshire Gardens Trust is very fortunate that he has signed up.
As Alan knows well, Gilly Drummond is highly respected in her own right as the key founding member of the HGT, and Gilly’s involvement in the organisation over the last 37 years has helped ensure that the HGT’s reputation in Hampshire and throughout England is second to none. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gilly on behalf of all members for her extraordinary work over the years. Her energy and enthusiasm sets a great example of what can be achieved - and with Alan’s help, I have no doubt that the HGT Trustees and members will be able to make Gilly very proud of the legacy that she has left.”
Alan Titchmarsh, who joined as a Life Member of the Trust in 2012, says: “My admiration for the work of the Hampshire Gardens Trust - and of Gilly Drummond’s achievements - knows no bounds and I am honoured and delighted to take over from her as President. Gilly has set the bar high, but I am confident that the Trust will continue to make its mark and demonstrate that the county of Hampshire is among the most blessed when it comes to the gardens it cherishes and the expertise and enthusiasm of those who do their bit as custodians of our enviable horticultural heritage. I’ll do my best to come up to scratch!”
Gilly Drummond added “This is a very joyful occasion for the Hampshire Gardens Trust, a new President, Alan Titchmarsh, whose track record on plants, gardens and above all, his ability to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to appreciate gardens, plants and green spaces is second to none.”