Vale: Michael Clayton

On Monday 25th last week we held a party to celebrate the contributions of two members of the Iford team who are leaving us.

Michael Clayton joined us some thirty years ago following his training at Lackham College, and quickly developed into an accomplished gardener under the tutelage of Leon Butler (RHS 40yr. Award), Iford’s head gardener until 2005.

Michael and his sister Teresa have each been Bradford-on-Avon residents their whole lives, but they have always shared a long-held passion for the seaside, and especially for Weymouth. Although we are of course sad to see Michael leave, we are delighted that he and his sister will now be able to take up a new life in Weymouth where no doubt they have already made many friends.

It is impossible fully to value the loyalty and effort that the Michael Claytons of this world bring to rural estates. Such good people are rare, and Iford has been very lucky to have enjoyed Michael’s input for so long; all is not lost with Michael’s departure though - Iford seems to attract such skilled and committed people, and continues to enjoy the high calibre contributions of other team members.

Ultimately gardens are only as good as their gardeners and whatever Michael should choose to do in Weymouth, let us hope that the quality of gardens and parks in that town will improve with his arrival!

So, thank you Michael, for being a loyal friend to Iford; there will always be a cup of tea and a sticky bun waiting for you in the kitchen.