Meet the Staff

Graham Richardson – Gardener/Manager

Graham came to Grappenhall after a time as a Horticultural Lecturer and has wide practical experience including time at Ness Gardens and the Henry Doubleday Research Association.

His function is to maintain the garden and also to ensure that visitors are welcomed and groups are guided. He is helped in this by a small, but growing band of community volunteers.

Graham is keen to involve the community and will be encouraging local schools to visit and participate in projects relating to the garden.

You can contact Graham on 01925 213638 or e-mail him at grichardson@ghwalledgarden.org.uk.

Kate Fitch – Community Outreach Officer

We have recently employed a new Community Outreach Officer and we are very pleased to welcome Mrs Kate Fitch to the team. Kate was Horticulturalist and Commercial Manager for for the Walton Lea Partnership for many years and brings a wealth of experience with her.

The role of the Community Outreach Officer is to engage with the local and wider community, raise the profile of the garden and to develop events, workshops and outreach sessions relating to the historical and environmental legacy of the garden.

Programmes cater for various groups including family events, horticultural courses, school curriculum sessions, after school clubs, outreach talks, adult courses and guided tours of the grounds.

The post is paid for by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Outreach Officer usually works Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

You can contact Kate Fitch on 01925 213638 or e-mail her at enquiries@ghwalledgarden.org.uk.

Ian Sinclair – Visitor Warden/Assistant Gardener

Our Visitor Warden/Assistant Gardener is on hand on a Sunday to welcome and guide visitors, answer any queries and ensure that the garden rules are followed. Ian also carries out maintenance work and assists the Gardener Manager in carrying out gardening duties and watering plants as required.