September 1, 2016 4.18 pm This story is over 90 months old

Retiring Lincoln Pennells employee marks 130 years of family service

Lincoln garden centre Pennells has said a heartfelt farewell to a member of staff who followed in his father’s footsteps and is retiring after 53 years with the company. Trevor started with the business on January 18, 1963 and is part of a family line of workers. His father Fred had been with the company for…
From one set of green fingers to another! Trevor started working at the garden centre around the time his father retired.

Lincoln garden centre Pennells has said a heartfelt farewell to a member of staff who followed in his father’s footsteps and is retiring after 53 years with the company.

Trevor started with the business on January 18, 1963 and is part of a family line of workers.

His father Fred had been with the company for 51 years, starting in 1933 and his wife Jane continues to work in the office, currently clocking up 29 years of service.

Fred Smith, Trevor's father, worked for the company for 51 years. The family's name was continued at the company by Trevor (pictured behind). Photo taken by the Lincs Chronicle in 1984, marking Fred's retirement.

Fred Smith, Trevor’s father, worked for the company for 51 years. The family’s name was continued at the company by Trevor (pictured behind). Photo taken by the Lincs Chronicle in 1984, marking Fred’s retirement.

Between them they have worked for Pennells for 133 years.

Trevor worked in many departments, building his skills and knowledge on the nursery before becoming manager of the propagation unit at the company’s Hillside nursery at Waddington.

William Pennell, Managing Director, Trevor Smith and his wife and Richard Pennell, Chairman of Pennell's Garden Centre

William Pennell, Managing Director, Trevor Smith and his wife and Richard Pennell, Chairman of Pennell’s Garden Centre

Following changes in the nursery side of the business in 2002, Trevor transferred to the garden centre at Hykeham where he was able to pass on his knowledge and skills to both the centre’s customers and younger staff. He also took on responsibility for the bulb buying for the centre.

Trevor was presented with gifts both from the company and from his fellow staff members.