George Cook Award
CONGRATULATIONS go to Zoe Basham, Turfsoil’s apprentice in Greenwich Royal Park, on receiving the first George Cooke award, the top honour for final year apprentices. John Newton, Chairman, commented: “From the beginning, Zoe has been keen to learn and explore new aspects of gardening and groundsmanship. She is always punctual, never shy of asking advice, always ready to take up a challenge and has never backed away from the more onerous landscaping tasks, earning her the respect of her mostly older and mostly male colleagues. During her three years as an apprentice Zoe has been a model employee, supporting her managers in whatever they ask of her, and taking every opportunity to extend her horticultural knowledge, both academically and practically.”
The Royal Parks Guild’s award ceremony, supported by Historic Royal Palaces, was held at the the Clore Education Centre in the ancient setting of Hampton Court.,
Zoe Basham (right) receives the first George Cooke award, from Mrs Jean Cooke and Mike Fitt OBE of the Royal Parks Guild.