East Bierley grower spends 70 years in job

Tom Schofield, who owns Whinfield Nurseries in Bierley Marsh, has been given an award by the Royal Horticultural Society as his work with plants enters its eighth decade.

But Mr Schofield, now 84, is still very much at the forefront of activities at the nursery, working six days a week, with regular 12-hour days.

He said: “I started here when I left school – I was about 14. It is a family thing, as my grandfather and father both owned it.

“I keep working because it is something I am interested in, and if you can make your hobby your work, you’re happy to keep doing it.”

Tom has lived in East Bierley all his life, having gone to East Bierley school before starting work in the nursery, owned by his father, George Schofield. He then took over the running of the nursery in 1968, and has since been at the head of operations

He received a medal from the Royal Horticultural Society, celebrating 70 years service to horticulture. A humble man, Mr Schofield was keen to play down the significance of his long service.