Jim Bretherton has enjoyed a ‘blooming lovely’ time tending to the gardens at St Matthew’s Church and School House for the past 25 years.
But the former head stockman at Lytham Hall – a loyal parishioner – has now decided to call it a day.
“I’ve loved the role but I’m not getting any younger and I just feel the time is right,” said 86-year-old Jim, who has taken great pride over the years in providing stunning colour and shrubbery around the large lawns.
“I first got involved when Tim Laycock asked whether I would keep the lawns cut and tidy and it has just developed from there. I’ve been my own boss and allowed to decide what works and looks best and I’ll certainly miss it.
“There has been a good social side as well. Many a time I have gone along to do some gardening only to be side-tracked by people popping by for a chat!”
Back in 2000, Jim planted a ‘Millennium’ oak tree, dug up from nearby Oaks Farm on Ballam Road, which stands proud in the School House garden.
Green fingers clearly run in the Bretherton family … brother Fred also looks after the grounds at Whitechapel Church at Beacon Fell, where Jim originally hails from.