'The lasting legacy you leave will be remembered' Tributes to retiring chief guardian of Telford Town Park
A familiar face who helps keep Telford Town Park looking its best is taking off his gardening gloves as he resigns as chairman of a popular voluntary group.
Chris Pettman has retired from his role at Friends of Telford Town Park (FOTTP) after 18 years at the helm – but he will continue to be a volunteer with the group.
The 82-year-old, who has been a member of the friends for 20 years, has stepped down to spend more time with his family including his wife Brenda, 79, four children, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren – soon to welcome a fifth.
Chris has been cultivating the group that tends to the Chelsea and Maxell Cherry Gardens in the award-winning park with the help of Telford & Wrekin Council’s park rangers.
Under Chris’ leadership the group have won three awards from Fields in Trust, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and had a hand in securing Telford being voted the UK’s Best Park in 2015 and Best Park in the West Midlands on a number of occasions.
Chris said: “It has been an honour to lead the group for so many years.
“We have a small but dedicated group of volunteers who actively work on the grounds each week and they have been a pleasure to work with.
