A garden centre went back to its roots with a swinging sixties party to mark half a century in business.
Squire’s opened at the junction of the famous Sixth Cross Road and Hampton Road, Twickenham, in 1964.
To celebrate the staff turned back the clock with vintage decorations and a 60’s singer who entertained customers as they mingled in vintage fancy dress and enjoyed an array of tea-time treats prepared specially by the staff at the Café Bar.
Nearly 80 people attended on September 5 and were able to help Squire’s raise £238 for the Mulberry Centre, which is the garden centre’s chosen Charity of the Year.
Sarah Squire, Deputy Chairman, said; “Our business at Twickenham was one of the first of the ‘new wave’ of garden centres in the UK.
“It was the inspiration of my father, Colin, who is still, actively, involved with the business, and his father, DJ Squire.
“Their shared vision was to bring plants, garden products and sound advice together in one place, for the local community and to bring excitement and variety to an industry that at the time was very much in its infancy.
“We are immensely proud of our success from those relatively humble beginnings and a nostalgic vintage tea party was the perfect way to celebrate with our customers and the wonderful team at Squire’s Twickenham.
“Over the past 50 years, we have made it our business every single day to strive to deliver the best possible quality of plants and products, customer service and shopping experience for our customers and the local community as part of our long-held passion to encourage people to make the most of their outdoor space.”
As part of the 50 year anniversary, Squire’s is inviting local gardeners to share their memories and photos of gardens in the Twickenham/Hampton area, in a bid to create an on-line gallery on the Squire’s facebook and website.
Anyone interested should email marketing@squiresgardencentres.co.uk or call in to the store.
The company will mark its next landmark in 2016 when it celebrates 80 years in the trade having been founded by DJ Squire in 1946
For more pictures from Squire’s Vintage Tea Party visit https://www.facebook.com/SquiresGC
