A GARDENER who knows Salisbury’s parks and green spaces better than anyone has retired after 49 years of service to the city.

Bob Skutt was just 15 when he joined what was then Salisbury Corporation – now Salisbury City Council – straight from school.

Working as an apprentice for five years, he later spent eight years at Laverstock nursery before taking on his main role of looking after the city’s rose beds and sports pitches.

Retiring on Friday, he said: “You can’t ask for a better office to work in.

“Queen Elizabeth Gardens is a favourite – it’s a showpiece, our main park and it’s where everybody goes when the weather is warm to sit out in the sun, have picnics and go paddling with their kids.

“I liked working on the old traditional flower beds in the centre of town and Victoria Park.

“When people ask me what I enjoyed the most, it was being able to stand back and say ‘that looks good’ after making a flower bed full of weeds look nice and tidy or taking pride in having prepared a good sports ground.”

Being outdoors throughout all the seasons, Bob worked in all weathers.

“We never relished winter coming,”

he said, “but when you get the autumn colours and then the bareness and coldness, it has its own attraction.

“Then spring comes and everything is new. You’re able to watch everything happen and be out with it as it changes.”

Over the years, Bob who lives in Totton, has also watched the council take on various different forms and says the number of grounds staff has dropped from a team of 66 when he first started to just 12.

Last week, the council bid him a fond farewell in a retirement ceremony with staff.

Keen on football, Bob was awarded a Southampton FC Shirt, National Trust membership and a trophy for his service.

Council leader Cllr Andrew Roberts said: “Bob has been an excellent member of the team here at Salisbury City Council, he has trained many of our current Grounds team and I know his knowledge and experience will continue through them. I wish Bob all the best with his retirement.” 

Planning to take a month off, he is looking forward to relaxing and catching up on a few jobs at home.