The CIH Northern Branch Commendation for 2022 has been awarded to Sue Wood MCIHort, Horticultural Development Officer for Harrogate Borough Council. The Commendation was presented in recognition of Sue’s outstanding contribution to amenity and community Horticulture in the North of England, as well as her longstanding commitment to the Northern Branch.
Sue’s horticultural career started at Sheffield City Council’s Recreation Department nearly 40 years ago for her pre-entry year before studying for a Higher National Diploma in Amenity Horticulture at Writtle College, Essex. Sue gained further practical experience at Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council in a sandwich year placement and upon graduating, worked as a technical assistant at East Lothian District Council.
In 1988 Sue was employed by Harrogate Borough Council, initially as the Parks Technical Officer where her responsibilities included the preparation for compulsory competitive tendering contracts and designing and preparing bedding schedules for the whole District. Later, Sue became the Community Liaison Officer, liaising with eight local “in Bloom” groups across Harrogate, many of which she has supported and mentored in both the Britain in Bloom and Entente Florale (Europe in Bloom) campaigns.
Sue’s current role is Horticultural Development Officer which includes designing landscape schemes across the District and consulting with organisations on landscaping schemes for planning applications and working with community groups on various projects.
Sue has been a judge for over 20 years and Trustee, for Yorkshire in Bloom. Sue was also an RHS Britain in Bloom judge for 11 years and now judges for the RHS Windlesham Trophy (Prison Gardens) which she says, is very rewarding.
An avid plantsperson, she has been a member of several RHS plant trial panels, including the Rudbeckia trials at RHS Harlow Carr and the Primula panel at RHS Bridgewater. Sue is also a member of the RHS Tender Ornamental Plant Committee.
An early member of the Institute of Horticulture, now the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, and Sue has been one of the longest serving Northern Branch committee members until she retired in 2021, serving as Branch Correspondent and until last year as Branch Secretary.
The commendation certificate and trophy were presented to Sue by the Northern Branch Chairperson Mike Hirst FCIHort, at a recent Branch Meeting at Kirkleatham Walled Garden.
“Sue has given dedicated service to her sector of the horticultural industry throughout her career and, I cannot think of a more worthy recipient, to whom this award has been made. It gives me great pleasure in presenting Sue with the Northern Branch Commendation Award for 2022.” Northern Branch Chair, Mike Hirst
Pictured: Sue Wood MCIHort receiving the Northern Branch Commendation 2022 from Branch Chair Mike Hirst FCIHort.