Nomination puts Bond in double hoe heaven

PRIDE in Oldham nominee Mick Bond

A HARDWORKING gardener who takes pride in keeping a Derker park in stunning condition has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

Mick Bond has worked for the past twelve months ensuring that Stoneleigh Park is at its beautiful best for residents and visitors to enjoy.

He was nominated by Barry and Lesley Cassidy who admire the hard work Mick puts into maintaining the park after recently moving to a neighbouring property.

Barry said: "He is there hour after hour, doing all the hard work and making the park look its best at all times.

"I'm not sure he ever goes home as he works so hard maintaining the gardens and ensuring the facilities, such as the bowling green, are always correct.

"He is hard working and diligent and always happy to chat to people in the park.

"It's clear he takes pride in his work and he deserves recognition."

Mick, from Royton, said he was "flattered" to have been nominated for an award.

Hard-working

The 62-year-old, who has worked as a gardener for 45 years, said: "When I found out that I'd been nominated I was surprised.

"Over the last year I've worked hard with the team to make improvements to the park and I think it is looking better all the time.

"It makes you think that all the work you do is worthwhile when people say they enjoy the park."

He added that he enjoys working in Stoneleigh Park as the job allows him to take on a variety of tasks. "I grew up on a farm and so when I moved into a town I missed working outdoors," he said.

"I've been a gardener all my life and I enjoy it a lot but I've never been nominated for an award before.

"The nomination is a nice way to mark the end of the first year working in the park - just being nominated is as good as winning for me."