Changing of the Guard-ener

Wednesday 06 November 2019

Government House is looking for a successor ground's manager, as its long-serving staff member is preparing to leave the island next year.

Gary Le Poidevin, Head Gardener at Government House, will retire in March 2020, when he and his wife, Ruth, will settle in a house that they have restored in northern France.

An "unpredictable job", Mr Le Poidevin's replacement will have the exciting opportunity to work on "some interesting plans" for the grounds of Government House in the future. 

"I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to live and work here. It’s a wonderful working environment and a privilege to manage such an important and historic part of Guernsey’s landscape," Mr Le Poidevin said. He was born in Guernsey and began training as an apprentice in the States of Guernsey’s Parks and Gardens department in 1972. 

We are seeking a Head Gardener to join our small team at @GvHouseGuernsey. To find out more about this exciting opportunity please see below. @Work4thestates pic.twitter.com/10xRvezqbE

— Gov House Guernsey (@GvHouseGuernsey) October 29, 2019

He has served eight Lieutenant-Governors, providing flowers and maintaining 10 acres of grounds.

"It may not seem like it, but a lot has changed. Years ago we sometimes had cows grazing here, with hardly any public access. We now host many more visitors, with several major events each year. We’re also working on a strategy to enhance some areas, which I think Islanders and houseguests will really like. That’s something for my successor to take forward."

Major Marco Ciotti, Chief of Staff to the Lieutenant-Governor, said: "After almost 37 years it’s hard to believe that Gary is moving on, but he leaves a strong legacy. His successor will be part of the next chapter in the house’s history, which includes some interesting plans for the grounds."

Major Ciotti added that the life of the Head Gardener is not always predictable: "The blizzard that hit Guernsey in March 2013 took down several mature trees, some of which ripped up the drive and blocked The Queen’s Road entrance. Gary and his team certainly had their work cut out that week; for several weeks, in fact."

Congratulations to @GvHouseGuernsey Head Gardener Gary Le Poidevin who was presented with a #RoyalVictorianMedal by @HRHPrincessAnne yesterday in recognition of his service to the sovereign. Congratulations Gary! pic.twitter.com/y6DwhWKclV

— Gov House Guernsey (@GvHouseGuernsey) November 1, 2019

Mr Le Poidevin was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal (Silver) in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List. He was presented with the medal last week in an investiture at Buckingham Palace, watched by his family.

For more information about the role, email governorsoffice@gov.gg.

Pictured top: Gary Le Poidevin after receiving the Royal Victorian Medal last week at Buckingham Palace.