Derek Lanman has been gardener and groundsman for 50 years on the site of St Michael’s College, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire Derek started work in 1951 aged 15 at what was then a music school on this 14-hectare site. In 1991, the King’s Educational Group, a company running international schools, acquired the buildings and grounds, and now 120 students aged 14 to 18 study there.
Principal Stuart Higgins, who nominated Derek for our flowers, champagne and chocolates, says he is “a real gentleman” who is loved and appreciated by staff and students. Even when the weather is cold and wet, “Derek, who spends most of his working day outside, is happy.” Recently the school opened a new residential block and named it Lanman House. All other buildings on the site have been named after previous headteachers. “He is a modest man,” says Mr Higgins, “but we were pleased to name him on something that will last forever.”
Please send the name of your Friday Hero to Sarah Bayliss, Friday magazine, Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1W 1BX, or email sarah.bayliss@tes.co.ukFlowers kindly supplied by Marks amp; Spencer