Pictured above: Mitch Westwood standing in front of the St.
John Memorial Garden
Landscaper Mitch Westwood of Westwood Solutions, who designed
and project managed the St John Ambulance Memorial Garden at the
National Arboretum in Staffordshire, is to be made a Member of The
Order of St John in recognition of his work for the charity.
The Investiture Ceremony will take place at The Priory Church in
London on February 24th and will be attended by the Prior of
England and The Islands on behalf of the Queen.
According to Rev. John Davis, Chairman of St John Ambulance in
Staffordshire, the honour is a rare distinction, not usually
awarded to non-members of St John Ambulance.
"This is a very important award - it is an Order of Chivalry,
similar to more well known orders," Rev Davis said. "Mitch
has been recognised for his significant work as Project Manager
over a three year period, developing the splendid National Memorial
Garden for St John Ambulance, which has provided an essential point
of focus for our organisation and is visited regularly by many
members. The National Memorial Garden has created tremendous
interest and has highlighted the selfless work of those who have
faced danger and sacrificed their lives in the service of St John
Ambulance. It stands as a continual reminder to all of our work and
everyone here in Staffordshire is delighted that Mitch is to be
recognised for all his time and commitment to the project."
Mitch added that he had been surprised but thrilled to hear of
the honour. "St John Ambulance is a fantastic organisation and I
have been proud to support their wonderful work," he said.
The St John Ambulance Memorial Garden, which is a thoughtful and
moving tribute to members of St John Ambulance, is based on the
charity's well recognised Amalfi Cross.
Commissioned by The Order of St John it commemorates the service
and sacrifice of the many members of St. John Ambulance who have
provided humanitarian help at home and overseas, both during
wartime and in peacetime.
Mitch Westwood is working at the forefront of sustainable
landscaping and has appeared regularly on BBC TV, providing expert
opinion on landscaping work, both on Watchdog and Rogue Traders. He
is also an award winning garden designer with over thirty years
experience, as well as being a Vetting Officer, Adjudicator and
Competition Judge for the independent industry body, BALI (British
Association of Landscape Industries).