Tillington’s latest member celebrates 75 wonderful years
Gates Garden Centre
- June 28, 2023
In its 75th anniversary year Gates Garden Centre has become a member of the Tillington Group of Garden Centres. Based in Leicestershire, although Gates Farmland also crosses over the border into Rutland, the Gates family business was established in 1948 by Fred and Ivy Gates and created within the walls of a large Victorian kitchen garden belonging to Cold Overton Hall. Still on the same site today, the centre has expanded considerably over the years, but retains its traditional family values of excellent customer service and superb quality, coupled with great value for money.
Gates’ managing director Nigel Gates commented, ‘this is an auspicious moment in the history of our family business. I’m sure my grandparents would have been very impressed by the way the business has grown and of us being part of this very well-respected group within the industry.’
In addition to joining the Tillington Group, 2023 sees the team working hard to further mark the anniversary with a range of initiatives designed to reward their loyal customers, highlight product excellence, and join with the community and suppliers to celebrate the event in style.
In April this year, Gates launched their Gates Loyalty Club, an App-based scheme powered by Corby & Fellas, rewarding loyal customers with a free hot drink every month, £5 off a £50 spend and lots of other benefits including a voucher for recycling and a plant-a-tree scheme. Gates customers have embraced this scheme wholeheartedly; with 5000 signing up in the first three months and enjoying the offers, any scepticism regarding Garden Centre customer demographics and uptake of new technology can be well and truly dismissed!
Gates Farm Shop stocks a wealth of locally made artisan products and the 75th anniversary has encouraged the development of a stunning new Gates brand product – a small batch, handcrafted Gates 1948 Gin which is inspired by a visit to Fred & Ivy Gates walled garden on a summer afternoon in 1948, where we are surrounded by country flowers, herbs and fruit trees.
Distilled locally in Oakham, Rutland, with hand-picked viola grown in the Gates’ glass house and botanicals inspired by Fred & Ivy’s most precious specimen plants and fruit trees, the range features three flavours – Gates 1948 Dry Gin flavoured with viola and lemon thyme, Gates 1948 Raspberry & Lavender, and Gates 1948 Apple & Pear.
The final highlight of the year will be, on the weekend of the 5th & 6th August, a fun-filled traditional fair, with free of charge fairground rides, falconry displays, vintage tractors and tethered balloon rides, all taking place on the fields around the Garden Centre and organised to welcome local families. Supported by Gates suppliers, the event will also feature Weber and Ooni demonstrations, tasting events for Farm Shop produce and Gates 1948 Gin, and live music. Gates Charity of the Year – Dove Cottage Day Hospice – a local hospice in the Vale of Belvoir, will benefit from 100 per cent of the proceeds of a giant raffle which runs through July and features over £2500 of prizes donated by Gates suppliers. Tickets are available to buy in-store.
Gates Garden Centre & Farm Shop
Somerby Road
Cold Overton
Oakham
LE15 7QB
Tel: 01664 454309
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk
