Calderdale Garden Centre celebrates 75 years serving the community

Gordon Rigg set up the garden centre back in 1945 with a £150 loan for a quarter acre of land, two greenhouses and a tumble down shed with some tools.

But 75 years later the centre in Walsden has gone from strength to strength, attracting keen gardeners to Todmorden and opening a centre in Rochdale.

Although Mr Rigg passed away in 2005 his family are carrying on the legacy. Fiona Roberts, granddaughter of Mr Rigg, said: “We are delighted to reach our 75th anniversary and looking back over all of our past projects and accomplishments we feel incredibly proud to have come so far.

"When Gordon Rigg started out with a greenhouse and tumble down shed on a small plot of land never did he imagine that it would turn into the empire it is today with 2 extensive garden centres, one mill shop, three eateries and a farm shop.

“We will continue to look for ways to improve the products, services and experience that we offer by keeping an eye on the changing trend in shopping and listening to our customers.

“We would like to thank our hard-working staff and loyal customers for their support over the years as without them none of this would be possible.”

Due to the restrictions because of Covid-19 the centre was unable to celebrate with the family fun day and celebrity meet and greet that was originally planned.

Instead the special anniversary was marked with charity raffles, in store special offers and a vintage display including a timeline of the business through the years.