VACHER GARDENS - Key Persons


Alex Sheppard

Job Titles:
  • Groundsman
Alex has been working with VG for almost 3 years. During this time he has been studying successfully towards a level 2 apprenticeship in Horticulture at Plumpton College. As well as being competent with most aspects of gardening Alex also enjoys and excels in the preparation of sports pitches for a number of local cricket clubs. Additionally, Alex is qualified in the following skills; Miscellaneous Pedestrian and handheld garden machinery, Fruit tree pruning, Chainsaw usage, Herbicide and Pesticide Applications. When Alex isn't on the gardens or the turf he is busy bringing up his son 3-year-old Luca, and for relaxation, he likes to get out on his motorbike at any opportunity. He is also vice chairman of the Southeast motorbike chapter.

Anthony Chinnery

Job Titles:
  • Gardener Groundsman
During his first year at Vacher Gardens Anthony has successfully acquired a wide variety of skills Horticulture to compliment the experience he previously gained working on the grounds team for a local authority. In the summer months, he particularly enjoys working on the local cricket grounds and is very adept at maintaining and carrying out running repairs to specialist machinery. Hedge cutting and executing garden renovation works are also key skills that Anthony brings. When he is not mowing or renovating Anthony likes to relax by going fishing and exploring the local countryside on his motorbike.

Bill Radcliffe

Job Titles:
  • Engineer Who Looks After All the Machinery Including Mowers, Strimmers and Tractors
Bill Radcliffe - Engineer who looks after all the machinery including mowers, strimmers and tractors.

Chris Vacher

Job Titles:
  • Owner
  • Owner & Head Gardener
RHS trained Vacher Gardens owner Chris Vacher has been a keen gardener all his life and has spent considerable time at Plumpton College in recent years. Chris founded Vacher Gardens 3 years ago, enabling him to combine his management skills and experience with a hands-on passion for practical work. Chris is studying garden design and is keen to encourage members of his team to expand their own knowledge, with two team members attending an outdoor first aid course and two others taking a hard landscaping course at Plumpton College.

Ciaran Brown

Job Titles:
  • Apprentice
Ciaran joined the team last July he aims to start his own business when he has completed his training later this year, alongside working for Vacher Gardens. He is interested in all types of grass, particularly sports turf. He enjoys preparing and producing fine lawns.

Keith Rowling

A retired civil engineer - designs and constructs raised vegetable beds, walls, steps, patios and decking and even refurbishes sheds.

Rob Veal

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Gardener
Rob is developing a specialism in orchards. He is also learning about the maintenance of garden and agricultural machinery. He plans to attend Plumpton College on a full-time vehicle engineering course in September.

Steve Veal

Job Titles:
  • Senior Gardener and an Expert