Colin Squire OBE, Chairman Emeritus of Squire’s Garden Centres, has been awarded the prestigious Dean Hole Medal by The Rose Society UK in recognition of his work with and love of roses. The award was presented by John Anthony, Chairman of The Rose Society, in Peter Seabrook’s rose bed exhibit at BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC in Birmingham on 25th August 2021.
The Dean Hole medal was introduced by the National Rose Society, the forerunner of today’s society, in 1909 for ‘service to the genus rosa’ and is the most highly regarded honour in the field of roses. Notable past recipients include Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and The Queen Mother in 1980, and David Austin in 1999.
Derek Lawrence, Chairman of the ‘Honors Committee’ at The Rose Society UK said: “We are delighted to bestow the ‘Dean Hole Medal’ to Colin Squire OBE. He has given such an outstanding contribution to the rose world with his selfless determination to ensure that the general public are aware of the sheer beauty, fragrance and attributes of the rose. Since 1977, he has lavishly hosted the National Amateur Rose Show at Squire’s Garden Centres. He also graciously agreed to become President of The Rose Society in 2017, and has steadfastly given both moral and practical support to the Society, whenever required.
Colin loves roses, and actively promotes the sheer charms of the ‘Queen of all Flowers’. It was the Reverend Samuel Hole (known as Dean Hole) who instigated the first national rose show back in 1858, and who famously quoted; ‘He who would have beautiful roses in his garden must have beautiful roses in his heart’. This admirably sums up Colin, who richly deserves this most prestigious of Honours.”
Colin Squire OBE, Chairman Emeritus of Squire’s Garden Centres commented: “I feel so very honoured and privileged to have been awarded the Dean Hole medal by The Rose Society. Roses hold such a special place in the history of gardening and in the hearts of many people. I would encourage anyone with a love of roses to join The Rose Society UK.
“I am often asked to name my favourite rose. I am always drawn to ‘Peace’. It is an excellent Hybrid Tea Rose with pale yellow flowers on a hardy and vigorous plant. It was developed by famous French grower Meilland shortly before World War Two. To ensure the survival of the variety he sent cuttings to friends overseas just before France was invaded. The Americans called the rose ‘Peace’, announcing the official name on the day Berlin fell. A rose was given to each of the United Nations delegates who met in 1945. So this is a very special rose indeed, and we certainly need a little more Peace in the world right now.”
To find out more and become a member of The Rose Society go to www.therosesociety.org.uk
Colin Squire OBE (second left) is awarded the prestigious ‘Dean Hole’ medal by The Rose Society
L-R: Ray Martin (The Rose Society), Colin Squire OBE (Squire’s Garden Centres), John Anthony (The Rose Society) & Peter Seabrook
