In our twenty-first year as a community garden, we bid farewell to Caroline Hutton (Director at Martineau Gardens for 17 years) and welcome Gill Milburn. Gill joined Martineau Gardens and became our Director in April 2018.

At the end of her first month, Gill said: “I’ve been in post just a month, I’ve been  getting to know staff, volunteers and Friends through various activities from planting perennials around the new pond to minor engineering around the washbasins, with plenty of meetings, conferences and conversations in between.  My introduction to this organisation has shown to me the warmth and affection people hold for Martineau Gardens.  I’m looking forward to contributing to the sustainability and enjoyment of the Gardens.”

Gill got to know Birmingham  through her job as a Gambling Commissioner, and moved to the city in 2009. During her eight year term on the audit committee  and the remuneration committee, Gill was involved with overseeing implementing the Gambling Act, corporate governance, regulatory compliance and enforcement and stakeholder management. For the last eight years, Gill has worked in the charity sector for mental health and with older people.

Caroline is retiring; she is working on special projects until the end of June 2018. Caroline says: “After 17 years, I’m stepping down. Thanks to all the tremendous support I received from volunteers, trustees and colleagues.”