Four Oaks Trade Show has announced a new award to honour the memory of the late Pat Coutts, who founded and drove the show’s success over five decades. Pat died aged 74 last August without being able to head the 50th-anniversary show, which was delayed twice by the pandemic, and will now take place at Four Oaks Nurseries in Cheshire, 6 & 7 September 2022.
Christina Walker and Karen Kelly take the show forward and are establishing an award that reflects Pat’s character, to be given annually at the event, recognising the excellence of so many individuals in the industry.
Pat demonstrated excellence in everything she did; whether it was as a young nursery worker, thought to be unrivalled in her ability to prick out young lobelia at a rate of 60 a minute, or as trade show organiser extraordinaire, Pat always went the extra mile
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“I can’t think of an award in her name that Pat would like better than one to recognise the many stars amongst our exhibitors – people who are excellent in what they do, because of their professionalism, talent and dedication. Pat often said ‘horticulture is for life’ and we are pleased to be able to shine a light on those who give so much of theirs to our wonderful sector” Christina Walker said.
“We were delighted when HTA got in touch wanting an opportunity to recognise Pat’s contribution to the sector and sponsoring this award is a great way to celebrate Pat’s legacy. HTA will help to judge the entries and will provide £100 gift card award to each of our three category winners, which will be based on company size. Anyone who works for an exhibitor company can be nominated by a team member, employee or boss and tell us why they are excellent. We’ll highlight everyone who is nominated on social media and in a display at the show, but only one can win from each group and they’ll be rewarded at the Exhibitors Supper after the close of day one at the show in September. Nominations have now opened through the exhibitor manual and on our website: www.fouroaks-tradeshow.com.”
