'Like father like son' - Winston Churchill's gardener lives on in family history

The son of Winston Churchill’s chief gardener is proving that a passion for horticulture runs in the blood, by winning top prize in a gardening competition launched by Derwentside Homes.

Arthur Hilland, of Rittson Road in Blackhill, Consett, is delighted to have scooped the title of ‘Best Kept Garden’ in the awards ceremony and paid tribute to his father for passing his talents down the family line.

Arthur Hilland Senior tended to Winston Churchill’s gardens between 1932 and 1936 at the former statesman’s home in the Sevenoaks district of Kent.

He was forced to quit his post, however, when World War 2 broke out and he was called to serve as a gunner in the Royal Artillery.

Following the war, Arthur Hilland Snr moved to County Durham and continued working as a gardener until his death in 1990 aged 83.

Now, Arthur Hilland Jnr, a former machine operator, is celebrating his own success after judges praised him for creating “an immaculate” garden filled with beautiful plants and vegetables.

“I’m delighted to have won this award and I’m planning to spend my prize money on buying new plants and seeds for the garden as gardening’s a real passion of mine,” said Arthur, aged 71.

“I learnt how to garden from a young age as my father taught me all the tips.

“He shared fond memories with me of working for Winston Churchill and described the war-time prime minister as a ‘lovely man,’ who was really down to earth.

“My father told me a story once that he was putting up a wall in Winston Churchill’s garden when the former prime minister rolled his sleeves up and joined in.

“That’s what he was like, he had no airs and graces.

“I credit my father for passing on his love of gardening which has become a hobby I thoroughly enjoy.”

Arthur won £150 for the ‘Best Kept Garden’ and £10 for third place in the hanging basket competition. Charles and Dorothy Willis of Dipton won the top prize of £60 in the hanging basket competition and Thomas Graven of Craghead won £30 in the runners up category.

Other competitors who walked away with prize money for their beautifully kept gardens include Robert Stobbs of Burnhope, Maureen Craig of Tantobie and Elizabeth Colledge, also of Tantobie.

Winners will receive their certificates at the opening ceremony of Derwentside Homes’ new offices in October.

The competition was judged by Eddie Croney, a member of Derwentside Homes’ Tenants’ Forum, and David Pearson of Elliot Associates who donated £150 prize money.

Eddie, 73, of Medomsley, said: “Arthur’s garden was immaculate and that’s why we gave him first prize, but his talents aren’t surprising considering his father was head gardener for Winston Churchill!

“I’m a keen gardener myself, but I tend to plant more vegetables than anything else...because you can eat them! Arthur’s garden had everything in it we were looking for and you can’t help but notice it when walking past. It was just perfect and he truly deserved to win.”