FANS were excited to catch a glimpse of popular radio and television presenter Jo Whiley as she opened a new garden centre.
Jo Whiley, of BBC Radio 2, officially opened Dobbies' newest store in Tewkesbury today (Thursday, November 3).
She took met fans and took pictures with them at the opening of the giant new garden centre just off the M5.
Whiley is an ambassador for Dobbies and was joined at the launch by ITV This Morning’s gardening presenter Daisy Payne.
Cllr John Murph, the mayor of Tewkesbury Borough, Dobbies’ team members and people across the region involved in the project were also in attendance to mark the opening.
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Whiley said: “I’ve had a fantastic time opening Dobbies’ newest store.
"With such a diverse range of products, from plants and gardening to homeware and pets, there’s something for all members of the family, which will make it a brilliant day out.”
School children and charity representatives were among the first through the doors of the new store.
The 70,000 sq ft store is one of Dobbies’ biggest garden centres and has created 100 jobs for local and neighbouring communities.
Dobbies is also expecting 750,000 customers each year to visit the new store.
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Graeme Jenkins, CEO at Dobbies Garden Centres, said: “As our biggest store in the Southwest, the opening of Dobbies’ Tewkesbury is an important and exciting milestone, and we look forward to being part of vibrant and visionary upcoming retail destination as the Cotswolds Designer Outlet develops.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in bringing the store to fruition for all their hard work and we hope our customers will enjoy the exceptional shopping experience that Dobbies’ Tewkesbury will offer.
“We also look forward to building on our work in the local community, having already started supporting Ashchurch Primary School with a new vision for their garden and supplying great value products from the store.”
The location also has a butcher, a soft play area for children and a 10,000 sq ft restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.
This December will see the garden centre hold a Christmas Shopping Night in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, as well as a Santa’s Grotto and festive afternoon tea event.
The whole development is located near junction nine of the M5, close to Ashchurch for Tewkesbury train station.
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