This November marks a momentous milestone as Gary Attwood, Event Services and Facilities Manager, celebrates an impressive 45 years with NAEC Stoneleigh. Over the decades, Gary has been a key witness to the transformation of NAEC Stoneleigh, evolving from a primarily agricultural venue to one of the UK’s largest and most versatile event and conference spaces.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Gary began his career in 1979 as a grounds apprentice, a fitting choice for someone who has always held a love for being outdoors. He studied Grounds Maintenance at Tile Hill College over three years, graduating in 1982.
From the outset, Gary demonstrated dedication to his role, particularly during the prestigious Royal Show, where he ensured that the grounds were immaculate, and the events ran seamlessly. His hard work did not go unnoticed; by 1985, he earned a promotion to Head Gardener. It was during his time at the Royal Show that he had the unique opportunity to meet several members of the Royal Family, including a memorable encounter with Princess Diana. Gary fondly recalls the day in 1988 when, amidst pouring rain and covered in mud, he stood in line to greet the princess. He said, “It lashed down when Diana came in, and we were putting boards down. As we dug trenches at the back of the marquee, we were caked in mud when she arrived early. A photographer in a white safari suit fell into a trench, and the moment had us all in stitches, including Diana.”
Over the years, Gary has enjoyed many incredible experiences, including dining with the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and even taking a ride in the Royal helicopter. When asked about his favourite event to work on, he remarked, “It has to be the Royal Show.”
After years of exceptional service assisting with numerous large-scale events, Gary was promoted to Head Groundsman, stepping into this critical role on an expedited timeline—just three weeks before the return of the Royal Show in 1990. His dedication and exemplary service were further acknowledged when he was presented with the Duke of Edinburgh Award after twenty years of continuous commitment.
Today, Gary continues to play an indispensable role in ensuring that our events are executed flawlessly, from exhibitions to intimate conferences and meetings. His commitment to maintaining the stunning grounds of Stoneleigh Park remains unwavering, regardless of the weather.
Join us in celebrating Gary’s outstanding legacy and his monumental contributions to NAEC Stoneleigh over the past 45 years.