Celebrations are under way this year at Langlands Garden Centre as the Company acknowledges 50 years in business at Shiptonthorpe near York.
The original Langlands nursery was established in Bingley, West Yorkshire which Walter Ducker bought from a retired Mill Owner he worked for after the 2nd World War. Walter had gained a reputation for growing excellent dahlias. In 1964 Walter moved the business to a small holding on a quiet road between Market Weighton and York. After that Langlands built up its reputation throughout the North of England by selling mainly dahlias, chrysanthemums, bedding in the spring and holly wreaths at Christmas. Langlands exhibited at many of the prestigious flower shows around the country so the Langland’s Van was often out and about to flower shows and markets including; Shrewsbury, Southport, Harrogate, Leicester and Hull.
Langlands has continued to be a family business with Walter’s two sons Robert and John bringing in their sons James and Ian who are all now involved in running the business today. New generations of course bring new ideas and in particular that customers come to Langlands rather than travelling out to them.
In May 2001, a key turning point for the business saw the opening of the Coffee Shop. Since then, due to popularity the Coffee Shop it has been up graded and expanded and another additional food outlet opened, the Cafe Bar, catering for lighter meals and drinks.
Customer demand for the pastries and cakes sold in the Coffee Shop led to them opening a Farm Shop in 2006.
As well as the food outlets the Garden Centre itself has expanded to include Giftware and Outdoor Living zones.Due to Langland’s success a second Garden Centre in Leeds was purchased in 2009. Langlands go from strength to strength very much in keeping with its motto of being “More than just a Garden Centre”
There is a lot planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary at Langlands Shiptonthorpe which coincides with a number of traditional village events. Langlands Garden Centre site will be the site for a large marquee which will be used for a luncheon party on the Friday afternoon for people involved in the business over the last 50 years, and a special staff party in the evening as a big thank you from the Ducker family for making the last 50 years such a success. The marquee will also be used for a charity event on the Saturday evening to raise money for worthwhile causes.
Shiptonthorpe village events start on Friday the 20th June with a preview of the Flower Festival in the Church on the theme of “The Yorkshire route of The Tour de France”. The church, together with a number of Open gardens, will be open between 11am and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday along with a Scarecrow Trail.
The marquee will be used on the Sunday for a table top sale, a display of Shiptonthorpe memorabilia and there will be a number of vintage vehicles on show too.
The Ducker family wish to thank all customers for their continued support over the last 50 years and hope the celebrations which are planned throughout the year will be enjoyed by all.
You can find Langlands Garden Centre and the Village of Shiptonthorpe on the A1079 York to Hull road, north of Market Weighton. Or visit the website: www.langlandsgardencentre.co.uk
