Some eight years ago when I first came to Tasmania I noticed a man on crutches with a lawn mower tied around his waist mowing lawns in Deloraine, I was informed that he was a contract gardener doing mowing work and odd jobs and that he was proud, determined and had never and would never take Government assistance.
Standing some 6’ 2” and still weighting 20 stone John lost his leg above the knee through cancer at the age of 28, this has never daunted him, now with cancer of the liver he has to go to Melbourne frequently for treatment and with three children, times are tough.
I first met John when he heard that I was bringing to Tasmania from England a dry stone waller and hedge layer to work at Bentley to teach these country crafts to willing Tasmanians. John applied for a job, he did not ask for wages he just wanted the opportunity be professionally trained.
When I informed the instructor that I wished him to take on a one-legged man on crutches as a pupil he said it was impossible to teach anyone with that form of handicap, John’s reply “at least you can give me a go”. It turned out to be a triumph and John has gone from strength to strength and has contributed his walling skills to five important gardens in the Deloraine district.
John is a highly skilled man who does a wonderful job and is in a difficult situation, he has worked in all of the open gardens over the last 15 years. It has been my pleasure and a privilege to have met an enjoyed the company of John Wilson.
The communities of Deloraine, Elizabeth Town, Chudleigh and Mole Creek have decided to have a function to raise money to help John fund his treatment and travel expenses. Four gardens will be opened for inspection:
• Scott and Debbie Wilson – Old Wesley Dale – Mole Creek
• John and Robyn Hawkins – Bentley – Chudleigh
• Neil and Mimi Graham – West Park – Dairy Plains
• Max & Helen Cameron – Mountain Villa – Mole Creek
The Mole Creek Gardening Club and the Chudleigh Village of Roses Ladies will serve morning and afternoon tea in the garden at the Chudleigh Store between 9.30 – 11am & 2.30 – 4.30pm. Tickets will be available from
9am each day, to be purchased from the Chudleigh Store or the Chudleigh Village Hall if raining.
Date: Saturday 26 February & Sunday 27 February 2011.
Gardens open: 10am to 5pm.
Admission: $50 – to include entry to all gardens and morning or afternoon tea, a map and access instructions will be provided.
All proceeds will go to John Wilson.
Please spread the word, Download pdf: John_Wilson.pdf
