Chairs of the Arboricultural Association 1964–2024

As part of our 60th anniversary celebrations and in recognition of those that have chaired the Association over the past six decades, Peter Bridgeman, with the help of others, has prepared this chronological list, with brief descriptions, of all who have served the Association in this capacity.

It gives as much information as possible but in note form rather than as an essay. The list attempts to include full names and dates in office, birth details if available, and academic and membership qualifications. It also details each chair’s main professional work and any known awards or honours.

Importantly, it also refers to significant events during their term in office. Where known, it also briefly mentions any hobbies or extracurricular activities (if suitable for publication!). It concludes with a list of chairs of the Association of British Tree Surgeons and Arborists (ABTSA) from its foundation in 1963 to its merger with the Arboricultural Association in 1974.

After the chairs, there is a list of those who have received the Association’s annual Award for their significant contribution to arboriculture since it was introduced in 1982, as well as the venues and titles of conferences past.

These lists are as accurate as possible but there are still some gaps. If you have any more information, particularly about those terms as Chair where details are sparse, please email admin@trees.org.uk.

Don Wells (right), the Founder Chair, with Arthur Skeffington MP, the Association’s first President.

Donald (Don) Vernon Wells
Founder Chair 1964–70
Born in Portsmouth in 1900, Kew student, Horticultural Officer with Middlesex County Council, then the Ministry of Transport, followed by Landscape Architect with London Borough of Harrow. Was actively involved with the Roads Beautifying Association in the 1950s. In 1963, with a group of fellow, mainly local authority, tree men and horticulturists, created a steering group to explore the possibility of forming a professional body for arboriculture. In September 1964 the Arboricultural Association came into being: no employees, no home, but a willing group of volunteers with clear objectives. Don was elected Chairman and his wife Evelyn, Treasurer. In 1968 Don was made an Associate of Honour of the Royal Horticultural Society. He was a steward at his local Methodist church. He died in 1976.

Fawcett Taylor (Tom) Wilson
Founder Chair of ABSTA and Association Chair 1970–72 (two-year term of office)
Canadian born and educated. Came to England in 1941 with the Canadian Tank Corps and was commissioned from Sandhurst. Returned to England from Canada in 1947 and joined the English Tree Expert Company. In 1951 he, with Bill Matthews, formed Southern Tree Surgeons. This became the largest tree surgery company in the UK and the only one given the Royal Warrant ‘By appointment to Her Majesty The Queen’. By the end of his term in office discussions were starting to take place about amalgamating the ABSTA and the Association with Tom at the heart of them. He died in 1990.

Peter J.D. Wilson BSc For
Chair 1972–74
Shropshire born in 1920 and spent his childhood in London. Went to Edinburgh University and graduated with a BSc in Forestry in 1943. After overseas work in what is now Belize was appointed Forestry Officer with Kent County Council in 1949 with a starting salary of £595 per year! Formed policies to ensure woodlands should add greater weight to amenity, landscape, recreation and conservation values – ground-breaking stuff in the 1950s. Peter was a very political person and his friendship with Arthur Skeffington, a Labour MP, led to the latter becoming the Association’s first President. Peter’s term of office was dominated by talks on the amalgamation which was completed in September 1974.

William (Bill) Robert Lewington BSc For
Chair 1974–76
First Chair of the new Arboricultural Association (incorporating the Association of British Tree Surgeons and Arborists). Obtained a BSc in Forestry and became Forestry Officer with Staffordshire County Council. Awarded MBE in 1985. His term was dominated by ensuring the interests of publicly employed staff and the commercial sector were compatible after amalgamation; he succeeded. He also had to put up with a new Hon Secretary (see entry for Peter Bridgeman below). He died in 1989.

Retirement lunch for Richard Haigh, 25th February 2008. Derek Honour, Founder Honorary Secretary 1964–74; Henry Girling, Vice President; Peter Bridgeman, Honorary Secretary 1974–78, Chair 1993–95; Derek Patch, Professional Committee and Arboricultural Advisory and Information Service/Tree Advice Trust; Colin Bashford, Chair of International Society of Arboriculture; Paul Akers, Westminster City Council; Robert Hillier, Treasurer; Trevor Preston, Chair 1979–82 and Chair of FASTCo; Dr Giles Biddle, Chair 1982–84; Ian Keen, Chair 1984–86; Richard Haigh, Chair 1976–78; Bill Matthews, Chair of ABTSA 1965–66, Chair of Arboricultural Association 1986–88; Nick Eden, CEO.

Richard Haigh
Chair 1976–78
The first Chair (and the only one until 2011) without a background in arboriculture, but showed his credentials for office by leading the Steering Committee from 1972 to 1974 that facilitated the amalgamation of the two associations. His term developed the broader objectives of the new Association, particularly the Annual Conferences which after 10 years at Merrist Wood College, from 1967 to 1976, went on its travels – first to Askham Bryan College, Yorkshire. On his retirement in 2008, the Association held a thank you lunch for Richard attended by six former chairs and other officers (see photograph above).

Keith Ross
Chair 1978–79
Believed to be from the commercial sector but no other information available.

Trevor Preston FArborA
Chair for three years 1979–82
Born 1935. Kew student and studied parks administration at the Grotto. Became Chief Leisure Service Officer, London Borough of Ealing. Helped form and chaired the South East Branch of the Association. Elected Vice Chair in 1978, but when Keith Ross resigned early, Trevor was in the hot seat. This coincided with changes in the secretaryship. With the help of Robert Hillier, established the new headquarters at Hilliers, Ampfield, and oversaw appointment of Jean Berry (later Leslie) as Secretary – a smart move as Jean held that position for two decades. During his three years in office, Trevor ensured the administration of the Association was secure. He also chaired the Arboricultural Safety Council and FASTCo, was Director of the Tree Council 1991–2002 and of the Tree Advice Trust 1993–97. He presented the very first Arboricultural Association Award in 1982 and received it himself in 1991. There cannot be many who did so much for the Association or for arboriculture from the 1970s to the ’90s. A keen sportsman but now only a spectator, following Aston Villa.

Dr Peter Giles Biddle MA For, DPhil, FArborA, FICFor (Hons)
Chair 1982–84
Born 1943. Gained a degree in Forestry and then a DPhil in Forest Pathology at Oxford University. Established Tree Conservation Ltd in Wantage, one of the first arboricultural consultancies. This added scientific weight to the profession, which was traditionally craft, technical and management based. This was timely: with the outbreak of Dutch elm disease, developed tree injection materials. Following another natural disaster, the 1976 drought, investigated the effects of tree roots on buildings and was consultant to the National House-Building Council for its Practice Note 3: Precautions to Take When Building Near Trees. Later he published the two-volume Tree Root Damage to Buildings, the definitive work on the subject. During his term in office, he inaugurated the first Safe Tree Climbing and Skills Competition at the Southampton conference. Made an OBE in 2001 for services to arboriculture and the environment, received the Association’s Award in 1986 and was an examiner for the RFS. A keen sailor.

Ian Keen NDF, FArborA, MIC For
Chair 1984–86
Born into the business. His father, Joseph Keen, was a forester and there’s even talk of a grandfather in forestry. After studying at the Forestry Commission school in the Forest of Dean and Newton Rigg, was employed by the Economic Forestry Group where he joined Beeching of Ash, becoming Managing Director. When Jim Beeching, one of the founding members of ABTSA, retired, Ian developed Ian Keen Ltd arboricultural consultancy. Chair of the Publicity Committee of the Association before becoming national Chair. During his term in office, he oversaw the revision of BS5837: Trees in Relation Construction. To keep it all in the family, Ian’s son Jago joined the company and he too became Chair, the first father–son combo. Another family interest is horses. I often bump into Ian in Farnham’s tea rooms and coffee houses.

William (Bill) E. Matthews OBE, FArborA, FInstHort
Chair 1986–88
Suffolk born. Started Southern Tree Surgeons with Tom Wilson at Crawley Down, West Sussex in 1951; the company expanded and opened branches throughout the country. One of the founders and a Chair of the ABTSA and was involved in all the major developments in the profession from the 1960s. Invited to attend the International Shade Tree Conference in Portland, Oregon, in 1969 where he spoke on arboriculture in the British Isles. Governor at Merrist Wood in the 1970s and later, in 1992, helped form and chaired the European Arboricultural Council. Received the Association Award in 1990. He was made an OBE. Born 1925, died 2018.

John Chaplin FArborA
Chair 1988–90
Born and lived in Lewes, Sussex, where he established a landscape, cleaning and tree work business and became an Associate member of ABTSA. Supported all the conferences, and following the amalgamation in 1974 became Chair of the Professional Committee. His term as national Chair coincided with the Association’s 25th anniversary: John planned and ran the splendid celebration banquet at the Warwick conference in 1989. When the Association became a Registered Charity, John was one of the Trustees. He was also the Association’s Parliamentary Coordinator but not much is known about that! He advised Peter Spurway on the issue of the review of the Association in 1993. An enthusiastic member of the Friends of Lewes Trees Committee and Lewes Bowls Club. Also involved with The Railway Land, a local nature reserve. Born 1940, died 2018.

John Alliston Dyter NDH
Chair 1990–92
First Chair from the nursery sector of the industry. Joined the nursery trade in 1949. In 1957 was the first recipient of the Bowles Memorial Scholarship and spent almost six months working in and visiting nurseries and garden centres (then almost unknown in the UK) and botanical gardens through central America. Returned to Notcutts where he rose fairly rapidly to director level. From the early 1960s, developing the burgeoning local authority market occupied his time almost wholly until 1994. Steward of the Flower Show of the Suffolk Agricultural Show for 40 years and of the Royal Show Flower Show for 35 years. An active member of the Suffolk Gardens Trust since its inception and was its chair for four years until 2022. Born 1932 and still living in Suffolk aged 92.

Leo A. Pemberton NDH, NDArb
Chair 1992–93 (one-year term)
Worked at the campus at Reading University and was a lecturer in horticulture at Pershore and Swanley colleges before becoming the first Supervisor of Studies for the new Diploma course at Kew from 1964 to 1989. Was an examiner for the RHS ND in Horticulture and RFS ND in Arboriculture. Awarded the Veitch Memorial Medal by the RHS in 1988. Born 1928, died 2022.

Peter Spurway NDArb
Chair for four months in 1993
Worked for Brighton Parks Department and then, with Peter Bridgeman, on the large tree planting team at the Greater London Council in the 1960s. After qualifying, was County Arboricultural Officer at East Sussex then tree officer at Lewes District Council and Wealden District Council. Elected Chair at the Swansea conference in 1993 but inherited a membership that was unhappy with the way the Association was being run and asking for a review. Perhaps wrongly advised, he rejected this call. The conference endorsed the need for a review and by December he had resigned. Peter was a well-respected tree officer in East Sussex, an examiner for the RFS and, as a keen photographer, was the Association’s official photographer at conferences. Died 2014.

Peter Bridgeman with granddaughter Una. You have to take this truly British tree game (conkers) seriously – she won!

Peter Harry Bridgeman NDH, NDArb, FArborA, FICFor
Acting Chair December 1993, Chair 1994–95 (one-year term of office)
Born Norfolk in 1940. After qualifying spent four years in local government tree posts before being appointed the first UK lecturer in arboriculture at Merrist Wood. Became the Association’s Honorary Secretary in 1974 to 1978. Established his own consultancy and had two books published in the late 1970s: Tree Surgery and Trees for Town and Country. Vice Chair of the Arboriculture Safety Council and elected Vice Chair of the Association in 1993 at the Swansea conference. When Peter Spurway resigned in December 1993, he became Acting Chair and led a review of the Association’s affairs which was adopted at the 1995 conference. Was chief examiner for the RFS Diploma. Received the Association Award in 1987. During his term as Chair was also Honorary Secretary of Aldershot Town FC.

Robert I. Kennedy
Chair 1995–96
Founder and manager of Midland Tree Surgeons Ltd, Derbyshire; ran the company for 40 years, retiring in 2018. It was then acquired by Practicality Brown Ltd, Buckinghamshire. During his term as Chair of the Association, implemented the decisions of the review including the amendments to the constitution, new council and committee structures, and making plans for the employment of a technical officer. The Chair’s term of office was changed to one year, but that meant serving three years in total with a year as Chair Elect, then the hot seat and finally as Immediate Past Chair.

Bryan Wilson
Chairman 1996–97
Studied at Merrist Wood and then joined Southern Tree Surgeons as an arborist. After qualifying, became Tree Officer with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and then went to New Forest District Council in 1987, just after the great storm. Became Senior Tree Officer there, retiring in 2014. Formed the Hampshire Tree Officers Forum which continues today. During his term in office the Association appointed its first Technical Officer, Jonathan Hazell. Bryan was a keen cyclist and sailed the seven seas. Born 1952, died 2023.

Peter Annett
Chair 1997–98
After working with Southern Tree Surgeons, attended Merrist Wood in the 1970s and went on to local authority work. He went back to Merrist Wood as a lecturer and head of department before joining the Department of the Environment as Government Arboriculturist. Events during his term in office included the Stirling conference. Later, he was Lead Assessor for the Registered Consultant Scheme.

From trees to tees: Kim Gifford wins a trophy at Hayling Golf Club, 2024.

Kim Gifford
Chair 1998–99
The first person of colour to lead the Association. Born 1956 and started his tree career years at Hampton Court Palace. Was a lead arborist at the London Borough of Ealing and then a spell working in Germany. Formed Gifford Tree Service in Surrey in 1980, which became an Approved Contractor. Chair of the contractors’ group that supported the 1993 review and part of the selection panel that appointed Jonathan Hazell as Technical Officer. During his term as Chair, supported the National Memorial Arboretum and initiated the need for the Association to acquire its own premises. Now a consultant based in Sussex and specialising in decay detection using the PiCUS system, with over 4,000 sonic tests and reports to date. Plays a mean game of golf (see photograph).

Quentin Nicholls DMS, CEnv, FArborA
Chair 1999–2000 (see also 2007–08)
Managing Director of Arbortrack Systems Ltd, an arboricultural consultancy and designer of the Arbortrack tree and vegetation management software based in Kenilworth. Also Director of Arboriculture for ArborFlight Ltd which uses aircraft and drone technology for tree and vegetation surveys. During this first term in office developed more efficient management and financial systems, resulting in the Association making a profit.

Ray Cross
Chair 2000–01
Worked with semi-mature tree transplanting company Civic Trees. Hobbies included vintage motor cycles and side car racing.

Jan Polnik
Chair 2001–02
Studied at the Cumbria College at Newton Rigg before becoming arboriculturist with the London Borough of Ealing and later at Bracknell Forest.

Bruce Hatton DipArb RFS
Chair 2002–03
Established BHA Trees Ltd arboricultural consultants in 2009 based at Millom, Cumbria. During his term in office appointed Nick Eden as the new Chief Executive; Nick came from a background in arboriculture. Also successfully focused on improving and enlarging the Approved Contractor Scheme. When not working, enjoys the great outdoors, dog walking, gardening, trips to France and fine food, good wine and real ale.

Jonathan Hazell BSc Hons, FArborA
Chair 2003–05 (two terms)
Born 1957. On the tree gang at London Borough of Ealing and after graduating became Tree Officer at Northampton in 1982 before moving to Milton Keynes Development Corporation. In 1996 was appointed as the Association’s first Technical Director, during which time he introduced Geoff McClure, a professional accountant, on to the Board of Trustees. After a spell with Glendale established his own independent arboricultural consultancy in 2011 in Northampton. He remains a passionate Scout and enjoys encouraging young people to look up and take notice rather than stare at their phones. A loyal, if frustrated, supporter of Northampton Saints Rugby Club; however, as of 18th May 2024, they are top of the Premier League.

John Booth MBA, MSc, FICFor, RCArborA, CUEW, CEnv, DipArb(RFS), FArborA, NDArb, LCGI(Hort)
Chair 2005–06
After an apprenticeship at Bolton council and studying at Merrist Wood College, moved into arboricultural officer posts with Bolton, Wycombe and Derby City councils. Whilst at Derby City, expanded the arboricultural team four-fold. As a consequence of a mere splinter, John suffered a rare, life-threatening illness (necrotising fasciitis) during his term of office which limited his Association activities. Represented the Association on the drafting panel of the National Tree Safety Group’s Common Sense Risk Management of Trees. Whilst recovering from illness, he reflected on life and decided to establish John Booth Consultants in 2007. Enjoys the outdoor life as a keen naturalist and long-distance walker; travels widely.

James (Jim) Quaife DipArb RFS, FArborA, RCArborA, CEnv
Chair 2006–07 (see also 2008–09)
Since 1990 has run Quaife Woodlands Consultants, Westerham, Kent, covering arboriculture, woodlands and expertise on bats in trees. A Trustee when the Association was still at Ampfield, and when it moved out, commissioned a bowl made from ginkgo wood to present to Robert Hillier. Was a Government Inspecting Officer for tree preservation order appeals and Lead Assessor for the Association’s Registered Consultant Scheme. Appointed as the Arboricultural Advisor for the States of Guernsey.

Quentin Nicholls
Chair 2007–08 (second term, see also 1999–2000)
The major event in Quentin’s second term was the purchase of The Malthouse, Stroud Green, Gloucestershire, as the Association’s first permanent home. He and Nick Eden led the team in the negotiations with the owners and when the higher bidders dropped out, made a successful case for a £200,000 reduction in the asking price and even a further £10,000 reduction before completion. During his two terms, Quentin has proven his business and financial skills to the benefit of the Association.

James Quaife
Chair 2008–09 (second term, see also 2006–07)
During this term as Chair was involved in talks with other organisations about possible co-operation, but no change. Also, following discussions with the Society for the Environment considered that the Association apply for Chartered status, but the Privy Council thought the Institute of Chartered Foresters was the over-arching industry body and perhaps could not see the wood for the trees or the difference between forestry and arboriculture. (See also next entry.)

Dr Jon Heuch BSc For, PhD, MICFor, RCArborAChair 2009–10
Born 1957 and graduated from Aberdeen University with a BSc and PhD Forestry. Spent some years overseas in Nepal, Fiji and other countries before returning to UK. Came relatively late into arboriculture in 2000. Established Duramen Consultancy at Charing, Ashford, Kent: often involved in legal cases where expert opinion is required. An examiner for the RFS Dip Arb and a membership assessor for the Institute of Chartered Foresters. Along with chairs Jim Quaife and Peter Holloway, was involved in significant issues affecting the Association between 2008 and 2011 including planning for the new headquarters at The Malthouse, transfer of the Journal from ABA Publishing to Taylor & Francis and digitising all back copies to make them available online, and changes to the Approved Contractor Scheme application process to the benefit of smaller firms.

Peter Holloway BSc For, FArborA, RCArborA, CEnv
Chair 2010–11 (first term, see also 2012–13)
Born 1962. Became Arboricultural Officer at Westminster City Council. Then went to Gristwood and Toms as Technical Manager. Since 2005 an Arboricultural Consultant at Rootcause, Enfield, London. First term as Chair dominated by refurbishment of The Malthouse. (See also previous entry.) As a Trustee, was part of the London Tree Officers Association working group on Massaria.

Martyn David Owen Thomas BSc Chemistry, Chartered Director
Chair 2011–12
Born 1956. Has held several business management roles in multinational companies including as Managing Director of Stihl GB when the company sponsored the ARB Show and the Contractors Directory. This made him aware of the importance of the Association and in 2008 was co-opted as a Trustee to bring in his expertise of the commercial world and management. During his year as Chair, the Association completed the move to The Malthouse with an opening ceremony in July 2012. Led the recruitment process for the new chief executive, appointed a new lead assessor for the Registered Consultant Scheme, membership grew by 17% and revised the Approved Contractor Scheme. Although not a qualified tree man, certainly proved his worth to the Association with his specialist business expertise. Now retired and living in Wales overlooking the sea and raising money for the RNLI; the lifeboats’ gain is our loss.

Peter Holloway
Chair 2012–13 (second term, see also 2010–11)
Peter’s second term saw completion of refurbishment at The Malthouse and negotiation with HMSO to take on the publishing rights to Research for Amenity Trees series. Government attempts to eradicate oak processionary moth evolved into a containment programme and ash dieback had started to have an impact. A sidecar motocross fan from childhood when he watched his dad race. Interested in film ever since watching all-night movies at the Scala, Kings Cross, many years ago.

Father Ian Keen supporting son Jago (showing his best side - No. 50) with the Ferrari at Brands Hatch.

Jago Trevelyan Keen DipArb RFS, MSc Nature Conservation
Chair 2013–16 (three-year term)
Fourth generation of tree men in the Keen family: great-grandfather and grandfather Joseph both foresters and father Ian a forester/arboriculturist. Ian and Jago were the first (and so far, only) father and son to hold the office of Association Chair (see Ian Keen 1984–86). Now Director of Keen Consultants based in Fleet, Hampshire. 2014 was the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Association and Jago helped stage an event at Hilliers Arboretum where the Association adopted an area of the arboretum and offered a chance to meet old friends for afternoon tea. During his terms in office, he ensured the Association was the voice of arboriculture, helped by the staff, other Trustees and both Karen Martin and Stewart Wardrop as CEOs. Like others in his family, he had a horse but that’s now changed to more horsepower with a Ferrari racing car (see photograph). Born 1970.

Keith Sacre MSc Arb & Urban For, BSc Arb and BSc Social Science, Dip Business Management
Chair 2016–18 (two-year term and still a Trustee)
Formerly with Notcutts Nursery, now Director of Barcham Trees, the largest container-grown tree suppliers in Europe and with two Royal Appointments, based in Ely, Cambridgeshire. Only the second Chair from the nursery sector of the industry. Co-founder of Treeconomics, lead author for BS8545 2014: Trees from Nursery to Independence in the Landscape and has written four advisory manuals on young tree production, management and maintenance. Has spoken at conferences in the USA, Australia, Russia and Europe. Received the Association Award in 2014.

Jaime Bray DipArb RFS, MICfor, MArborA
Chair 2018–20 (two-year term)
A Chartered Arboriculturist with Treetop Arboriculture in Coventry for 28 years. Founder Chair of the Association’s Arborist Working Group (AWG). Supported development of the Industry Code of Practice: Tree Work at Height and the Association’s Technical Guides, including negotiations with Health and Safety Executive. Term as Chair included the start of the pandemic, which meant Zoom meetings and supporting CEO Stewart Wardrop. Enjoys outdoor leisure activities, especially rugby – he coaches children, including his own, up to English Champions level.

Michelle Ryan in the palace gardens, Madrid.

Michelle Ryan BSc Hons Arb, MArborA, MICFor
Chair 2020 to present
First woman and by far the youngest Chair of the Association, also founder and first Chair of the Association’s Women in Arboriculture group. Born in Yorkshire in 1987 and now living in Buckinghamshire. An arboricultural and landscape professional but also with a genuine interest in and passion for people and is trained to help colleagues who may be facing mental health issues as part of SCN (Supporting Colleagues Network). Worked for JCA Ltd as a technician and Tyler Grange and AECOM as a consultant. Since 2019, employed with Transport of London as Senior Engineering Leader: Arboriculture and Landscape. Her extended role as Chair of Trustees has included appointment of John Parker as Chief Executive and ensuring good liaison between the Board of Trustees and staff, particularly during the pandemic. A key area has been governance, to improve the dynamics of the Board and its relationship to the staff and members. Also, updated the Articles of Association. Not a lot of time for other activities but Michelle does enjoy fixing her recently purchased house and gardening.

Association of British Tree Surgeons and Arborists 1963–74

Tom Wilson
Chair 1963–64 (see above, 1970–72)

Bill Matthews
Chair 1964–66 (see above, 1986–88)

A.G. (Jim) Beeching
Chair 1966–68
Started his tree surgery company, Beeching of Ash Ltd, near Guildford after being demobbed from the army at the end of the Second World War. Improved his knowledge of trees by talking to staff at the nearby Alice Holt Research Station. As Chair, he was instrumental in forming contacts with Merrist Wood College, also nearby, and from that, the formation of education and training and the annual conferences. Always a keen sailor and on retirement helped build yachts and sailed the oceans. Cousin of Dr Richard Beeching who, as Chair of British Rail, made drastic cuts to British Rail routes in the early 1960s. I can’t find out what his initials A.G. stood for, but he was always known as Jim.

Peter Martyn Honey FArborA
Chair 1968–70
Peter and his brother Tony formed Honey Bros Ltd in 1955, a tree surgery business based near Guildford. In the 1970s they also opened a tree surgery and forestry equipment sales company. Peter, along with other southern-based tree surgery companies, formed the ABTSA in 1963 and he was very much involved with its development and successful conferences at Merrist Wood. Succeeded by two sons: Martyn, who took over the surgery and sales, and Michael, who became an arboricultural consultant. A keen follower of the turf, especially at Fontwell Park, and rescued retired racing greyhounds. Born 1930, died 1995.

Conrad W. Jorgensen FArbor A
Chair 1970–72
Born in Denmark and developed Northern Tree Surgeons, based in Keithley, Yorkshire, an ABTSA Approved Contractor. One of the founder members of the Arboricultural Association. Vice Consul for Denmark at Bradford and Leeds and honoured by the Queen of Denmark with the Order of Knight of the Danneborg.

Tom Wilson
Chair 1972–74, second term (see above, 1970–72)

Jean Leslie (left) and Alison King in the Association’s offices at Ampfield House, Romsey, 1989. Ampfield is the home of Hilliers Nurseries; Robert Hillier helped the Association establish an office there.

Peter Honey (left) of Honey Bros – a major supplier of chainsaws – wins a chainsaw in the conference raffle, and not for the first time! Fred Worrall is on the right. Loughborough, 1985. (Photo: Peter Spurway)

Arboricultural Association Award holders 1982–2023

Each year since 1982 the Arboricultural Association Award has been presented to recognise significant contributions to the arboricultural industry or profession. This is the list of recipients to date.

Dr Tom Hall (left) receiving the award in 1983 from Professor Gordon King and Dr Alex Shigo. (Photo: Peter Spurway)

Alan Mitchell receiving the award from Robert Hiller, Treasurer, in 1984.

Caroline Davis receiving the award from the Mayoress of Exeter, 1997.

Tony Kirkham received the Award in 2019 and also became a Vice President of the Association. Left to right: Stewart Wardrop, CEO, Tony Kirkham, Keith Sacre.

Jill Butler receiving the award from Michelle Ryan, Chair, at a socially distanced presentation in 2020.

Year	Recipient
1982	Hugh Insley
1983	Dr Thomas H.R. Hall
1984	Alan Mitchell
1985	Derek Patch
1986	Dr Giles Biddle
1987	Peter H. Bridgeman
1988	Hubert Taylor
1989	Professor A.D. Bradshaw, Dr Alex Shigo
1990	Bill Matthews
1991	Trevor Preston
1992	Paul G. Collis, Peter Honey
1993	Professor Fred Last, John F. Chaplin
1994	Robert T. Hillier, Roy Finch
1995	Jean Berry
1996	Robert G. Strouts
1997	Caroline Davis
1998	Jack Kenyon
1999	Dr David Lonsdale
2000	Rodney Helliwell
2001	Jeremy Barrell
2002	Dr Claus Mattheck
2003	Ted Green
2004	Rhoderic Taylor
2005	Mike Ellison
2006	Simon Richmond
2007	Liam McKeown
2008	Ray Strong
2009	Neville Fay
2010	Paul Akers
2011	Dr Mark Johnston
2012	Mick Boddy
2013	Steve Bullman
2014	Keith Sacre
2015	John Harraway
2016	Dave Dowson
2017	Dr Glynn Percival
2018	Pete Wells
2019	Tony Kirkham
2020	Jill Butler
2021	Professor Lynne Boddy
2022	Andy Summerley
2023	Chris Knapman

Conferences 1967–2024

This article was taken from Issue 206 Autumn 2024 of the ARB Magazine, which is available to view free to members by simply logging in to the website and viewing your profile area.