Radio and TV’S Jo will officially open new garden centre

THE new Dobbies store in Tewkesbury will be opened by radio and TV star Jo Whiley.

The music-loving broadcaster will welcome the public from 10am today.

Also present as the store opens just off the M5 will be ITV’S This Morning gardening presenter Daisy Payne.

Children from Ashchurch Primary School have been invited as well.

Jo said: “I’m really looking forward to officially opening this amazing new store and can’t wait to enjoy the full Dobbies Tewkesbury experience. “Having collaborated with Dobbies over the last few months, and as a passionate gardener, it’s exciting to see what this new store will offer.”

Daisy said: “We’ve seen in recent years how many more people have come to value and enjoy their garden space, no matter how big or small. Dobbies Tewkesbury will be a fantastic asset for those looking to enhance their windowsill, courtyard or sprawling lawn.”

Both Jo and Daisy are Dobbies ambassadors.

Also present will be the Tewkesbury town crier, Mike Kean Price, and Tewkesbury borough mayor, Councillor John Murphy.

Jo Whiley presents music shows on BBC Radio 2 and is a familiar face with the BBC’S Glastonbury TV coverage.

Daisy Payne is a gardener, TV presenter and the proud owner of an allotment, widely known for her Instagram @Gardentogarnish.

The 70,000 sq ft centre, based just off Junction 9 of the M5 at Ashchurch, will open today (November 3) at 10am and underlines Dobbies’ ongoing investment across the UK.

It is one of the company’s biggest stores to date and the largest in south-west England.

The new Dobbies store is the first phase of a major development, brought together by Robert Hitchins Ltd, which also includes the forthcoming Cotswolds Designer Outlet, expected to open in 2024, and 1,310 homes being built to the south.

The whole development is sited in a prime location for drivers, and is close to Ashchurch for Tewkesbury railway station.