A memorial bench has been installed in the garden of Beccles Library in memory of a gardening expert and popular greengrocer.

John Foster, who died aged 83 in July 2021, was well known in Beccles where he and his wife, Brenda, ran a flower, fruit, and vegetable shop in New Market for 18 years.

He would also open his garden to the public each spring to show his stunning display of snowdrops growing in his home village of Redisham.

Mr Foster was involved with Beccles Town Council and the Beccles in Bloom working party and was instrumental in starting the Beccles Traders Association.

To recognise his commitment and dedication to the town, Beccles Business and Traders Association, Beccles Library and the Pride in Beccles Council Committee honoured his work by purchasing a commemorative bench and plaque for a tribute in the library's garden.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: John and Brenda Foster in their garden, taken in 2016John and Brenda Foster in their garden, taken in 2016 (Image: Nick Butcher)

 

For many years he also organised the Friday night Christmas Street Party in Beccles.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Members of the public enjoy Snow drop day in the gardens of John and Brenda Foster in Redisham. John Foster (left) with his neighbour Michael Broadhurst taken in 2015Members of the public enjoy Snow drop day in the gardens of John and Brenda Foster in Redisham. John Foster (left) with his neighbour Michael Broadhurst taken in 2015 (Image: Newsquest)

In 1995, Mr Foster retired from the shop to his one-acre garden in Redisham, where he opened the garden twice each year for the National Garden Scheme Nursing charities.

He was widely respected for his outstanding knowledge of plants and their cultivation.

At the time of his death his family had said in a tribute: "He was a source of support and full of advice to help others, but he didn't like, or want to be in, the limelight.

"He was modest and hated anything ostentatious, extravagant or commercial.

"He was calm, patient and level-headed. He liked his routine and was always right.

"He had a twinkle in his eyes, a quick wit and sense of humour."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Beccles and Bungay challenge at Bungay Horticultural Show in 2005. The Beccles team (from left) John Foster, Kathy Jolley and Colleen Paterson. Photo Bill DarnellBeccles and Bungay challenge at Bungay Horticultural Show in 2005. The Beccles team (from left) John Foster, Kathy Jolley and Colleen Paterson. Photo Bill Darnell (Image: Bill Darnell)

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Beccles & Bungay Journal: John and Brenda Foster of Gable House, Redisham, with the sundial presented to them by the National Gardens Scheme for opening their garden for 40 years.John and Brenda Foster of Gable House, Redisham, with the sundial presented to them by the National Gardens Scheme for opening their garden for 40 years. (Image: Submitted)

Mr Foster remained an active member on the committee of Beccles in Bloom until July 2021, maintaining the library garden.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: John and Brenda Foster have raised more than £40,000 for the National Garden Scheme over the past 40 years by inviting visitors to view their display of snowdrops John and Brenda Foster have raised more than £40,000 for the National Garden Scheme over the past 40 years by inviting visitors to view their display of snowdrops (Image: Nick Butcher)

Born in Enfield, London, during the early years of the Second World War he was evacuated to Cambridge with his brother David.

Mr Foster returned to London, and went to agricultural college after leaving school.

Following National Service in the RAF, he worked on a dairy farm before moving to the Waveney Valley.