STAFF and volunteers past and present gathered in the grounds of Gilbert White’s House in Selborne to watch former head gardener David Standing unveil a bench to mark his 38 years service to the musuem.

He retired from his post in May and a museum spokesman said: “David Standing often jokes that he first came to Gilbert White’s to do a few ‘odd jobs’, however much of the current layout of Gilbert White’s garden is thanks to his hard work as gardener and his research as an expert in White and gardening in the 18th Century.

“His infectious enthusiasm for the garden and charisma has inspired visitors, staff and volunteers over the past few decades. His jokes and charisma were very much an addition to the appeal of the garden.”

Rose Malyon, the current garden manager, recalls her first memories of Mr Standing.

“I first visited Gilbert White’s garden more than 30 years ago and met a very erudite and enthusiastic young man whose passion for this garden was an inspiration. Later, I became a volunteer and I soon began to share that passion.

“What I remember most is how much we laughed, even at David’s dreadful puns and we were laughing so much we almost forgot the sheer impossibility of keeping up with a garden of this size.”

The bench was bought for the garden by donations from staff, volunteers and well wishers. At the unveiling, Mr Standing expressed his love for the garden.

“It really was part of me for so many years,” he said. “And what I really enjoyed was working with staff and volunteers, it was nice to meet so many characters. In gardening everyone seems to be happy, gardening’s got a good bunch, don’t you think?”

Of the bench, he said: “It is magnificent. I’ll come and sit on it from time to time, and hopefully it will be interesting to people who, in years to come, will think ‘who the heck was he?’”

The museum spokeman said of the event: “The number of people who were able to come and the host of well wishers were very much a testament to how loved David is among the team at Gilbert White’s House, and how much the museum and garden team will look forward to him returning periodically!”