Rose ace Austin receives OBE
Friday 2nd November 2007, 11:42AM GMT.
Shropshire rose grower David Austin was today off to Buckingham Palace to receive his OBE from the Prince of Wales.
The 81-year-old, who still works full-time at his family firm’s base in Albrighton, was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Hailed as the world’s greatest contemporary rose expert, he established David Austin Roses in 1969 and revolutionised the art of the English rose.
His special skill was to combine the character and fragrance of old garden roses with the repeat flowering ability and wide colour range of modern roses like hybrid teas and floribundas.
In 2003, Mr Austin was awarded the Victoria Medal of Honour by the Royal Horticultural Society.
His first rose, the Constance Spry – named after the flower arranger and cook – was released in 1961. Since then he has released nearly 200 English roses.
Mr Austin said his job was very demanding, but still enjoyed doing it.
Also at Buckingham Palace today was Britain’s top female boxer Jane Couch, 39, who was collecting her MBE.
Shropshire Star on Twitter
Keep updated with the latest breaking news and content on our Twitter feed.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Shropshire Star and Express & Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
Entertainment
All the film reviews
Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new Shropshire Star app
Download the Shropshire Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
shropshirestar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
well earned
Report abuse
Congratulations, David. But remember: every rose has its thorn.
Report abuse