In memoriam: Jeffrey Bernhard OBE 1923 - 2023

It is with immense sadness that we learned of the passing of Jeffrey Bernhard OBE. Jeffrey was co-founder of the British Association of Landscape Industries as well as the first Chair in 1971.

A family statement said: "Jeff lived a full life and was thinking and planning to the very end. Having achieved one final milestone in his remarkable time with us, his 100th birthday on 7 August, he passed away quietly in his sleep and is resting peacefully at last.

"Jeffrey leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in the wider Horticultural industry. Many of the now well-known industry bodies including HTA, GCA, IGC, BALI, BGL and ELCA have been significantly influenced by his energetic contributions, his vision and determination. Other organisations have also benefited from his engagement, enthusiasm, and leadership qualities. These included: The Round Table, Rotary, and the Masonic Lodge as well as The Worshipful Company of Gardeners. He was recognised for his significant influence in the Horticultural industry, being awarded an OBE by our late Queen Elizabeth II. Many other impressive awards have been steeped upon him."

Where it all began

It was in 1971 that a handful of luminaries decided that the burgeoning landscape and horticulture industry, with its existing small representative groups, deserved its own dedicated Trade Association. This would exist to raise standards of training and workmanship across the industry, to support its members, and promote them to their potential customers.

Jeffrey Bernhard OBE of Bernhard’s of Rugby (Bernhard’s Nurseries), who was Chair of the Executive Committee of the HTA’s Landscape Group at the time, headed up the steering committee for the new association.

In 1972, with the support of other industry names including Geoffrey Chalk (Managing Director of Gavin Jones Nurseries at the time) and Les Bailey (then Director of Blakedown Nurseries), the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) was born.

Jeffrey continued his active support for the industry and the Association until his retirement in 2008, helping and inspiring countless individuals and businesses along the way. As well as the founding Chair of BALI, Jeffrey was also the inaugural Chair of The BALI Chalk Fund, a position he held until his 90th year. He subsequently continued to be incredibly interested in both his own businesses, as well as the many organisations where he had held the most senior of positions. At the 2022 National Landscape Awards, the Association presented the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award to Jeffrey Bernhard

OBE. Not only was Jeffrey instrumental in the creation and development of the Association, but he also gave thousands of hours of his own time, alongside his own business and personal commitments, to establish the Association.

Wayne Grills, Chief Executive added: "Our deepest condolences are with his family friends. I was extremely saddened to hear of Jeffrey’s passing. He was a real stalwart of our industry and, with a number of colleagues prevalent in the industry at that time, was one of the creators of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI). He provided the direction and the hours it demanded to get the Association off the ground and become a successful voice of the industry.

I had the humble privilege of meeting with and spending time with Jeffrey over the years. He always took a great interest in the Associationmaking sure I was doing my job right on behalf of members and always liked to hear what was new. His tenacious and unstinting work for and on behalf of the many parts of the industry will never be questioned, nor will it be forgotten.’’

Peter Jennins OBE, Chair of the BALI Chalk Fund said: "He was also an iconic and irreplaceable role model and inspirational leader within the Landscape Industry and I, together with many others in the industry, feel hugely privileged and honoured to have been amongst his many friends and associates. He will be much missed and long remembered."

Tackle the lot with Toro. Commercial mowers for all conditions.

Choose essential productivity, durability and all-season versatility with Toro’s range of groundscare machinery. With heavy-duties, triple flails and cylinders and rotaries, you’re all set. And they’re available for immediate delivery.

reesinkturfcare.co.uk

Get MORE from your turfcare partner this year: More products . More advice . More training . More finance