As well as fun, love and romance, there were a fair few tears in the Flower Market on Valentine's Day, as Graeme Diplock, Director of Green & Bloom Flowers, said his goodbyes after 38 years in New Covent Garden Market.
After completing a busy Valentine's Day sales period, an emotional Green & Bloom team including Graeme's stepson Luke Gilbert shared a few drinks to mark the landmark departure of one of the best-known faces at the market.
Luke and Graeme celebrate
Graeme was interviewed by Rosie Wright on Times Radio and Jason Rosam on Riverside Radio and told both that while it was a tough day, on which he had said a fond farewell to so many long-term colleagues, counterparts and customers, he had so many great memories to look back on. Ever the professional, Graeme gave Rosie and Jason the lowdown on the run-up to Valentine's Day 2025 and explained the integral role the Market plays in spreading floral love across London and the South East.
He also told them that "all good things come to an end" and that he was looking forward to not having to get up so early to drive into London, as well as the next chapter in his life.
As Graeme departed from the Market, a familiar face returned: Paul Cockerill coming back after five years working at nearby Creepers Nursery. Paul, who previously had spent 17 years with Evergreen, has joined the Market's newest firm Gardening 4 U By Will to drive sales alongside owner Will and Lucy Furlaneto.
Paul Cockerill (left) and Lucy Furlaneto
"I've been working 4am to midday for the last few years, so the hours certainly aren't a problem," said Paul, as he embarked on his new role. "It's in the blood and it's great to be back. Today was like an old boy's act saying hello again to all the old faces. I'm sure plenty of things have changed, but the people are largely the same, so I'm sure I'll slip back into it pretty easily!"
New Covent Garden Market