2017 Craftsman’s Award

he Company, represented by the Chairman of the Awards Council, presented the 2017 Craftsman’s Award to James Dewhurst at the Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. James started at le Manoir as a temporary gardener but soon impressed his colleagues with his dedicated hard work and his thirst for knowledge. Indeed the assessor for his sprayer operator training said that James scored 100% in his assessment, completing it in almost record-breaking time and was a pleasure to work with. James quickly became an invaluable asset, rising to the position of Senior Gardener, with particular responsibility for the establishment and success of the organic orchard. James has become an expert not just in the cultivation of organic apples and pears but in their flavours and other eating characteristics. It was a great pleasure to meet James, tour the orchard with him and hear how the chefs use the wide variety of fruits that are produced.