Trevor Clackett, a 50-year veteran of Covent Gardens old and new, is retiring in mid-May.

Having started out as a buck at Fyffes Monroe in 1972, aged 17, Trevor moved to SR Allen in 1984, where he was a director for 35 years. The last three years of his career in flowers have been spent with DG Flowers.

“It’s one of those careers where you get into it and you don’t seem to come out,” laughed Trevor. “It’s amazing how you’ve worked with some people for 40 years without realising it. Obviously, it’s not a normal job, but there’s been so much great fun and banter and I’ve made so many good friends.

“The last few years at DG have been brilliant; I’ve enjoyed myself immensely and they are a great bunch of guys. I feel a bit like Michael Corleone in The Godfather – “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in”, but now’s definitely the time for me.

“Driving out of the Market for the last time is going to be strange. I’m going to miss the people, but not the job. I’m looking forward to the time when I don’t wake up in the middle of the night. After this many years, it feels like you’re permanently jet-lagged, but finishing at 10.30 has its benefits, especially when you like golf and pub gardens, like me!” he added.

Trevor is married, with three grown up boys and six grandchildren, and that golf handicap needs tending to. All the best for a long and happy retirement, from everyone at New Covent Garden Market.