FOR THE LOVE OF LETTUCE
F. JACKSON & SON F Jackson & Son grew from the Market Garden originally owned by Hugh Dolman. Hugh had a son, Les Dolman, who died in WW1 and a daughter who married Fred Jackson. Fred was a Market Gardening Labourer who worked extremely hard and had big ambitions, he was determined to make a successful business for his wife and family. Fred’s brother, Joe Jackson, had a Market Garden on The Common. Fred and Mary Jackson, Richard Jackson’s grandparents, bought Hawthorn House in March 1912 and they moved-in in May 1912 and repaid the loan to buy it by 1916. Fred’s son Joe Jackson was born in 1937 and worked with his father until taking over the business when Fred retired. Fred’s daughter Alice also worked on the land until she married Alan Dunnicliffe. Fred Jackson’s grandson, Richard Jackson, joined his father Joe on the land and still runs the Market Garden at Hawthorn House, which having moved with the times continues to thrive. In the second half of the twentieth century Jacksons had 30 acres, with some land cropped twice a year. During Richard’s lifetime there have been many changes but Richard still loves working on the land. He recalls someone advising him when he left school to “do what you enjoy” and over 30 years 8
later Richard says all the hard work is worthwhile when you see the results over the summer. Seeing seeds grow into exciting crops and getting feedback from customers makes it all worthwhile. Richard currently uses 12 acres of his land for Market Gardening, some land is still cropped twice a year. The remaining land is let for cereals and horses. F. Jackson and Son used to sell mainly through wholesale markets, however to survive in an increasingly competitive market Richard has diversified and in addition to the wholesale markets, produce is sold direct to pubs, restaurants, cafes, children’s nurseries, and to the public. Richard and his wife, Jane, now supply weekly Veg Boxes in Melbourne, Wilson, Breedon, Castle Donington and Chellaston. Jackson’s has stands at Farmers’ Markets most weekends, and at The Food Assembly in Derby, Matlock and Nottingham. Thanks to Richard’s love of unusual vegetables, his regular customers are treated to a huge variety of produce which are unlikely to be found on supermarket shelves. en-gb.facebook.com/fjacksonandson 07768 866181