A BID has been launched to create a special memorial garden at Malvern’s Three Counties Showground as a tribute to local basketball and rugby legend Ken Nottage.
Ken, who passed away aged 64 in November, was the CEO of the Three Counties Agricultural Society for 11 years.
His dedicated service to the Agricultural Society saw him oversee the Three Counties Shows as well as many charity events and schemes, before retiring from his post at the end of 2022.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise the £36,000 needed to build the garden.
So far, around £3,800 has been raised.
Ken was also a professional basketball player, playing for Newcastle Eagles before taking over the club in 1999.
During his tenure, Ken turned the Newcastle Eagles into the most successful British basketball team of all time.
He was also the managing director of Gloucester Rugby for 13 years, helping them to top the league three times and lift three trophies.
The memorial garden will be a permanent feature at the South Gate entrance of the Showground.
It has been designed by Peter Dowle of Leaf Creative Gardens, a long-standing friend and colleague of Ken.
This garden will be landscaped and will have seating for visitors to enjoy views of the Malvern Hills.
Anyone who donates will have a commemorative thank you plaque in the garden.
The Three Counties Agricultural Society was established in 1797 and aims to promote agriculture, horticulture and arboriculture within Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
It also runs the 90-acre Three Counties Showground, which is based in Malvern, which welcomes over 1million visitors a year.
A spokesperson for the Society said: “Ken served as CEO of our organisation with consummate professionalism and charisma for 11 years, touching countless lives through his dedicated service.
“Ken’s visionary leadership laid the groundwork for the enduring prosperity of the Three Counties Showground and the Agricultural Society, ensuring a vibrant future for our rural communities.
“We invite you to help us create a living tribute befitting Ken’s extraordinary legacy by extending whatever contribution you can.
“Your generosity will help bring to life a stunning garden meticulously designed to pay homage to a legendary figure.”
Visit www.gofundme.com/f/ken-nottage-memorial-garden-at-showground to donate.
