A GARDENER who tended the grounds of Louisburg Barracks for 47 years has been remembered in the name of a road on the housing estate which now covers the site.

After the Bordon Herald detailed the reasons why new roads Amherst Place and Eric Tubb Road were so called, in an article on January 17, readers Bill Jordan and Cherry Cray got in touch to tell the story behind Sidney Martin Road.

Linking Station Road to the new section of the A325, and previously the main road into Louisburg Barracks, it is now named after Sidney Martin, of Headley, who kept the area around the barracks looking immaculate until March 1999.

Bill and Cherry said: "Sidney began work as a gardener/labourer at CVHQ REME TA located in Martinique House, which was situated on the right as you approach Bordon from the north and is now signed Molex House.

"Sid, as he was known to the many soldiers and civilians who worked and trained there, was most at home in the open air, surrounded by flora and fauna, keeping barracks tidy and the gardens looking good.

"He was a popular member of staff and, if he took a liking to you, frequently there would be a plant or shrub, complete with notes on how to plant it, waiting for you on arrival at your desk - and plenty of soil.

"When CVHQ moved into Louisburg Barracks, Sid moved with them and took over a much bigger patch.

"He kept the barracks looking tip-top at all times, and one that Command Officers would delight in showing off to their visitors.

"Stories about Sid are numerous, mostly to do with him working outside. Between the two main blocks was a football pitch-size grass lawn surrounded by large trees, Sidney’s pride and joy.

"Come the autumn, this area would be smothered in leaves and Sid could be seen diligently raking them. He would start at one end and work his way to the other end, moving the leaves forward about a yard at a time like a row of guardsmen marching across the parade square. This process was repeated until the whole area was cleared.

"On one notable occasion, after the leaves were raked to the edge, a visiting dignitary flew in by helicopter and rotor downdraft caused the leaves to be redistributed from whence they came.

"Sidney was not happy - in fact he went home and did not return for a couple of days. When he did return, nothing was said.

"The leaves had been picked up by a contractor, who used leaf blowers. After Sid had inspected the job, he declared that it was not a proper job as the grass was pointing in all directions. He never raked that area again, and it never looked as good as when he did it.

"As Sid’s 65th birthday approached, he was advised that retirement was drawing closer - but he was taking no notice.

"Come the big day, he simply ignored retirement and continued to come into work.

"This situation was not allowed to continue and in March 1999, after a large farewell party, he stopped working. Regretfully, this life of retirement did not suit Sidney and, just a few short months later, sadly he passed away.

"His father’s words when he first started working were that it was ’a job for life’, which after 47 years proved to be very true.

"Later, in memory of Sidney Martin, a tree was planted outside the main entrance to the headquarters and his name was inscribed on a plaque.

"When Louisburg Barracks was demolished, Sid’s tree and plaque disappeared. But congratulations must go to the official who, realising that the memorial tree ought to have been retained, ensured a lasting memorial by naming the original entrance road into Louisburg Barracks, Sidney Martin Road."