Jon Greatrex sails into the sunset

30 April 2025

Not many officers can claim to be accomplished in gardening, windsurfing and motorcross, so the Council is saying goodbye to a truly unique individual with the news that Jon Greatrex has retired.

A farewell bash was held at the Alps for the Parks and Open Spaces Officer as he leaves to start another exciting chapter.

Jon began his working life with the Council in 1980, maintaining Dyffryn Gardens, a role he held for five years before moving on to manage various Penarth parks.

In 1989 he was promoted to the role of Horticultural Officer/Contracts Officer for the Leisure and Amenities department of the Council.

Six years later he was seconded to the Welsh Office, in his role as Manager of Dyffryn Gardens, where he took on responsibility for the gardens, plant nursery and gift shop.

Jon then spent 12 years running his own landscaping business, returning to the Council in 2008 as Manager for Victoria Park.

Away from work, he has represented Wales in windsurfing, holding the Barry Windsurfing Association Speed Record in 2005, and was Chairman of Maesteg Motorcross Club in 1988 and 1989.

Neighbourhood Services Manager Adam Sargent said: “I have had the pleasure of working alongside Jon for the past 17 years.

“Jon has always had a can-do attitude and brought positivity, creativity and professionalism to everything he has been involved in, and on many occasions, instigated. 

“No task has ever gotten the better of Jon and he has always brought life, soul and energy to the party. 

“I for one will greatly miss him and I’m sure everyone who has worked with Jon will also miss the “Jon element”!

“All the best Jon, I know you have many, many adventures already planned and will continue to live life to the full.”