Bill Sowerbutts
(1911-1990)

Gardeners Question Time (1947) The first programme of Gardeners Question Time was broadcast from the Broadoak Hotel in the 'singing room' on April 9th 1947. Originally named "How does you garden grow?", it was an offshoot of the war time Dig for Victory campaign. On the first panel were Bill Sowerbutts, Fred Loads, Tom Clark and Dr E. W. Sansome. The programme is still broadcast today to thousands of listeners.

The Broadoak Hotel, 69 Broadoak Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne, United Kingdom where they broadcasted (1947)

Bill Sowerbutts (1911-1990) broadcaster and market gardener. Bill became a very talented vegetable grower from an early age. He rose to fame in 1947 with his regular appearances on the famous radio show "Gardeners Question Time" which he did for 36 years. Bill loved his 10 acre wildlife garden here at his home in 'Etherow Lodge'. This garden was transferred to Tameside Council in 1984 for the public to enjoy.

Etherow Lodge, Hollingworth, United Kingdom where they was