Goodricke to name tea after worker - Oldest surviving garden hand to be felicitated during estate’s 150th year celebrations

Purney Subba at Margaret's Hope tea garden

TT: "The garden was owned by an English gentleman, Mr Bagdon. His wife and two daughters had come to visit Darjeeling. 

The youngest daughter Margaret was in love with the property because of its scenic beauty. She had promised to visit the garden again before she left for England but unfortunately, she fell sick and died during her journey home. 

Mr Bagdon renamed the garden as Margaret's Hope in memory of his daughter," said Pande. The garden was renamed sometime in the 1890s. 

The Goodricke Group took over the estate in 1984. The estate, 25km from Darjeeling town, is spread over 586 hectares.

For the 150th year celebration, "we will distribute souvenirs to all workers. Purney Subba tea will be launched that day. A.N. Singh, the managing director of Goodricke Group, will announce a number of welfare schemes," Pande said.

Senior officials of Camellia PLC, the parent company of Goodricke Group, based in the UK, would attend the programme.

"A group of dedicated buyers from across the world will also be present," said Pande.

Margaret's Hope tea is also sold at Harrod's outlets.

Pande said workers of the garden are encouraged to send their children to school.

"We also give Peter Lagget Memorial Scholarship to five top students every year. The scholarship is named after the former chairman of Goodricke Group," he said. The estate also awards 50 workers based on their performance every year.

The Goodricke Group also owns Thurbo, Badamtam, Banersberg and Caselton in the hills.