Alan Titchmarsh MBE VMH DL

Biography

Alan Titchmarsh MBE VMH DL began his gardening career as an apprentice at the age of 15 before moving into print and broadcast journalism. He is a much-loved television presenter and writer, regularly contributing to newspapers and magazines, and has written nine novels, three volumes of autobiography and more than 50 gardening books.

Alan was appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to horticulture and broadcasting in 2000, and four years later was awarded the RHS’s highest accolade, the Victoria Medal of Honour. In 2009, he was made a Vice President of the RHS and in 2013 became the society’s first Ambassador. He is patron or president of over 50 charities and organisations, and is an Ambassador for The Prince’s Trust and Prince’s Countryside Fund.

Alan’s own charity – Gardens for Schools – merged with the RHS’ Campaign for School Gardening 10 years ago and has made over 500 grants to primary schools for the creation of gardens and wildlife areas. He’s also heavily involved with Horticap – which offer horticultural training and employment for people with learning disabilities.

The University of Winchester officially welcomed Alan Titchmarsh MBE as the institution’s new Chancellor during a formal installation ceremony held in October 2015.

“We are honoured and delighted to welcome Alan as our new Chancellor,” said Professor Joy Carter, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Winchester. “Alan is joining us at an exciting time of growth and change; we have a huge amount to be proud of and a firm foundation from which to build the future. His values and beliefs are closely aligned to those of the University – intellectual freedom, social justice, diversity, spirituality, individuals matter and creativity. I look forward to working with him in the coming years.”

In December 2021, the University bid a warm farewell to Alan, who came to the end of his term in office as its Chancellor after six years. Alan will continue to be part of the University family as Chancellor Emeritus.

"Being Chancellor of the University of Winchester has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life," said Alan.