Adrian Roche

Joined 1990
Garden and Grounds Manager

Adrian ‘Ade’ Roche joined Keble as a groundsman on 1 March 1990. And in the last 29 years, no-one could accuse him of letting the grass grow under his feet—never have the hallowed Keble quads looked so good.

It takes endless patience, dedication and teamwork to keep the grass so pristine. Self-deprecating and modest, Ade has overseen the challenges of a major re-turfing of Liddon and also the laying of the new lawns at The H B Allen Centre, a major challenge given that they are planted on the basement roof, just a few feet above the occupants’ heads.

It’s not just the quads that come under Ade’s exacting supervision; the sports ground, Binsey Boatyard and the squash courts are Ade’s home turf too.

Oxford born and bred, Ade’s other passions include football and golf—he is never far from the green or grass. He has had a season ticket to Oxford United games since he was 12 years old and played for a local league team and for the College team until hanging up his boots in 2008. He hopes one day when he eventually retires to play on the famous Old Course at St Andrews.

He also ensures he is on hand for the Ghosts football and rugby matches in Michaelmas and relishes the chance to meet up with old teammates:

“Having played football with them for many years, I got to know some very well, treat most of them like mates and blame them for my injuries and early retirement from the game!”