Norman Villis was one of two employees from the University Botanic Garden asked to move and replant the Churchill oak some months after the formal planting ceremony on 17 October 1959. He joined the Botanic Garden in 1957 as a young trainee and was promoted to the position of Propagator. In 1975 he became Garden Supervisor and formed a creative working partnership with Garden Superintendent, Peter Orriss. In 1995, he became Acting Superintendent following Peter Orriss’ retirement.