'Good Apple' John Maunder tops England's Volunteer of the Year Award

The Green Flag Award Scheme is delighted to announce that the England 2018 Volunteer of the Year has been won by John Maunder, Lead Volunteer at Newquay Community Orchard, Cornwall. John was nominated by Jack Greaves, Community Engagement Officer at the Orchard, which was established in 2015.

John has been a volunteer with Newquay Community Orchard since May 2017 and shortly after starting, his constant hard work and dedication led to his promotion to Lead Horticultural Volunteer. By offering his time at the site so frequently John has also been using his photography skills to capture the biodiversity and wildlife of the Orchard.

John’s commitment to taking extra time to go through tasks and activities with new volunteers has meant that the Orchard maintains it’s positive social atmosphere, and as Luke Berkley, Managing Director says:

“It’s like being part of a big family, and that’s really special”

Despite not having a formal background in horticulture or food growing, John has done a lot of the research himself to learn new skills.  The team spirit of the Orchard has also meant John has learnt a lot from others that he has in turn passed on to new recruits in his own supportive style. John struggles with his reading and writing, however he has not let this get in the way of his huge contribution, which makes the Orchard such a fantastic place to visit, learn and volunteer for local residents and the surrounding community.

John said:

“The award was a complete surprise, I had tears in my eyes! I really enjoy my days at the Orchard, it’s an amazing project.”

Carl McClean, International Development Manager for the Green Flag Award said:

“It was an honour to visit John and the whole team at Newquay Community Orchard to present the Award. John is one example of a great many volunteers across the country that contribute so much of their time to local communities through parks and green spaces. Congratulations”

 

Newquay Community Orchard is a multi-functional community asset that is designed to deliver education, horticultural therapy, community events, food security and environmentally sustainable economic growth to Cornwall. 

To find out more visit: www.newquayorchard.co.uk