“My professional career was within local government, so I have had a working life of supporting and serving my local community. I have always been involved with local groups and often take on roles which involve some responsibility within them. These include Rugby Clubs, Beekeeping Associations, School Governing Bodies and those types of organisations. I get a satisfaction from helping my local community and where appropriate, leading projects.

When I moved to Uffculme, some 11 years ago, I immediately got involved with the local voluntary garden composting centre which developed into the inclusion of recycling plastics which I then ended up organising. I also volunteered as an Exam Invigilator with the local School and helped at the local historic textile mill. I then became aware of a small informal group called Uffculme Green Team run by a local retired lady. The object of the group was to raise the issues about climate change locally and support any national campaigns. Over time, this group has grown and developed into a more formal group responsible for projects such as Uffculme Community Fridge, Plastic Free Uffculme, Uffculme Repair Cafe, Uffculme Litter Pickers & Uffculme Green Day, plus many more smaller promotional events.

I have taken on the responsibility of organising some of these projects and we have a fabulous band of volunteers that support us and are part of the Green Team. I get a sense of pride and satisfaction from the community spirit that is generated by our work and the positive response we get from people, families, and households that we support. We never have enough volunteers for all the work we want to do and significantly do not get enough volunteers to step up and take on the organising responsibilities.

Uffculme Green Team were originally linked to Sustainable Tiverton and worked closely with them. At that time, we were aware of CAG but then worked closely with them as we became an independent association. The support offered by CAG has been significant in the progress made by the Green Team. Their website provides valuable guidance and document templates that have been necessary for us to set up a number of our projects. Officers of CAG often visit & involve themselves in our projects in a friendly and supportive way. Wherever possible, there is always tea & cake.”