Newquay’s seven acre community space has a new person at the helm to help bring its projects to fruition.
Charlotte Hill has been appointed as the new CEO of Newquay Orchard, which provides environmental education, mental health services, community events, office space aswell as employability training.
She takes over from Luke and Amelia Berkeley who helped establish the Orchard in 2015 and is now cared for by more than 600 volunteers.
Charlotte promises to keep the heart and soul of the Orchard while looking to the future. Her vision for the project includes building on the foundation laid by her predecessors, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and community impact.
Charlotte grew up in Cornwall and has over three decades of experience in community economic development, most recently in the Together for Families directorate at Cornwall Council leading the National Lottery Community Fund Headstart Kernow Programme for Cornwall Council and a brief spell working as a freelancer with Cornwall VSF, Eden Project and Exeter University.
Her extensive involvement includes volunteering in the community, co-founding the School for Social Entrepreneurs Cornwall CIC, and holding director roles for organisations such as Cornwall Rural Housing Association and Active Plus CIC.
Charlotte has made a significant impact on the community’s well-being, from setting up one of the first credit unions in Cornwall to co-founding the School for Social Entrepreneurs Cornwall CIC.
She has been a director, a junior academy trust governor, and a youth mentor. Charlotte is now bringing her wealth of experience to lead the Newquay Orchard into anew chapter.
Charlotte said: “Let’s make Newquay Orchard a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone. Whether you’re working here, volunteering, or just dropping by for a bit of nature connection or a tasty treat in our lovely cafe.”
Luke said: “What an emotional farewell to Newquay Orchard with a feeling of great pride looking back at how this wonderful community has come together to achieve miracles over the last 10 years.
“While it’s been an incredibly difficult decision for Amelia Berkeley and I, it’s definitely the right one. We leave the Orchard in the strongest position it’s ever been in, with such an exciting future ahead with the amazing Charlotte Hill at the helm.
“The Orchard has had a positive impact on so many people, but no more so than me personally. Being bipolar, the gift of personal growth and salvation that this magical place has given me is overwhelming. I will be eternally grateful to every person who has been a part of it.”