Volunteer profile
Age: 55 Background: A retired BT Project Manager who moved to Cornwall in 1999. I am not a botanist or an expert naturalist, but just love the countryside. Born in Exeter, spent my early years on Dartmoor (attended primary school at Chagford) then moved to Enfield Lock as a five-year-old, close to Royal Small Arms factory (noisy rifle testing all day long) and the Brimsdown power station (smoky), and the peaceful countryside never lost it appeal!
Married, lived initially at Woodford then Chingford (and Epping Forest became a focus for my interest). Discovered the "Wildlife Trust" movement during the mid-80s on a day-trip to Fingringhoe, Colchester (Essex Trust HQ). There was no local group in the Epping Forest area until 1992 and that's when I got involved, becoming Treasurer and later organising events and monitoring planning applications.
My specialist interests, if you can call them that, are
What hobbies do you have?:
I enjoy music, and accompany the junior singers of Mylor Church. I also enjoy sport, and took up table tennis again after a break of 20 years, helping Mylor win Division 3 of the West Cornwall League last year, and I hope to win 50 per cent of my games in Division 1 this season. Also love walking and am a member of the Ramblers' Association.
Current role:
I am Chairman of the Carrick Committee, and have a responsibility for distributing the magazine in Carrick and co-ordinating local events. The magazine distribution is now a huge job involving nearly 100 helpers, and volunteers to help with all aspects of local group operations are absolutely essential and invaluable. Carrick is now fully represented on Trust Council and committees thanks to willing volunteers.
What concerns you most?:
The perception of the Trust by the general public - we do not have the high profile of the RSPB or the National Trust. We also lack a campaigning arm, and seem to be perceived as a rich organisation, which of course we are not. Perception is all-important.
What do you enjoy doing most?:
I enjoy everything I do - as I am now retired, I don't have to do anything unless I enjoy it! I particularly enjoy meeting the other members of the Trust at our local events.
What advice do you have for other people wanting to volunteer?:
You don't have to be an expert - the Trust needs everyone to help in any way they can, so get in touch with your local group now!
Interview by Caroline Viner
Bob and Pat Bridges with Membership Manager Andrea Toy (left) and Education and Publicity Assistant Jayne Herbert discussing the possibility of combining delivery of the Fox Club mailings with the Trust magazines in Carrick and North Helford; over 1,100 of these are distributed by hand via a network of over 80 deliverers.
Photo: Paul McCartney
