First Impressions

Andrew, our new CEO, reflects on his first month at the helm of Tuppenny Barn.

Before I begin, I’m conscious that I’m stepping into an important story rather than starting a new one. I want to thank Maggie for the extraordinary vision, care and determination that have shaped Tuppenny Barn over so many years. She has built far more than a charity. She has created a place where people, nature and community flourish together. It was especially fitting that Maggie’s dedication was recognised with her BEM presentation at Tuppenny Barn, surrounded by our community.

What a month to start my journey! With temperatures in the polytunnels approaching 50°C, keeping our staff and volunteers safe became our top priority. A huge thank you to everyone who came in early to water, crop and care for the gardens during those scorching days. Despite the heat, every walk around the site confirms what a special place Tuppenny Barn is. I find myself smiling as I discover its rhythms, from conversations over elevenses to impromptu chats among the flower beds.

Nature doesn’t stand still

The gardens are full of life, though not always the sort we’d choose! The lavender is alive with bumblebees and butterflies and we have baby slow worms in our compost heap, wonderful examples of our role in supporting wildlife. Meanwhile, I was introduced to a less welcome visitor: flea beetles, which have a big appetite for our brassicas.

Alongside watering, the gardening team are waging a constant battle against weeds, which are thriving in the heat. Summer abundance means our cropping team barely has time to catch its breath, with cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, plums and berries all arriving at once. It’s incredibly satisfying to see the week’s harvest laid out in the shop, knowing it travelled just a few metres from our growing beds.

Opening our gates

Alongside all this activity, we’ve been making new connections and strengthening old ones. It was a pleasure to host representatives from the Ernest Kleinwort and Gerald Micklem Charitable Trusts, whose support helps make our Sunflowers programme possible. I also met with local council representatives and a large local employer to explore future partnerships.

Inspiring the next generation

Watching children discover Tuppenny is a joy. Seeing the curiosity of pupils from Padnell Junior School and Jessie Younghusband Primary School in my first week showed me why education is such an important part of what we do. Our fantastic education team helps young people discover where food comes from while developing skills and building confidence through nature.

Honouring service and supporting veterans

We received a lovely photograph of Maggie and Janina, one of our Veterans Bloom ladies, representing Tuppenny Barn at the Armed Forces Covenant. Together with attending the Veterans Outreach drop-in in Portsmouth, it highlighted how important our work is in creating connection and community for veterans.

Volunteers: Our driving force

A busy summer week highlights how interwoven everything is here. Every part relies on another, and every person plays their part. Our staff leads an incredible team of volunteers, and I wanted to shine a light on just a few who represent the many others giving their time, skills and enthusiasm.

Keeping traditions growing

Antonio has been with us almost since the beginning. This month he’s been plaiting garlic for the shop, a small task that reflects the care, craftsmanship and continuity our volunteers bring year after year.

Building for the future

Adrian and Peter are behind many of the improvements visitors see, most recently completing the soft fruit cage while keeping the site maintained throughout the summer.

Preserving the harvest

Every Friday morning, “The Jammers” transform our produce into jams, chutneys and cakes, so the harvest can be enjoyed long after the season ends. I’m particularly fond of the beetroot and rhubarb ketchup … and, of course, the cakes!

Caring for the orchard

Our Friday volunteer work parties spent hot days thinning apples to help produce a healthier crop later in the year. I am incredibly grateful for their commitment.

What continues to impress me is the quiet dedication that keeps everything moving. Whether welcoming school groups, supporting beneficiaries, preserving our harvest, or representing Tuppenny Barn, it’s the people who make it all happen. Whether your contribution is seen by hundreds or happens quietly behind the scenes, thank you. Every role matters, and together you make Tuppenny Barn the special place it is.

Beyond Tuppenny

Away from Tuppenny Barn, I visited the Goodwood Education Trust and Airbus. They couldn’t have been more different, yet both reminded me that curiosity, innovation and education go hand in hand.

I’ve also enjoyed meeting charities and community organisations through events such as the VAAC networking meeting. For a small charity, these relationships are invaluable, helping us share ideas, build partnerships and strengthen our place within the wider community.  

Growing Together

Looking back over my first month, my biggest discovery has been that nothing at Tuppenny Barn happens in isolation. Our programmes, gardens, shop and visits are all closely linked and our volunteers, staff and supporters make it all possible.

Our gardens grow far more than fruit and vegetables. They grow confidence, friendships, skills and wellbeing. Our impact is found in conversations over tea, in trying something new, in friendships that grow alongside the gardens, and in the shared belief that small actions can make a real difference.

A message we received from FoodCycle is a simple reminder that what begins in our gardens reaches far beyond them:

As I finish my first month, I’d simply like to say thank you. I’ve been made to feel incredibly welcome, and I’m excited to discover what we’ll grow together in the months ahead.