On Monday 2nd September 2019, staff, volunteers and guests came together at Newquay Community Orchard for the Breaking Ground Ceremony for the Orchard’s new community building, known as Kowel Gwenen, or ‘The Bee Hive’.
The ceremony saw a selection of the Orchard’s longest serving volunteers, joined by Steve Double MP and Newquay Mayor Rachel Craze, digging up turf together to symbolise the beginning of the project’s groundworks, alongside the team at South West based Classic Builders who will be leading the build over the coming months. Guests were then treated to a lunch cooked by the Food For Change team from Cornwall Food Foundation, who provide a free lunch to orchard volunteers every day using ingredients grown in our Grow Space.
Steve Double MP, who planted a hazel tree at the Orchard in 2016, talked about the importance of the green space for the town of Newquay. He said: “Newquay Community Orchard has become a real community hub and a vital sanctuary for the local community. It is a real pleasure to be here, sharing the moment the Orchard takes its next steps. This is a wonderful space and one to be treasured.”
Rachel Craze, Mayor of Newquay, said: “Newquay’s community values the work which the team and the volunteers have undertaken to transform these 7 acres in to community space to relax in; to enjoy nature; to picnic; to walk; to grow and to learn; and which provides a much valued green open space for all to enjoy.”
The community building will be developed to create a shared space for community groups, volunteers and small businesses who wish to use the co-workspace. The new addition of the community building, as well as the coming amphitheatre, will not only secure the future of Newquay Community Orchard but provide a wealth of opportunities for the local economy and a place for art and passion to thrive.
Luke Berkeley, Managing Director of Newquay Community Orchard, said: “These developments are the culmination of 5 years hard work by our local community and I’m so very proud of how it’s come together.”
“A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us, celebrated with us and shared our journey. Here’s to an incredibly exciting year ahead.”