In a significant move for Newquay Orchard – we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Charlotte Hill as our new CEO!
Charlotte grew up in Cornwall, and has over three decades of experience in community economic development. For over 30 years, she’s been the driving force behind community development, working across councils and championing causes close to our hearts. Her passion for improving employment, health inequalities, and happiness in the community have been evident throughout her impressive career, 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 and . With a commitment to addressing health inequalities and improving conditions for children, young people, and families, 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’s been a director, a junior academy trust governor, and a youth mentor. And now, she’s bringing her wealth of experience to lead our beloved Newquay Orchard into an exciting new chapter.
Charlotte’s Vision
We caught up with Charlotte to get the lowdown on her plans. She’s all about building on the amazing work Luke and Amelia started – making Newquay Orchard a shining example of community and sustainable development and all it can offer to everyone, including children, young people and families. She’s passionate about community spaces, involvement and social inclusion and has big plans to develop partnerships with Fentenfenna Farm CIC, Plymouth University, the Duchy of Cornwall and alongside other Newquay-based organisations such as Storehouse, Newquay Day Centre Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Age UK, Volunteer Cornwall and Newquay Food Bank.
Transitioning from Luke and Amelia, who’ve poured a decade of love into Newquay Orchard, is no small feat. But Charlotte will be involving all of us in the decision-making, ensuring we keep the heart and soul of our Orchard intact while looking to the future.
Funding is so important to keep our green space thriving, attracting organisations and creating meaningful change to our community – so Charlotte will focus on making sure our income streams are diverse and robust, so we can re-invest and keep improving our wonderful community and spaces.
Her passion? Tackling health inequalities, connecting us to nature and all it offers including healthy fresh food, and creating a space where we can all help each other thrive. Newquay Orchard isn’t just a place for a stroll – it’s a community hub for learning, support, and connection. She’s got an open-door policy, encouraging us to speak up, share ideas, and make this place the best it can be!
In her own words:
“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.”
What’s Next? Stay in the Loop!
Exciting times lie ahead! Charlotte’s got her eye on community support, and lots of wonderful community events. So stay in the loop – sign up to our newsletters, follow us on social media, or pop in for a good old-fashioned chat.
And remember, everybody is welcome – after all Newquay Orchard was built by the community, for the community – it belongs to all of us, so get involved and be part of it!