Pontyclun Community Garden are currently looking for a new Chair / Volunteer Coordinator to work with the existing volunteer group.
The garden has been coordinated by the original founder of the garden for the past 6 years but that person has now had to resign due to work and other voluntary commitments. The garden has a strong team of volunteers and committee members who are very friendly and welcoming. The group meet regularly in the Spring and Summer, around every 2-3 weeks for an hour or two. In Winter, it's less often as there is not so much to do.
The role of the Chair will be:
* To be the main contact with Pontyclun Community Council, who are the current leaseholders of the land with a sub lease in place for the garden area
* To help recruit new volunteers and respond to any volunteering enquiries
* To help arrange volunteering sessions and agree with the group what tasks need to be undertaken
* To attend committee meetings a few times throughout the year to review progress and decide on future plans
* To help organise and run activities and events as part of bigger local events happening, usually Picnic in the Park in June and possibly at Christmas
* To ensure that everyone has equal say and an opportunity to put forward their views and ideas within the group
* To ensure the group have everything they need to be able to effectively keep the garden running and to check that finances are up to date. There may be a requirement to find further funding at some point in the future, although the garden runs on a minimal budget
The ideal person will have:
* Some horticultural experience / knowledge
* Experience of working within a volunteer group
* An understanding of the dynamics of a well run group and the ability to effectively communicate with others
* Experience of working and/or volunteering at a community garden would be preferred, although not essential
A full handover process will be in place and the new Chair will work alongside the existing Chair during the process to make sure the transition is a smooth one.
This role will give the right person valuable experience of working in a community garden and will benefit from knowledge shared within the group. The role is very rewarding as the garden is well known and loved in the local area. The group will occasionally go for a drink after a volunteering session and are very welcoming so the opportunity also provides social interraction.