People

 

Staff

The appointment of Vic and Kate by the Trustees as employees of Mudlarks was ratified at the Management meeting of 26 January 2009. Jo was appointed by the Trustees to commence work from July 2009. All posts are three days a week term-time only. Extensions of these contracts and the appointment of other posts will be undertaken when funding allows.

Project Leader - Vic Hobson: Reports to the Management committee. Responsible for the overall running and organisation of the project. Vic has proven to have the necessary skills to be able to set up and run a fully functional and efficient training unit that will provide a service geared to cater for the needs of the individual. Vic has extensive first hand experience of working with people with learning difficulties and an excelent understanding of their needs.

Vic, always hands-on

Quote of the week
Hertfordshire Mercury, 18 November 2010

Commenting on the opening of the eco-shed

'It's very emotional to have finally got there.
The difference it has made to people's lives is absolutely wonderful'

 

 

Site Worker - Kate Hodgson: Kate has been deeply involved with Mudlarks from the very start first as a volunteer securing much of the initial funding and laterly as a site worker.

Kate making a scarecrow Kate in the early make-shift toilet shed

Site Worker - Patrick Rushmere: Patrick has been a key volunteer in getting the Mudlarks site operational. Much of the construction of fences, gates, bird boxes and raised beds are down to him. Patrick previously volunteered at a similar site in St Albans for several years and brings a great deal of experience of working with people with learning dificulties with him.

Patrick

Funding Manager - Jo Thurm: Jo is responsible for raising the required funds for the project and undertakes much of the administrative work associated with running Mudlarks.

Kate and Jo at an open day

Kate and Jo

Site Worker - Jackie Carnell joined us in January 2010.

Jackie and her cousin

 

 

When opportunities arise they will be posted on this website together with the job specification, conditions and method to apply.

Some of Our Team Members

The Mudlarks team comprises trainees, staff, volunteers and supporters.

Mudlarks does not operate a membership scheme. There is no charge in belonging to Mudlarks. If you participate in any way you are automatically part of the Mudlarks community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Hannah, a trainee

 

Some of the team building the ec0-shed

 

 Mike and Kate building the first shed The youngest volunteer

 

The team building the eco-shed

 

 Volunters at the first party Keith, a volunteer

 

Early volunteering

 

 The Mudlarks football match

 

 

 Frinds, supporters and volunteers weight testing the slope's handrails Loading up horse manure destined for the site
Mudlarks sign erected

 

Allan, a trainee

 

 

Colin, a trainee

 

 

Commity plot fence completed

 

 

Tea break

 

 

water carrying, from afar

 

 

 

Steve, a trainee

 

 

 

 

 

Open Farms open day 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trainees

Mudlarks operates an equal opportunities policy.

Age range 23 to 70 years, male and female.

The number of placements is limited to 6 clients/trainees per day or 30 placements per week.

Mudlarks requires that participants that

  • Have a desire to be there
  • Show the potential to work as part of a team
  • Show the ability to co-operate
  • Show some degree of physical ability and independence
  • Will benefit in some way from participating in the project

Each participant will take part in domestic duties on a rota basis, carried out individually or as part of a team.

Work will include preparing beverages for the work team, washing up, sweeping and cleaning the workroom and any other indoor areas.

Participants will be able to gain experience in basic domestic skills and will experience handling a workload consisting of a number of tasks carried out under minimum supervision.

Please contact us in order to discuss your application.

 

 

' It's good to grow your own food and bring it home and cook it. It's all about doing it the old-fashioned way.

I think we were put on this earth to work the ground and help things grow.

It's good for the heart and keeps me fit and healthy.'

Colin Maguire as reported in the
Hertfordshire Mercury 18 November 2010.

 

'It gets me mixing with other people. I wasn't sure if I would like it at first but I did and now I go three times a week.

We pot and plant stuff in beds, like tomatoes, cucumbers, runner beans and all sorts.'

Steve Phypers as reported in the
Hertfordshire Mercury 18 November 2010.

 

 

Volunteers and Supporters

Mudlarks sees volunteers as playing a key role in the process of integrating people with learning difficulties into community life.

Volunteers will be encouraged to join in the work of the project, and may include local people, unemployed, retired, those recovering from illnesses and school groups.

Volunteers will involved in the day to day running of Mudlarks. They will be encouraged to take up training opportunities that may help them in their work at Mudlarks and in their own life. Secretarial support: is needed, there will be an appreciable amount of administration to be done.

Please contact us in order to discuss how you can help.

 

'I like to come here because it's relaxing. You can grow something from nothing and reap the rewards.

It's also about fresh air and meeting people with disabilities that you wouldn't normally mix with. You get to understand them and work with them.'

Sue Tweddle as reported in the
Hertfordshire Mercury 18 November 2010.

 

'It's brilliant to see it up and standing. It fits in well.

Mudlarks is a really important venture for local people, particularly people who never get out and socialise. It is an active project for people who might otherwise be shut away.

I think this is an area we often forget, this bit of Kingsmead, and anyone with an allotment will tell you how rewarding it can be.

This project brings together all sorts of people, councillors, community groups, children and adults. Young people through to older people can really benefit from it.'

Mark Prisk MP as reported in the
Hertfordshire Mercury 18 November 2010.

 

'We had a battle to get to this point. It became very political but now it's here. Everyone who has done something for this has done a fantastic job. Good luck with it and let's hope it stays for years and years.'

Councillor Nicholas Wilson as reported in the
Hertfordshire Mercury 18 November 2010.

 

'Just because a person is disabled doesn't mean that gardening cannot be a worthwhile and enjoyable hobby.

If you have the appropriate tools and know how it is a brilliant way to get out from the confines of your house to keep healthy and have fun.

Growing your own is a huge part of this country's heritage, celebrated in the Dig For Victory campaign, so I am delighted to support this initiative which will ensure more people can enjoy the outdoors.

By the time of the Hatfield House Country Show the veg seeds planted should have grown into succulent crops of plump beetroot, beans, carrots and cucumbers that tantalise the taste buds. We are sowing the seeds of success.'

Richard Howitt MEP as reported
in the Hertfordshire Mercury June 2011

 

  

 

 

Company Days

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Important Information for Trainees, Volunteers and Company Day Attendees

Trainees are sponsored individuals who will undertake a planned Personal Development Plan at Mudlarks. Risks, Skills and Development.

The Daily Activities page presents the structure and typical activities that we perform at Mudlarks.

Site Rules briefly describes the main rules concerning the Mudlarks site

Volunteer Details - type of activities, available times and information required from you.

Wish List - an indication of the type of items Mudlarks currently needs.

Thanks and Sponsors - our thanks to the generosity of our supporters and sponsors.

 

Work Experience

Post training group for people who have finished their primary training course and would like further training before being able to get a job.

Work experience placement for university and college students.

Please contact us in order to discuss work experience placements.

 

Management Committee

The Management Committee will meet approximately every month to discuss and agree on items concerning the strategic and tactical planning of Mudlarks.

The Management Committee will be elected from, and represent the views of, Trustees, Trainees and their representatives and Volunteers.

Everyone, including staff, will be given a forum by which they can make their views known and acknowledged.

The Management Committe would also welcome the view other other stakeholders such as sponsoring organisations, allotment holders, residents and government bodies.

It is planned that officers of the Management Committee are elected by their fellows and no post can be held for more than two successive years.

The precise rules and regulations governing the scope and make-up of the Management Committee will be made available to any member of Mudlarks on request.

Committee Members as at July 2010

Rachel Milroy (Chair) *
Tanya Noxton (Treasurer) *
Sue Jones *
Sophie Kelly
Stuart Ross
Hilary Durban

* Director & Trustee

Staff as at July 2010

Vic Hobson (Project Manager)
Kate Hodgson (Site Worker)
Jo Thurm (Funding Manager)
Patrick Rushmere (Site Worker)
Jackie Carnell (Site Worker)

Go to top

 

Updated 12 July 2011