Enabling people and communities to lead healthier and happier lives by connecting them to nature and each other
As James’s business partner and Director of Customer Services and Project Management for over 20 years, Sosi brings a wealth of experience in delivery and leadership. She is responsible for driving and delivering the charities’ strategic objectives, both capital projects and grass root initiatives. From partner-based projects through to the creation of new facilities, Sosi’s experience in budget management, health & safety and evaluation & monitoring, provides Hands of Hope with the experience to deliver projects expediently. Along with Sonja, Sosi delivers our successful Helping Hands Lunch Club and currently has responsibility for the market gardens until we employ a new Head of Horticulture.
Arthur is our Living History Co-ordinator and is working with our team of research volunteers to bring the historical stories of the walled garden and woodland to life and he will be developing interpretation on site to share these discoveries with our volunteers and visitors.
As well as recent experience of working at the National Trust, he brings to the role experience of film making, an understanding of wildlife & heritage and a passion for a great story.
Isobel is a passionate gardener and has spent time working at both Sissinghurst Castle Garden and Great Dixter. “I have always had a deep love for the outdoors; be it through growing food, foraging or wild craft; I am passionate about living a life connected to the seasons and grounded in nature. My approach is not about consumption, but connection, focusing on slowing down, forming a relationship with our surroundings and community.”. Working with the trustees, staff and volunteers, Isobel will manage the day-to-day activities aligned to our two productive growing areas as well as indoor growing spaces. Additionally, she will be the horticulture lead for our hugely successful social growing project Get Growing, teaching people in the region to grow their own food and distributing organic produce to local food banks.
Ben is a passionate DIY’er and he’ll have his pick of projects at Hands of Hope. Our current plans see the completion of 3 new facilities on site in 2024 including a community kitchen/cookery school, large glasshouse and a new learning centre, which will support a thriving and inclusive community made up of Service Users, Volunteers, Partners, Corporate users, and commercial customers. As our new General Maintenance Manager, Ben’s role will include management of the site’s health & safety as well as site maintenance and management.
After leaving a career teaching Textiles in East Sussex and having kept my own bees on a community orchard in Hastings, I am really looking forward to looking after the bees at Hope Farm Community Garden in their heritage orchard. I will be running ‘Bee in Company’ – a weekly session for people of all ages to learn about the fascinating world of the honey bee.
Mo is a highly-skilled wood turner and shed builder and a natural teacher. He encourages his team of shedders to learn new skills in a relaxed environment and also to share their knowledge with others.
As well as his wood making skills, he enjoys connecting people through conversation and laughter and can bake a delicious bread and butter pudding!
Hope Farm Community Garden
Moor Hill
Hawkhurst
Kent
TN18 4QB