Changes to the farm team
The change in flower season usually brings a few changes to the farm team too. It’s always a bit of a gamble on both sides. For those joining us they’re taking a leap into island life - often without even having visited the Isles of Scilly before. And for us at it means we’ll be welcoming new faces not only at work but into our close knit community, and for those living in farm accommodation into their house.
Over years a few colourful characters have come (and gone!) who impacted our lives in interesting ways. Thankfully the vast majority of the time it’s a really positive experience with each new person bring with them their own mix talents, interests, cultures and outlooks; not only to life at Churchtown Farm but to the wider island community.
It would seem that those that join us also enjoy their island experience. We usually take people for six months to start with but the majority extend, come back for another stint or recommend us to friends.
The nature of the job, with shared accommodation and a six months contract, means that we tend to attract a younger crowd but it not always those in their early 20s between study and work. Quite a few young couples have joined us looking for a change of life style. One such couple were Geoff and Charlie who moved from their London jobs and have very much made St Martin’s their home, contributing to island life in ways that they probably never expected.
The goodbyes
Since moving to St Martin’s in 2016 Charlie has completed her teaching qualifications and is now in charge of the St Martin’s school base - the primary classroom on St Martin’s. Geoff meanwhile, has been voted in as the St Martin’s Councillor, is working for the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust and until mid-March was the friendly voice on the phone if you called the farm on a Sunday. With a young family and all his other commitments Geoff has decided to step back from working for us after xxx years. Of course we’ll miss him but we’re very lucky to have had such a multi talented couple chose to take a punt on us and then chose to make St Martin’s their home.
Geoff isn’t the only one we’re saying goodbye to. Back November Izzy and James joined us, both looking for an adventure before further study for James a travelling for Izzy. When people join us in the autumn they have to hit the ground running to be ready for the Christmas rush. James and Izzy rose to this challenge admirably, as well as embracing island life over particularly wet and stormy winter. Izzy will soon be heading off with her sister to explore South America and James will be heading North (not quite as far) to Edinburgh to do his Master’s.
The hellos
Looking ahead we’ve just finished interviewing and are delighted to be welcoming Erin and Max to the team later in the spring. Neither have been to Scilly before. Erin first heard about flower farms on Scilly from a customer at the bakery where she was working and decided to explore further. While Max was seeking an opportunity to spread his wings whilst pursuing his interest in horticulture. We’re looking forward to getting to know them and fingers crossed life on St Martin’s suits them.