IN a notable recognition of dedication to environmental conservation, Marie duQuesnay, a Pembrokeshire-based volunteer for the Garden Organic’s Heritage Seed Library, has been awarded the ‘Environment Champion Award’. This accolade was presented as part of the 12th Community Inspiration Awards 2024, celebrating her commitment to preserving rare vegetable seeds.

Marie, alongside fellow Seed Guardians Hilary Van Beek and Nadia Mazza, were celebrated within the community category, applauding their collective efforts in fostering biodiversity for future generations. This trio of gardeners has been instrumental in safeguarding the genetic diversity of plants through meticulous cultivation and conservation of heritage vegetable varieties.

The Heritage Seed Library, where Marie dedicates her efforts, is a crucial repository located at Ryton Gardens near Coventry. It houses nearly half of Garden Organic’s 800-strong National Collection of Heritage Vegetables. These plants are not merely preserved; they are actively cultivated by more than 200 volunteers like Marie, who nurture these plants on their own plots, ensuring their survival and continued proliferation.

The importance of such conservation has been underscored by a stark statistic from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, noting a 75 per cent reduction in crop diversity between 1900 and 2000. In a world facing the dual challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, maintaining a diverse range of plant species is more critical than ever.

Catrina Fenton, the head of the Heritage Seed Library, emphasises the role of these volunteers: “Each heritage variety thriving under the care of a Seed Guardian expands our options for developing resilient plants. These dedicated volunteers produce approximately half of the seeds needed for our conservation efforts each year, thus ensuring the continued existence of these varieties.”

The Community Inspiration Awards, organised by The Community Foundation, aim to highlight outstanding contributions from individuals across public and voluntary sectors. These awards commend those whose endeavours not only make a significant impact in their communities but also inspire others to take action.

For those interested in supporting or joining the Heritage Seed Library, further information can be found at gardenorganic.org.uk/hsl. Here, potential volunteers can learn about the opportunities to become a Seed Guardian or a member of the library, playing a part in this vital work.

Hilary Van Beek, a software engineer by profession, tends to her allotment in Auchterarder, at the foot of the Highlands. Her garden is a vibrant mix of vegetables and flowers, representing a living history of diverse plant varieties. “There’s something magical about growing a variety that has been around for so long,” Hilary shares, highlighting the dwindling diversity in today’s agricultural offerings.

Marie duQuesnay has been a stalwart Seed Guardian for nine years, undeterred by the challenges of living on an exposed hill in Pembrokeshire. “It is so sad to see the intensification of farming narrowing the range of what’s grown,” she remarks, stressing the importance of preserving local seed varieties against modern agricultural practices and regulations.

Nadia Mazza, who resides in the Morecambe Bay area, has found success with her ‘stripey tiger beans’, which she grows for the library. These unique beans thrive in the UK’s northwest, illustrating the practical benefits of biodiversity. “If everyone grew the same vegetable varieties and they were attacked by pests or diseases, we would have serious problems,” Nadia explains, advocating for genetic variety in our gardens.

Together, these gardeners not only preserve the past but sow the seeds of a sustainable future, championing biodiversity one plot at a time.

THE ROYAL Voluntary Service is calling on residents in Pembrokeshire to play their part as volunteer drivers.

The charity is urgently looking to recruit 10 volunteer drivers to drive people to medical appointments.

The call comes as new research by the charity paints a stark picture of the difficulties faced by non-drivers including increased isolation, missed medical appointments and declining mental health.

The research found nearly half (46%) of non-drivers¹ over 70 have missed healthcare appointments due to a lack of transportation, and of these, 96% have missed more than one². One in five (40%) respondents are also missing the independence driving provided and report feeling frustrated (35%), isolated (20%) and trapped (24%). One in four respondents (25%) say not driving has negatively impacted their happiness.

Volunteer Drivers make a big difference by offering both practical and emotional support. More than just getting someone from A to B, volunteers help combat isolation and support wellbeing by providing a friendly face and a chance to chat, something particularly valued by those who may struggle to get out as much as they would like.

Simon Rickard, Service Manager for Royal Voluntary Service said: “Our research highlights the serious impact not having access to transport can have on people’s lives, particularly the isolation and anxiety it can cause. Our Volunteer Drivers play a vital role in counteracting these effects, offering not just transport but a crucial connection to the community. We’re urging locals to join our volunteer team in Pembrokeshire. Just a few hours of your time could make a world of difference to the health, and happiness, of the person in your passenger seat.”

Volunteer Drivers use their own vehicles to provide transport for local people. Royal Voluntary Service will provide all necessary training and travel expenses are reimbursed. This role offers flexible hours, allowing volunteers to choose how much time they would like to contribute. By giving even just a couple of hours, a volunteer can make a big difference to someone’s wellbeing and happiness.

Volunteer driving is just one of the rewarding roles available with Royal Voluntary Service, people looking to find out more and play their part in supporting their community in Pembrokeshire can visit: royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/volunteering

This weekend, Haverfordwest, one of the two Welsh towns to retain the historic ‘civic’ office of Sheriff, proudly hosted the National Association of City and Town Sheriffs of England and Wales (NACTSEW) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference for 2024. The event, which marks a significant occasion in the town’s calendar, drew past and current Sheriffs from across the nation to celebrate and deliberate on the venerable role of Sheriff, a tradition steeped in history.

The current Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Jill Owens, who served as Mayor in the previous year, was at the forefront of the weekend’s activities. The town last welcomed the Association back in 2007, making this event a notable return and a festive reunion for many members.

The weekend kicked off on Friday evening at the Cricket Club, where the Town Council, led by Mayor Cllr Martin Lewis, welcomed the Sheriffs and their consorts. The Mayor took the opportunity to express the town’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Association and encouraging membership among past and present Sheriffs.

The main proceedings of the AGM took place at County Hall, followed by cultural tours to the iconic St David’s Cathedral and Pembroke Castle, enriching the visitors’ experience of Welsh heritage. Concurrently, consorts enjoyed exploring local shops and sites, adding a communal and economic boost to Haverfordwest.

A highlight of the gathering was the Gala Evening held at the Wolfscastle Country Hotel, providing a grand setting for the Sheriffs and their guests to dine formally and socialize.

The ceremonial highlight of the weekend was the Sunday Shrieval Service at St Mary’s Church. The Sheriffs, dressed in their ceremonial robes, processed from the Town Council’s offices on Quay Street up to the High Street, a spectacle that invited public participation and celebration. The service was followed by a gathering where attendees enjoyed traditional Welsh Cakes, capturing the spirit of community and heritage.

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of NACTSEW, a testament to the enduring relevance and appeal of the Sheriff’s role in the civic life of English and Welsh communities. The idea for the Association was conceived by the former Sheriff of Gloucester, Andrew Gravells, MBE, who now serves as the Honorary Life President.

As the event concluded, Haverfordwest Town Council extended its gratitude to all who contributed to the successful hosting of the AGM and Conference. The baton passes to Lichfield for 2025, with Haverfordwest setting a high precedent in celebrating the historic and continuing significance of the Sheriff’s office.