I started with Hollybush in 2004 as the Assistant Schools Project Officer. I was incredibly lucky at the time as I was in a job I didn’t particularly enjoy after leaving university and came out with the schools group on a volunteer day. It was on this day that I heard about the new position they were about to create as an assistant on the schools group. It was also the first time I met my soon to be mentor Stuart Harris (Schools Project Officer) and experienced the amazing feeling that Hollybush creates.
I applied for the job and was successful and spent the next couple of years learning the ropes under Stuart. These were some of the fondest memories I have of my working life. I met friends for life and also met my future wife through the group (we met installing mushroom seats in a school in Halifax through my then VO Anna Pickles! So romantic!). I always thought it was amazing (and still do) how welcoming Hollybush was to anyone from all ages, abilities and background. I think this, more than anything, is what makes Hollybush such a special place and has meant it is so special to so many people.
I also spent a summer on secondment to the North Yorkshire office running their summer holiday schedule. This involved me running week long practical groups in specific locations around North Yorkshire for groups up to 12 people. Accommodation was basic for the group (at best!) but we cooked and ate together and worked on various projects. Again, this was a brilliant experience for me and I really grew in confidence over this time.
On my return to Hollybush after the summer I was lucky enough to be successful in applying and getting the Senior Field Project Officer role. I worked in this role for 3 years completing a number of large projects. The ones that stick in my mind now are:
• A large viewing platform we built at Oakwell Hall. This was the last project I worked on for BTCV. It was a nice technical project and we managed to get a really good finished product.
• A large pathing project we installed at Honley woods near Huddersfield. It went on forever! By the end everyone was sick of wheelbarrowing gravel around!
• A fencing project in Huddersfield. It was over a really cold winter and we were working on the hills around Huddersfield. It was FREEZING! We had all sorts of problems and in the end John Preston came out with me to save my bacon and show me the proper way to fence (my hero!)
I also had the opportunity to help with delivering some training for practical holiday leaders in Iceland. I spent about a week in Iceland doing some training of practical leaders who would be running practical holidays for international students. The whole week was an awesome experience and still gives me my standout life experience of sitting in a natural warm spring hot tub on the edge of a mountain looking out over a glacier as the sun was setting with a cold beer in hand (it doesn’t get much better than that).
The social side of Hollybush was also a big thing. I remember brilliant barn dances, karaoke nights, fires in the garden and lots and lots of stupid games. I also remember that I spent most of my salary and more nights than I should have in The Bridge Inn and The West End. They were special times.
I did a lot through Hollybush and learnt the skills that set me up for the career that was to come, but more than anything it was the people I worked with that made it so special. I remember working with and learning from Stuart Harris (as well as having to clean up after him- he is a slob!). Jenny/ Richard/ Ben/ Phil/ Doug/ Susan/ Sarah/. All my VO’s who helped me run the various projects throughout the years. The volunteers themselves too numerous to mention who all brought something special.
But the person who probably deserves the biggest mention often goes un-thanked and un-noticed and that is John Preston. To do what he has done for so long is unbelievable. He gave me a chance and I thank him for it. Now that I’ve moved on from Hollybush I understand the commitment and dedication he has given so much more and am in ore of this. John, you deserve a medal/ plaque/ knighthood but I hope you’ll settle for a beer instead!
Written by Dan Barker