For more than ten years, Andrew Beecher has been the heart and soul of the gardening club at Admiral Lord Nelson School, nurturing not just plants but young minds.

Andrew won the Volunteer Award for his inspiring work helping students grow in confidence and develop valuable life skills. We caught up with him after the ceremony to hear more about his journey and what the recognition means to him.

Congratulations on winning the Volunteer Award. How did it feel?

I was very pleased and touched to be nominated by the school for an award and winning it was amazing.

Receiving the award at the ceremony was an incredible thrill, made even more special by the support of so many staff from the school. Hearing the kind and heartfelt words from colleagues—and especially the students, who are the reason I do this—was a real privilege. 

Can you tell us a little about your volunteer work at Admiral Lord Nelson School?

I run a weekly after-school garden club for students in years 7 to 11. We maintain a large courtyard garden within the school where we grow flowers, fruit and vegetables. We also prepare and share a meal using the produce from the garden every week.

When the weather stops us gardening in November and December, we move to the food technology classrooms to support a weekly Christmas cooking course for students. 

What impact do you think the gardening club has on students?

Students have the chance to learn basic horticulture such as planting, weeding, compost making and harvesting. They are involved in actively experiencing and experimenting with environmental issues and trying to develop sustainable habits such as recycle, reuse and repair.

Students are given practical opportunities to appreciate how their food is grown and produced and about the seasonality of food. Building their confidence and self-esteem through being a valued member of a club preparing and sharing food together is a positive outcome for all involved.

As an adult who is not a teacher, I offer a different perspective and life experience for the students. I also provide the opportunity to go to an after-school club which is not academic, not sports based and is non-competitive.

Students who attend the club from year 7 to 11 can develop leadership skills, bond with those from all year groups and develop a feeling of belonging which is lovely to see.

What do you enjoy the most about volunteering in a school?

It's great to cultivate a small oasis within the school and give students the opportunity to learn simple gardening skills, learn about food production and how to use basic ingredients from the garden to make delicious dishes to enjoy together.

I hope I provide the students with opportunities to enjoy different food and widen their tastes and experiences.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering in a school?

Contact your local school and go in and try it out. Schools will appreciate you giving time and effort to support young people in lots of ways.

They often want volunteers for school trips, sports clubs or reading with students. Your skills don't need to be academic or curriculum based. You will get out of it as much as you put in. 

Andrew's colleagues and students share their thanks