Cambridgeshire Master Composter
The Cambridgeshire Master Composter Programme is recruiting more volunteers this year!
You may now be familiar with the Master Composter Programme, which has been appearing in some Cambridgeshire Parish Magazines since 2001. The Programme is being run by the County Council, working together with all the District Councils and HDRA Consultants, to promote home and community composting.
We're seeking volunteers to provide a network of local, friendly advice and support to people who already compost and those who want to start.
Master Composter programmes were established over 10 years ago in the USA and Canada. These programmes have proved to be extremely popular and successful in promoting the benefits of home composting.
The Cambridgeshire Master Composter Programme is the largest of its kind, with over 170 volunteers. Almost 4000 hours of voluntary work have been completed so far.
Becoming a Master Composter is a great way to meet new people, learn valuable skills, provide leadership and benefit from being part of a team that makes a difference. Anyone over the age of 18 can become a Master Composter; you don't need to be an expert composter (or be composting at all) or have any volunteer or community group experience.
As a volunteer you will receive training in home composting and related environmental issues (provided by HDRA - the organic organisation), a Master Composter resource pack and several educational visits; including tours of a composting site and one of HDRA's organic gardens. All training expenses will be paid for; you only need to provide your time. Once the training has been completed, you will be expected to spend 30 hours over the following year promoting home composting. These activities will be tailored to your individual skills and could be anything from giving a demonstration to your next-door neighbours, to giving a presentation to a class of school children or helping promote further compost bin sales. Upon completion of the training and 30 volunteer hours you will be awarded the title Master Composter and be invited to receive your certificate at an award ceremony.
If you are interested in becoming a Master Composter please contact Jane Griffiths, HDRA Consultants, Ryton Organic Gardens, Coventry, CV8 3LG, email: jgriffiths@hdra.org.uk or telephone 024 7630 8202.