One park bench at a time

In the heart of Pinner lies a testament to the power of community spirit and volunteering. Jonathan, a retired business professional in his early 70s, has found a new calling in helping to breathe life back into the once-neglected Pinner Village Gardens. His story is one of dedication, empathy, and the joy of giving back to the community one bench at a time.

From Boardrooms to Park Benches

Jonathan’s professional background is impressive – a chartered accountant who climbed the corporate ladder to become a CFO, CEO, and director across various industries. But it’s his current role as a volunteer coordinator for the Pinner Village Gardens that truly showcases his passion for community service.

“I love being outdoors,” Jonathan explains, his eyes lighting up. “I like physical labour because I spent most of my career behind a desk. It’s  instant gratification – you work in the gardens and immediately see what you’ve achieved.”

Transforming a Community Space

The Friends of Pinner Village Gardens (FOPVG) have made remarkable strides in just five years. From major re-planting at each of the four street entrances, reshaping and renewing the rose circle, and adding some 50 new trees, to refurbishing every bench in the park, the transformation has been nothing short of miraculous.

“I think the park was very run down, very uncared for, very unloved,” Jonathan recalls. “And it had become mucky and litter-filled. There was a lot of drug stuff going on there. Over time, it’s become loved again.” A step by step approach, one park bench at a time.

The Power of Teamwork

Jonathan’s approach to volunteering is hands-on and inclusive. As the Volunteer Co-ordinator he organises weekly work parties and has even introduced a community payback program, working with one of his colleagues alongside those serving community service orders. “The team decided early on that as a community park we wanted to work with these people,” he says, emphasising the importance of leading by example. “Even the most hardened usually feel a bit ashamed when they see someone in their 70s outworking them.”

While Jonathan is to be seen working in the park three or four days of the week, none of the improvements would have happened without the creative, physical, and administrative involvement of the FOPVG committee and volunteers, to whom Jonathan says park users often express their thanks.

More Than Just Gardening

For Jonathan, volunteering in the park is about more than just maintaining a green space. It’s about building a community and providing a social lifeline for many.

“I’ve met all sorts of people who live locally, people who I recognise but I would never otherwise have spoken to,” he shares. “There are some lonely people in the park. I think that’s a real community need – there are lots of people who have no one to talk to.”

The Rewards of Volunteering

When asked what he gets out of volunteering, Jonathan’s response is multifaceted:

• Physical activity and outdoor time
• Visible results and sense of accomplishment
• Social interaction and community building
• The satisfaction of seeing long-term positive change
• Providing a listening ear to lonely individuals
• Restoring a beloved community space to its former glory

A Ripple Effect of Positivity

Jonathan’s efforts have not only improved the park but have also inspired others to get involved. From daily dog walkers who now pick up litter to former community service participants returning as volunteers, the impact of his work continues to grow.

“I think it’s really satisfying seeing the changes we’ve made in the park over a long period,” Jonathan reflects. “It’s improved both the neighbourhood and an amenity we can all use.”

The Takeaway

Jonathan’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have when they decide to get involved in their community, and the even greater power of the voluntary team without whom most of this would not have happened.. His journey from the corporate world to community gardening shows that it’s never too late to start volunteering and that the skills we acquire in our professional lives can be invaluable in serving others.

As Jonathan puts it, “It’s not just what I get out of it,  I think it’s what we all get out of it.” And that, perhaps, is the true essence of volunteering – creating a better community for everyone, one park bench at a time.

That’s not all

Jonathan still has time to help the wonderful Chai Cancer Care Charity as a member of the advisory board. He uses his professional background as an accountant and business professional to help them run the charity more efficiently.. If that wasn’t enough Jonathan also helps with bereavement counselling in Harrow.

Discover more stories of volunteering

Discover the stories of more volunteers including their motivations and how they help the community. Follow the links on this page.