Meet the team series: Sarah

Nickname: Grandma / Tina Tuber

Coffee Order: Black

Secret Talent: Napping anywhere, anytime.

In today’s edition of our Meet the Team series, we’re shining the spotlight on Sarah, multitasker, morale‑booster, tubing expert, and all‑round team favourite.

What Sarah Does at The Grower

Sarah’s role is wonderfully varied, and she throws herself into every task with humour and heart. Her day‑to‑day includes:

• Processing orders

• Grading and general quality checks

• Occasional lifting

• Tubing on planting jobs

• Keeping the staff room in order (a vital job… and one she’s heroically taken on because, frankly, it gets chaotic without her!)

A Career That’s Come Full Circle

Before joining The Grower, Sarah spent 30 years at Mount Hawke Skatepark, later going on to co‑found Love Park in Falmouth with a colleague a project that has been, and continues to be, a great success.

When youth work opportunities began to fade in Cornwall, she decided to try something new. A few hours a week at The Grower sounded like a temporary change…

…but she ended up loving it.

Working outdoors has been a huge part of that joy  and, as she says with a smile, “it’s probably even helped with my menopause!”

And in a lovely twist of fate, her work here brings her back to her roots. Over 30 years ago, she briefly worked with the Woodland Trust, organising volunteer tree‑planting events. Returning to planting and nature now feels like completing the circle.

 

 A Job Well Done: Sarah’s Favourite Project

One job that stands out for Sarah is Richard Lugg’s hedge.

“It looked fantastic,” she says. “The mulch mats took a bit of time, but the end result was brilliant.”

Her pride in the work and the care put into every plant, mat, and metre  shines through.

Sarah’s Top Tips for the Job

With decades of experience working with people and places, Sarah has some wise words:

• Patience is essential

• Be adaptable, because instructions can change

• Focus on the finished result, not the rain, cold, or mud

• And above all keep your sense of humour

What She Loves Most

Easy: happy customers.

“We’ve had some wonderful jobs with really lovely people – Primrose, I’m looking at you!”

For Sarah, meeting great people and seeing their reactions to the finished work is the highlight of every project.

The Toughest Part?

The cold.

But she’s got a system:

“Layer up, stay dry, and always bring spare socks.”

(Spoken like someone who has learned the hard way.)

Teamwork, Laughter & Letting Go

Sarah works alongside her daughter, Lauren which means the occasional good‑natured bicker but mostly lots of laughs.

The wider team gets on brilliantly too. There’s banter, jokes, and a shared ability to shrug off frustration and keep going.

“Everyone is forgiving and understanding, which really helps keep morale high,” she says.

Morning Rituals

Every day starts the same way:

A cup of black coffee.

Simple. Strong.

Why We Appreciate Sarah

From her adaptability to her humour, her commitment to a job done well, and her ability to bring positivity even on the muddiest, coldest days  Sarah is an absolute gem.

We’re incredibly lucky to have her as part of the team.

Charity of the Year:

Sarah chose our charity support for the 2025 year – Papyrus UK, a vital organisation dedicated to preventing young suicide and promoting mental health awareness. We’re proud to stand behind this cause.

A personal note from Inez:

“I’ve known Sarah since I was three or maybe four years old (maybe) anyway quite a long time, and I have huge respect for her work ethic and everything she’s done for young people in Cornwall. She is a local icon.  She’s an inspiration to so many, and we’re lucky to have her as part of The Grower team.”