Meet the Team: Stewart – One of Our Fantastic Volunteers!

From exploring the Libyan Desert to helping people discover the joy of cycling at Par Track, meet Stewart, one of our wonderful volunteers at The Cornwall Bicycle Project!

Stewart has been part of our volunteering team for just over a year, bringing plenty of enthusiasm, a love of the outdoors and a great sense of humour to our Inclusive & Adapted Cycling sessions at Par Track.

Originally from Herefordshire, Stewart describes himself as a "blow-in from up country", having spent much of his working life in the minerals and quarrying industry, most recently with Imerys. His career also took him offshore during his younger years, and even included an adventure or two in the Libyan Desert – but more about that later!

Having recently finished working, Stewart found himself with a little more spare time and was keen to put it to good use.

How It All Began

Stewart first came across The Cornwall Bicycle Project through a social media advert promoting one of our inclusive cycling drop-in sessions at Par Track.

As he puts it, "I dropped in…" – and the rest, as they say, is history!

With a lifelong love of cycling, more time on his hands and an interest in helping others, volunteering seemed like the perfect opportunity.

"Bikes and helping out with something involving a range of great people seemed to be a good mix to get involved with."

And we're certainly glad he did!

A Familiar Face at Par Track

If you've joined us for one of our Wednesday Inclusive & Adapted Cycling sessions at Par Track, there's a good chance you've met Stewart.

From getting the cycles and equipment ready in the morning to packing everything away at the end of a busy day, Stewart is one of the many people who help keep our sessions running smoothly.

He also takes on the very important role of being a self-confessed "Happy Greeter", welcoming riders, helping everyone feel comfortable and making sure they have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding experience.

For Stewart, the best part of volunteering isn't one particular moment but the collective enjoyment and sense of achievement that cycling brings.

"It's generally and genuinely really uplifting to see people enjoying themselves with us on the range of bikes that we have in such a safe space. It really brings the best out in everyone."

It's something we see time and again at The Cornwall Bicycle Project – cycling has an incredible ability to bring people together, build confidence and create opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

More Than Just Bikes

One of the things Stewart enjoys most about volunteering is being part of a team.

"We have fun helping people and helping others. It's also great to get positive feedback from such a range of people who benefit from what the Bike Project does."

Volunteering has also given Stewart the opportunity to develop new skills and expand his understanding of disabilities and safeguarding.

It's a great reminder that volunteering isn't just about what you can give – there's plenty to gain too, from new friendships and experiences to learning skills you might never have expected.

A Love of the Great Outdoors

When he's not helping out at Par Track, Stewart is most likely to be found outdoors – quite possibly wearing shorts, whatever the weather!

Growing up in Herefordshire, his parents always encouraged him to spend time outside, although Stewart jokes that perhaps he was simply a nuisance in the house!

That love of the outdoors has stayed with him ever since. Whether he's walking, gardening or heading out on his bike, Stewart is happiest enjoying some fresh air.

He's particularly keen on gravel cycling, preferring to escape the traffic and explore quieter routes. He's also previously volunteered as a marshal at cycling events further afield.

And if he could cycle anywhere in the world?

Iceland! - The country, he is quick to point out, not the frozen food shop!

Stewart dreams of cycling around Iceland on its famous Ring Road, taking in the incredible landscapes and scenery along the way.

Lost in the Libyan Desert!

We always like to discover something unexpected about our volunteers, and Stewart certainly didn't disappoint!

Before his time in the quarrying industry, Stewart worked as a geologist, and one of his more memorable experiences involved getting lost while driving a Land Rover in the Libyan Desert.

This was back in the late 1980s, long before mobile phones, sat navs or Google Maps could come to the rescue!

He recalls it being a pretty scary experience, particularly given the remote location.

Thankfully, he lived to tell the tale – and we suspect there are a few more adventures where that one came from!

The Important Questions… Tea and Biscuits!

Of course, no team introduction would be complete without finding out the really important things!

Stewart enjoys a proper cup of Yorkshire Tea or a good coffee, and when it comes to biscuits, it's a toss-up between Malted Milk and Garibaldi.

Yes, the good old-fashioned "dead fly biscuit!"

Both bring back fond childhood memories, proving that sometimes the simplest things are the best.

When asked to sum up his volunteering experience in just three words, Stewart chose:

Fun. Rewarding. Important.

Three words that perfectly capture what volunteering means to so many of the people who generously give their time to support our project.

And his advice to anyone considering becoming a volunteer?

"Just do it."

Short, simple and straight to the point!

Thank You, Stewart!

We're incredibly grateful to Stewart for the time, energy and enthusiasm he brings to The Cornwall Bicycle Project.

Our volunteers play such an important part in everything we do, and it's people like Stewart who help make our sessions welcoming, supportive and enjoyable for everyone.

Whether it's greeting someone with a smile, helping them find the right cycle or simply sharing in their achievements, those little moments can make a huge difference.

Thank you, Stewart, for being such a valued part of our team!

Fancy Joining Our Volunteering Team?

We're always delighted to hear from people who would like to get involved with The Cornwall Bicycle Project.

Whether you're passionate about cycling, enjoy meeting new people or simply want to give something back to your community, there are lots of ways to make a difference.

You don't need to be an expert cyclist – just bring your enthusiasm, a willingness to help and perhaps a good sense of humour!

Get in touch: volunteer@thecornwallbicycleproject.co.uk

Ride. Connect. Change.