Dr. Melissa Hardie-Budden MBE

Melissa’s vision was not only about transforming a dilapidated stable block, but also creating a vibrant centre for discovery and learning, a place to be cherished by the whole community.

Her work, which focused on community voices, nature, history, and the stories in our landscape, continues to inspire us and celebrates the things she loved about West Cornwall.

A social historian, author, publisher, and the founder of The Hypatia Trust, she used a generous bequest from her friend Dr. Elspeth Pope (1926-2013) to fund the first stages of this ambitious project, which started in 2016. This contribution made the initial creation of the Gardeners’ House a reality.

She inspired a dedicated team of people to pursue and complete her vision.