Celebrating International Women’s Day and International Women’s Month

In commemoration of International Women’s Month and International Women’s Day (8 March), HEY Smile Foundation is sharing a series of spotlights on influential women across the VCSE sector in the East Riding. Today, we are proud to celebrate Patricia Hirst, Secretary and Volunteer Co‑ordinator at Oldroyd’s Corner Yorkshire CIC.

From travel industry to community garden

Located at the back of Woodmansey Garden Centre, Oldroyd’s Corner is a beautiful greenhouse and community garden space, managed and maintained by dedicated volunteers. The venue can be hired for events and offers rentable spaces for community groups, and is generally open to the public during the garden centre’s opening hours, 10am-4pm.

Patricia’s route into her current role has been shaped by a rich and varied career, from work in a cake factory and a series of secretarial posts to over two decades in the travel industry. In 2016, she completed an RHS Horticulture Qualification with the clear aim of using her skills in later life: “The reason I did it was so that I could volunteer somewhere when I retired and pass on my knowledge.” Shortly after achieving the equivalent of a distinction, she did exactly that.

Building confidence through connection

Her involvement with Oldroyd’s Corner began through a connection with an old friend at a time when she wanted to rebuild her confidence after COVID. Inspired by founder Paul Oldroyd’s voluntary work and recognising that he needed additional support, Patricia gradually took on more responsibility. Over time, her contribution evolved into the formal roles she holds today as Secretary and Volunteer Co‑ordinator.

Nurturing the next generation of volunteers

When asked what she finds most fulfilling about her work, Patricia highlights “watching the younger volunteers.” She recalls one young person who “was shy to start with” and is now flourishing in confidence. “I’m not bothered what brought them,” she explains. “What I like to see is that they’re getting something out of it, just to see people being happy doing what they do.”

Overcoming shyness and stepping into leadership

Patricia’s joy in seeing others grow reflects her own personal journey. She identifies her biggest achievement as “overcoming severe shyness.” After difficult experiences in childhood that left her feeling “inadequate,” she has worked hard to challenge those feelings and step into leadership. She credits her experiences as a young mother and, later, a grandmother with playing a vital role in shaping who she is today.

Keeping Oldroyd’s Corner thriving

She is open about the challenges of her role and the level of detail required to keep everything running smoothly: “sometimes you need to be a bit pedantic about things.” Stepping into leadership has been, in her words, “a steep learning curve,” but one she has navigated with determination and pride. Ensuring Oldroyd’s continued success and development involves a significant amount of behind‑the‑scenes work, and Patricia’s skills, commitment and calm leadership are central to that effort.

The power of partnership and support

Being part of the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector means a great deal to her: “Oldroyd’s Corner has literally changed my life.” She also emphasises the importance of partnership working and reaching out to support organisations such as HEY Smile Foundation: “If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t be where we are now, you’ve given us the advice we need.”

We would like to thank Patricia for sharing her story and for all the incredible work she does at Oldroyd’s Corner Yorkshire CIC. Anyone wishing to find out more about Oldroyd’s Corner can contact Patricia at: patricia@oldroydscorner.co.uk.

Patricia offers this message to women:

“Treat everyone as you would like to be treated. Be kind, gentle and helpful wherever possible. Above all don’t let people belittle you or make out you are stupid because you are a woman. Be happy in what you are doing and with your life.”