Bees, Green Street, and the Road to Big River Bakery: A Journey of Passion and Purpose

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Big River Rising

Big River Bakery

11 episodes

4 days ago

A journey of more than five decades from Tyneside to Shanghai and back for Andy Haddon has led to the realisation that creating a kinder way of living and doing business is needed but will only come by reaching out and enriching the diverse communities and relationships in which change will flourish. It is the bedrock upon which societal change depends. Through conversations with many partners on the relevance of the deep and broad work of Big River Bakery this podcast series shares insights on how to achieve systemic change through a place-based approach relevant to policy makers and others.

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Non-Profit

Business

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Bees, Green Street, and the Road to Big River Bakery: A Journey of Passion and Purpose

Big River Rising

37 minutes 32 seconds

8 months ago

Bees, Green Street, and the Road to Big River Bakery: A Journey of Passion and Purpose

Episode Summary

In this episode, Andy Haddon, founder of Big River Bakery, reflects on the 10 years following his return from Shanghai to the village of Wylam. He recounts his professional, personal, and volunteering journeys, sharing lessons learned from various ventures. Highlights include:

Professional Journey: Andy worked in consultancy, renewable energy, and social enterprises, eventually focusing on startups, including the first gin brand in Northern England in 200 years. Despite setbacks, these experiences shaped his understanding of creating sustainable ventures. Volunteering & Community Impact: Andy’s passion for community projects led to initiatives like Green Street, which brought innovations such as Northumberland’s first car club and electric vehicle charging points. He turned waste into resources, including a project that transformed discarded apples into a thriving orchard and award-winning wildflower meadow. Personal Growth & Inspiration: Beekeeping, sea kayaking, and a romantic connection on the island of Iona enriched his spiritual and personal life. Lessons from the bees, island community, and kayaking adventures taught him about interdependence, resilience, and self-discovery. Creative Thinking for Social Change: Andy emphasized the value of creativity and persistence in addressing climate change and community needs. This culminated in the decision to establish a sustainable trading entity, eventually leading to the creation of Big River Bakery.The episode ends with Andy teasing the next installment, focusing on the establishment and evolution of the bakery.

Calls to Action

Explore Your Own Community Projects: Be inspired by Andy’s story to identify opportunities in your community where waste can be turned into valuable resources. Start small and invite others to join in your efforts.

Embrace Creative Problem-Solving: Whether launching a business, volunteering, or addressing a challenge, let Andy’s innovative approach encourage you to think outside the box. Take action on ideas you’ve been hesitant to pursue.

Learn from the Past, Focus on Growth: Apply Andy’s lessons of treating successes and failures as learning opportunities. Reflect on your own experiences, identify your passions, and consider how they align with creating a sustainable impact in your life or community.

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