Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Emma Taylor

If you've spotted the eye-catching Poundbury Good Things merchandise about or browsed the beautifully designed tea towels and tote bags in the Brace of Butchers, you've seen the fruits of Emma's dedication. But there's much more to this remarkable volunteer than meets the eye.

Credit: E Taylor

Emma and her husband Ian made Poundbury their home just over two years ago, relocating from rural Somerset with their two beloved dogs, Daisy and Bumble. After years in London followed by countryside living, they were searching for something different: a place that offered convenience without sacrificing community.

'We also wanted to be closer to family who live nearby,' Emma explains. 'Having lived very rurally for a few years, we were looking for somewhere with more on our doorstep and less driving and didn't we ever find that with Poundbury!'

Credit: E Taylor

Leading with Heart and Experience

Emma is now leading the Poundbury Good Things initiative from the Community Association of Poundbury. Drawing on her marketing and PR background, she's immersed herself in every aspect of the project, from crafting newsletter stories and developing point-of-sale materials to liaising with printers and forging partnerships with local businesses including Rhubarb Candle Company, Shire Hall, Brace of Butchers, Buttermarket Post Office, and Crossroads Poundbury.

'There's been so much to learn, Emma admits with a laugh. 'Like the challenges of printing on fabric for our tea towels and canvas shoppers. Who knew it was so different from printing on paper!'

But what truly lights Emma up is the collaboration. She speaks with genuine admiration about the PGT team: Zoe Bell, whose calm and encouraging presence has been invaluable; Mary O'Flaherty, the talented artist whose original designs capture Poundbury's spirit perfectly; Claire Lunnen-Kay, whose decades of retail experience have proven essential to the initiative's success; and the practical clear business thinking from Sue Cooke and Antonia Wilmot.

'Without a doubt, it's the people,' Emma says when asked about her favourite aspect of volunteering. 'We're a small team with different backgrounds and a real breadth of strengths and experience. It has been a real joy, and I've learned so much.'

Making a Difference Where It Matters

For Emma, volunteering is about more than creating beautiful products. It's about connection and community impact, particularly supporting the Pavilion in the Park's programmes for young people.

'At times when so much in the world feels uncertain or troubling, it's easy to feel helpless,' she reflects. 'But I think making a difference right where you live truly matters. Even small actions can ripple outward and create real, positive change.'

With youth services facing significant cuts in recent years, Emma is passionate about ensuring children and young people have safe, welcoming spaces. 'If we can help in a small way to keep those opportunities alive, that feels incredibly worthwhile.'

A Surprising Past

While many in our community might recognise Emma walking Daisy and Bumble around town, fewer know about her adventurous equestrian past. Before her two four-legged companions became her walking partners, Emma was more often on horseback, competing at the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials and show jumping at Hickstead!

It's this same determination and grace that Emma brings to her volunteer work, helping Poundbury Good Things grow from concept to reality, one beautifully designed product at a time.

Interested in getting involved with the Community Association/LovePoundbury? Please visit our website

Poundbury Good Things are available at the Brace of Butchers, and also at Crossroads Cafe, Buttermarket Post Office and Shire Hall.

For information about community events at the Pavilion in the Park, please visit their events page.