Mudlarks founder given Freedom of The Town

The founder of local mental health charity Mudlarks has been granted the Honorary Freewoman of Hertford for her dedicated service to the town.

Hertford Town Council was delighted to make the award to Victoria Broscomb (known as Vic) to recognise the positive impact that her many years of dedicated work have brought to so many people’s lives.

The Mayor of Hertford, Councillor Rachel Carter, who made presentation at a special commemoration at Hertford Castle on Tuesday 11th March 2025, commented: "I am so delighted that we have been able to honour Vic in this way. For decades, Vic hasdedicated her time and energy for the good of others in Hertford, creating positive opportunities where there were none before, for people with learning and mental health needs. She has been a true leader and trailblazer in the practice of organic gardening and care for the environment and she leaves a lasting legacy, for Mudlarks and for so many people across Hertford".

On announcing the news of her retirement, Vic said: "We have the most fantastic community at Mudlarks and I am so proud of everyone – our gardeners, Café staff, the forest school and all our volunteers. The most dedicated and hardworking staff team leads Mudlarks, enhancing the lives of individuals with learning disabilities, autistic people and those with mental health needs. I wish Mudlarks continued success in creating joyful opportunities for the people we support and I’m sure it will continue to grow and develop."

In 2008, Vic secured a piece of land with Hertford Town Council, on Cromwell Road, and with her love of the outdoors she set up Mudlarks Community Garden to provide regular volunteering for people with learning disabilities. Since then, under her direction, she has taken Mudlarks from strength to strength.

In addition to the allotments, which offer gardening therapy, Vic set up community gardening teams, who maintain a whole range of green spaces using organic methods, a Forest School, and a Community Café which takes vegetables from the allotment and provides paid work for people with learning disabilities or mental health needs.

Vic has raised funds for Mudlarks' many projects and to make people aware of the positive benefits of an organic approach to gardening. Under Vic’s leadership, Mudlarks also received a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Mudkarks Community Café hosts a range of events from craft fairs to open mic nights. Across all of Mudlarks projects, local residents with mental health challenges and learning difficulties have been supported, gaining experience while developing a whole rangeof skills and contributing to the life of the town, in such a positive way.