BEN HURST, SOCIAL ACTIVIST
As the head of facilitation and training at The Good Lad initiative, Ben’s work looks at challenging traditionally toxic forms of masculinity. Focusing on gender equality, the organisation works with men of all ages. ‘Most of my work falls within the realm of facilitating tough conversations’ he says. A Londoner born and bred, he lives in Ilford where he grew up with family and friends only a few roads apart. ‘It’s not the most glamourous of places,’ Ben admits. ‘But it was nice to feel like I lived in a real community.’

What are you working on at the moment?
‘I have a TEDx talk coming up on allyship with my friend Jamie Windust. We’ll bit sitting down to chat with each other about the misconceptions that surround our work, amongst other things. I’m also releasing a podcast called Climate Curious with TEDx London. So, if you’re like me and know nothing about climate change, it’s worth tuning in to!’

What are you looking forward to next year?
‘I’m really looking forward to seeing my friends – without having to think about it. I’m also hoping that we get to hear music at festivals again. I know the landscape for creatives has been shifted so drastically, so I really hope that industry gets back on its feet!’

How has 2020 changed the way you dress?
‘Comfort is paramount. So now, I’m all about the sweats and dressing gowns – but still making it fashionable!’

What does a better future look like to you?
‘It looks like a world where we have conversations about race, class, gender, sexuality, climate change and all of the other stuff that impacts everyone, daily. And it doesn’t seem too far off – more and more people are starting to engage in these conversations every day.’

ALFIE NICKERSON, BIODYNAMIC FARMER & GARDENER
Alfie is biodynamic farmer – which means he works with the moon cycle to influence his plants without the use of fertilisers or pesticides. He currently spends his time between London – where he has been a gardener for six years – and Norfolk. But it’s the East Anglian coastal town where he feels most at home. ‘I’ve always been keen to explore the north Norfolk coast,’ Alfie says. ‘I would rather be here than on holiday in the Caribbean.’

What are you working on at the moment?
‘I’m currently starting up a biodynamic flower farm, Burntfen Flowers, which I've been working on since before lockdown. I’m mainly getting it ready for next year, so I’ve been planting thousands of bulbs to have in the early spring.’

In the spirit of giving, what ways can we all ‘do good’ and give back this season – and beyond?
‘I think we are slowly starting to realise the damages on the earth from commercial farming and I believe we can all pull together to start supporting local businesses – which will also benefit the world we live in.’

What are you looking forward to next year?
‘Being able to go and see the gardens which I would have loved to have done this year. I’m also looking forward to expanding Burntfen Flowers and trying to grow lots of different of flowers and vegetables and become more knowledgeable in horticulture.’

This year has been a challenge for many reasons. How would you encourage others that are interested in doing what you do?
‘It’s all about making the time. Most people have the idea that they want to spend more time outside and try to grow vegetables and flowers, but often become lazy after a day at work. I think a lot of people this year have given it a go, so now it’s important to not stop!’

How has 2020 changed the way you dress?
‘My style hasn't changed. Most of my clothes become completely unrecognisable after a couple of weeks, so I try and keep them for as long as possible.’