Southern Culture
Did You Know?
Nausea
On 1 March 2002, the Scenic Railway roller coaster at Dreamland became a listed building, the first time an amusement park ride has been given heritage status. It’s the oldest operating roller coaster in the country
Outreach at the Vyne, Hampshire
Thrive is a national charity, founded in 1978, that makes use of gardening to change the lives of disabled people. About three years ago, Thrive started working with the National Trust at The Vyne in Hampshire, sending two volunteers, Karen and Ryan, to work in the garden to gain experience for their NVQ Level 1 in Horticulture. After completing their course, Karen and Ryan have now moved on. Stephen and Colin are now volunteering in their place. However, it is a testament to the success of the scheme that Karen continues to work at The Vyne as a volunteer in her own right. The volunteers from Thrive gain confidence and social skills whilst at The Vyne. They are able to use their time there as a stepping-stone to employment and greater participation in community life. The gardening team at The Vyne also benefit. They were given training by Thrive and feel a sense of achievement that they have given something back to the community by helping the volunteers to increase their life skills.