Green Fingered Success :: Wessex Scene Online

Green Fingered Success

17th August 2005
Peter Derrick Vice President Welfare

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Student volunteers celebrated the successful completion of a two-year gardening project with the official opening of the renovated Manor House Garden.

The Manor House provides accommodation for out-of-town patients receiving treatment at the radiotherapy departments at the Royal South Hants hospital and Southampton General. In May 2003 students from the Student Community Action group of Southampton University Students’ Union were awarded just under Ł9,000 by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers to revamp and revitalize the Manor House gardens.

Students from SCA and the Conservation Volunteers, involved in the project were joined by residents and staff of Manor House to witness the opening of the newly renovated garden by Sylvia Wakeham, wife of University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bill Wakeham. The Sheriff of Southampton, Councillor Edwina Cooke was also in attendance, showing her support for the many hours of hard work put in by the students.

Mrs Wakeham commented: ‘The students have worked over and above all expectations in the past two years and have achieved spectacular results. With 2005 being the Year of the Volunteer, it is timely that the garden is opening now.

‘Through the commitment of the students involved and their willingness to volunteer their time and hard work, the residents of the Manor House now have a refurbished garden which is designed to encourage social interaction and reduce the social isolation that some patients may experience being away from home.’

The project has also encouraged patient participation, helping to bring together people with and without disability, promoting a greater understanding of disability and the impact it has on people’s lives. By encouraging wildlife it has provided a pleasant retreat for all users.