Hope Nature Centre

Hope Nature Centre in Southwick is set to re-open again after an extended closed period due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Staff have been working around the clock to create a wide range of improvements. Commercial

Manager David Gillingham said

“Although it’s been an incredibly tough period financially for Hope

Nature Centre, we decided to use the time effectively, as there aren’t many periods in which we could have carried out such a wide range of work without disturbing visitors”.

The Animal Park has received a huge amount of attention, including a brand-new entrance area containing a new catering outlet called the Snackbox, a new play area as well as ample outdoor and undercover seating. Within the Park itself there are a whole host of new enclosures and improvements, as well as the new adventure play area that will be sure to keep younger visitors entertained for hours. The café has also seen a major refurbishment, with an extended seating area, new toilets and new décor throughout. The Animal Park will re-open on 12 April, including the outdoor catering outlets. The café will be re-opening on 17 May in line with current restrictions. You can pre-book tickets and find out more on the website.

• hopenaturecentre.org.uk

Hope Nature Centre has undergone a wide range of improvements after its extended period of closure due to COVID

FUNDRAISING FUN AT FFC

Students at Fairfield Farm College have been busy fundraising for two fantastic causes. Despite COVID-19 restrictions, students were able to raise an amazing amount of money and had to think of imaginative and different ways to fundraise.

Students and staff cycled, walked, and danced their way to Buckingham Palace in the ‘Bikeathon to Buckingham Palace Challenge’ for Comic Relief. All those involved managed to clock up enough miles to get to Buckingham Palace and back again, all without leaving the campus. This virtual challenge was arranged by the Fairfield Farm College Student Council, and it aimed to get everyone involved, including those who could not join in person. They managed to raise a fantastic £186 for a great cause. Students, staff (and even some animals) were also supporting World Down Syndrome Day in odd socks style. Students have been working hard to sell special odd socks to raise money for the Swindon and Wiltshire Down Syndrome WorkFit employment programme. WorkFit is the Down’s Syndrome Association’s employment programme which brings together employers and job-seekers who have Down’s syndrome. Students managed to raise an amazing £228 through their sock selling endeavours. Jessica, the Student Council Events Organiser said “It was great fun, and everyone is pleased with the money we raised.”

• ffc.ac.uk