On Thursday 12 February the Master and Charity Secretary represented the Company at the Annual Veterans’ Garden Launch at Guildhall. This year the theme is a garden of senses, for blind veterans or those with sight difficulties. The garden is part of the launch for this year’s Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch which will take place on Thursday 16th April 2026 at the Guildhall to raise funds to support veterans of His Majesty’s Armed Forces. Members wishing to attend may book via this link: The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch
It is estimated that there are approximately 59,000 veterans in the UK currently living with severe sight loss. People lose their sight for a variety of reasons, and the garden this year represents not only veterans with permanent sight loss but also highlights the cases which are treatable with timely medical intervention.
The Japanese technique known as “Kintsugi” is the art of mending broken pottery with gold lacquer; it was this notion of “improvement and fixing” that was the inspiration behind the black trees with their broken branches repaired and enhanced with gold paint and strapping. The new twiggy growths which have been taped onto the old trunks represent current research focusing on the stimulation and regeneration of nerve cells which one day will hopefully improve some forms of sight loss.
The most common physiological response to vision loss is depression. Being outside can go some way in alleviating the symptoms of stress and anxiety. The benefits of being immersed in Nature are widely acknowledged; this is especially true for those with impaired vision, the remaining senses that we all take for granted suddenly come into their ow.
To feel the soft brush strokes of a fluffy grass graze against an arm, or to hear trickling water and twittering bird song, or to get a waft of almond scented cherry blossom on a cold Spring Day, these are things that give hope and make us think of all the beautiful things in life. Whilst some activities can initially prove too challenging, it is always possible to go for a stroll in the garden or park.
