Gardening with the VC Gallery
In January 2021 two World War Two bunkers overlooking St Ishmaels Bay were given over to a new community gardening project by the farmer who owns the land on which they were erected.
“It was a bit of a shock when I saw how much we had taken on,” laughed Sean Golding project manager for the new venture. “But with a keen bunch of volunteers, even under Covid restrictions, we are well underway with Dig 4 Victory.”
This new project for the VC Gallery, which was set up in 2013 to improve the lives of services veterans and the wider community through the arts in all forms, is already proving to be a lifeline for many people.
Sean, a veteran of 22 years in the Royal Engineers, understands the needs of service men and women to find a place where they do not feel isolated. “There is a great camaraderie in the forces. A sense of brotherhood,” he explained. “It can be a shock to come back out into what feels like an indifferent, cold world.”
Getting the buildings fit for use has taken the time and energy of around 20 volunteers who give their time when they can and under the constraints of the Covid regulations. “The weather has been pretty awful at times,” Sean said. “But we have now fixed the roof. In the first bunker a new wood burner has been donated and installed for free by Beacon Stoves. The kitchen is in now too and a storeroom with workbenches where people can fix all kinds of items.”
The second bunker looks directly over the sea and will be available for meetings and workshops. “We are open to suggestions as to what particular use people want to make of it,” Sean said. “And we are building a path to make the area more accessible to everyone, including wheelchair users.”
The project also boasts a greenhouse to get things growing, outside seating and three paddocks which are being planted with a wide range of fruit and vegetables. There will also be flowers, including poppies – a potent symbol, of course, for the armed forces.
Speaking to us over the phone while finishing off the plastering work, Sean explained how important the project is for the people volunteering and for those who will hopefully join as the project unfolds.
“All VC projects provide a safe place for people to come and get involved, or just to relax and have a cup of coffee and make some new friends. This project, which has been funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust offers all of that in a stunning location with a chance to get your hands in the dirt and make things grow. You are also free to walk or just sit and admire the view. It will be a great place to bring the kids too.”
Other VC members are getting involved too. Already individual works of art that will add a special atmosphere to the whole area are coming into life on the site.
Sean said: “Any veterans, family members or anyone from the wider community who want to get involved with Dig 4 Victory will be very welcome. We can even help with transport for those that do not have a car.”
You can contact Sean on the Dig 4 Victory Facebook page, or the VC website www.thevcgallery.com or on 01437 765873. Everyone is welcome.
All the images on this page have been taken by members of the VC Gallery and can be found on the Dig 4 Victory Facebook page.
