Retired British Army veterans' jackets are being repurposed into cushions for the Chelsea Pensioners Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Chelsea Pensioners dismantle their iconic uniforms made of wool, which are being replaced by more comfortable fabrics. The sewing part is executed by incarcerated individuals as part of the Fine Cell Work charity initiative, which aids in their rehabilitation. This project not only honors the legacy of the uniforms but also creates seating for a beautiful garden where veterans and their families can enjoy the serene atmosphere after the show.
"It is quite therapeutic," says Chelsea Pensioner Anne Lloyd as she unpicks a seam, pops off a button and snips away fabric from a ceremonial scarlet uniform.
"Oh it's wonderful," she says. "It's such a privilege. As soon as you put it on, you're six inches taller."
"And the joy is also going to be the fact that we can keep it afterwards and then all the pensioners can go and enjoy the garden."
The original intention when we started Fine Cell Work 26 years ago was to allow...
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