A special ceremony took place this week at Cardiff’s Maindy Barracks: the planting of a pair of right royal rowan trees (Sorbus Aucuparia) to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
The trees, donated by 160 (Wales) Brigade and RFCA* for Wales, were planted in the barracks’ Wellbeing Garden by Colonel Dominic Morgan OBE, Chief Executive, RFCA For Wales.
The Wellbeing Garden, established in 2022, is a joint venture between SSAFA, its volunteers from the South East Wales branch, internal and external organisations that support Maindy Barracks, DIO, VIVO, BPS, and the amazing volunteers from the Glamorgan National Garden Scheme, all who have been instrumental in creating a colourful, calming space for military personnel and those working with them within a busy barracks located in the centre of the capital city.
A well-supported event with a mixture of civilians, veterans, and serving personnel from the Armed Forces all enjoyed the wonderful light refreshments provided by ESS, also benefactors of the Wellbeing Garden.
Also present was Lance Corporal Shenkin IV, Regimental Mascot of the 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh, who was on his best behaviour.
Well, almost.
While the Kashmiri from the Royal Herd at Great Orme, Llandudno, expressed a degree of interest in eating the newly planted trees, he was successfully distracted by some grapes and an unfortunate cherry sapling in the garden.
Col Morgan said:
“RFCA for Wales was very happy to donate a tree to support the Wellbeing Garden here at Maindy Barracks in Cardiff. Furthermore, I was delighted to be invited to plant it during a special ceremony commemorating the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.”
A SSAFA spokesperson added:
“It was a privilege to attend the ceremonial tree planting in honour of His Majesty King Charles III, and also to see how the Wellbeing Garden at the barracks is progressing.”
For more information, visit ssafa.org.uk/south-east-wales.
