Covid Memorial Garden at Prince Charles Hospital to support staff and our community
A Memorial Garden for those who have died as a result of the COVID pandemic opened yesterday in the grounds of Prince Charles Hospital. The garden is designed in the shape of a heart and outlined yellow and was created by artist Siobhan Fitzgerald Grice and supported by graduate artist Shraddha Joshi.
Sioban said: “Today was a very special day for me as a Welsh Public Artist marking the opening of the third COVID Memorial Garden at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, which I was asked to create a design based on the yellow heart. These gardens combine my love of nature, environmental action through tree planting, creating a space which supports people’s mental health and also a community garden where people can plant flowers and get involved in other wellbeing activities.”
The ceremony was led by Siobhan, and poems were read by staff as well as a dedication and prayer of blessing by Lead Chaplain Carolyn Castle. There was time for reflection for staff from the Health Board as well as the main contractors for the refurbishment work at Prince Charles Hospital, Tilbury Douglas, who donated time and materials to support the development of the garden.
Carolyn said: “I was grateful for the opportunity to represent the Health Board’s Chaplaincy at such a poignant occasion. The garden will provide an appropriate place for ongoing remembrance and reflection for our staff and the local community within the Merthyr and Cynon area.”
There was an opportunity for staff to plant flowers in the garden and a Cherry Blossom tree was planted in the middle of the garden by Dave Murphy from Tilbury Douglas. The Cherry Blossom tree was something that staff suggested when consulted about the design for the garden; the tree represents the beauty of nature -the blossoms are emotive, giving a feeling of love, lightness and joy-the cherries can also nourish us as they are a fruit.
Staff are welcome to plant flowers in the garden and go and enjoy the garden and the surroundings. If you wish to plant flowers in the garden or have any queries relating to the location please email CTMUHB Arts and Health Coordinator Esyllt George email esyllt.george@wales.nhs.uk.
