Hi everyone. My name is Barry and for over five and a half months until 21 December 2021, I was in The Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre in Salisbury.
I was 69 years young when I had my two stays in the spinal centre. Before that, I worked for Transport for London, accompanying elderly and disabled people on journeys to go shopping, to sociable clubs, and to visit family and friends.
I moved to Ilfracombe and it was whilst I was living here that an infection in my spine caused it to crumble. I had two spinal operations, which is why I ended up spending time in the spinal centre on two separate occasions.
During my first stay, I was unable to get to Horatio’s Garden. However, during my second stay in September, I was delighted to be able to go and spend time in the garden as often as I could.
With home over three hours away, the garden kept me busy and I immediately felt the benefits. I quickly realised the volunteers are the best cake-makers in the world! All of them are angels and I’ll always remember all the time, effort, and hard work they gave to the garden.
I loved planting bulbs and seeds in the garden, as well as all the creative workshops. The garden is where I discovered Hilary the photographer, Katy the artist, and Sheila the crafter. Being an avid photographer, I quickly got chatting to Hilary. Her patience and expertise got me back into my hobby and she showed me how to get the most out of my camera. We often had battles about the pros and cons of my Nikon against Hilary’s Canon!
I had several photos put on the Horatio’s Garden Instagram, which made me very proud. My camera has also continued clicking at home, of course, which is wonderful.
Having never painted, Katy got me involved in her love of watercolours. She also had great patience with someone who had only ever drawn matchstick men! I have happily carried on painting at home too.
Sheila’s craft classes were also brilliant. She was a wonderful volunteer and during her workshops we made cards out of dried flowers, Christmas cards, and other gifts too. Like Hilary and Katy, Sheila had a lot of patience, and she helped me and lots of us to keep our minds active with various different arts and crafts.
If anyone, including me, ever felt a bit down, the garden was the place to go. The volunteers, the fresh air, and the activities would definitely get you back on the right track. So, if you’re reading this in hospital, don’t sit inside in your wheelchair. Instead, if you are able to, please go out and use the fabulous gardens.
Without Horatio’s Garden, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I’ve returned to playing lawn green bowls in the summer and short mat bowls indoors in the winter. I hope to pop in to see everyone and the garden again one day too. I’ll always wish everyone staying in the spinal centre in Salisbury lots of luck and I’ll always treasure my memories of being in Horatio’s Garden.
The photos below were all captured by Barry during his time in Horatio’s Garden South West.
