118. Launch of the Veterans’ Garden for the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch, Guildhall, 21 February 2024


The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch on 18 April 2024 brings together over 1650 representatives from the City and Livery.  Since its inception in 2008, it has distributed over £3.3m to support veterans.

There are several events as part of the build up to the Lunch. Livery Masters were invited to the launch of the Veterans’ Garden in Guildhall Yard.  The launch was attended by HRH the Duke of Kent who is a long-standing supporter of the Curry Lunch.

Historically the Gardeners’ Company have used gardening to provide therapeutic help to injured service personnel.  We now value more than ever before the green places, trees, plants and gardens, in the health and welfare of individuals and their importance in biodiversity and sustainability.

The garden this year focused on the impact of the experiences of veterans on their whole families, including the children.  Incorporated in the garden are original works of art created by the children of serving members of the armed forces.  The painted dolls at the front of the garden represent unity and love for children everywhere - a powerful reminder of our current global wars. 

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