Chelsea Pensioners uniforms recycled into cushions

Jackets worn by retired British Army veterans are getting a new lease of life before they go on display at the Chelsea Flower Show.

The distinctive red jackets with black cuffs and gold buttons worn by Chelsea Pensioners, who live at Royal Hospital Chelsea in south-west London, are being recycled into cushions.

Veterans are helping to dismantle the wool garments - which are being phased out for an easier to wear fabric - while the sewing is being done by prisoners through an initiative by the charity Fine Cell Work.

"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.

Each piece is being deconstructed and sewn back together as cushions for seating in the London Square Chelsea Pensioners Garden, being exhibited at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The show is held each May in the grounds of Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Ms Lloyd, 79, says she is a "new girl" at the Royal Chelsea Hospital, having moved there last November.

Putting on the scarlet jacket for the first time was memorable.

"Oh it's wonderful," she says. "It's such a privilege. As soon as you put it on, you're six inches taller."

She says she is looking forward to seeing the end result of the transformed uniforms.

After the flower show, the exhibited garden will become a private space for Chelsea Pensioners, their families and other non-resident veterans - including the seating with its scarlet upholstery.

"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," she adds.

Fine Cell Work aims to rehabilitate people who are serving time, or prison leavers, by giving them skills in embroidery and needlework.

The charity is working with the pensioners on the project.

Workshops manager Jordanne Cliffe says: "The original intention when we started Fine Cell Work 26 years ago was to allow prisoners the opportunity to learn new skills in embroidery and needlework.

"About seven years ago we created our post-release programme so that those who have stitched with us when they were in prison, can join us post-release to continue that support."

The cushions will be taken into prisons to have the final touches applied by those taking part in workshops, before being installed at the Chelsea Flower Show.

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