Mental Health: Veterans&the Community Working Together

The Charfield Rail disaster of 1928 was a tragic event that claimed 16 lives, including two unknown children, making the memorial a poignant reminder for the community and holding deep historical and emotional value for residents. However, over time the surrounding dry-stone wall has become unsafe, partially collapsing in several sections, with ivy and other vegetation growing throughout, which is a common occurrence in walls over a century old. This raised concerns regarding visitor safety. Consequently, restoration efforts were led by the recently formed Veterans on the Edge community, not only for aesthetic purposes, but also to safeguard both the memorial site and those who visit it. 

Because St James’s is both historically significant and spiritually important, the project required a thoughtful and collaborative approach. Permissions and notifications were sought from South Gloucester Council, Charfield Parish Council, St John’s Parochial Parish Council, Tortworth Estate, the Gloucestershire Diocese and the Churches Conservation Trust. Each organisation played a role in ensuring the work met conservation standards and respected the responsibilities involved in caring for a churchyard of this age and character. 

The project was funded by the Veterans Foundation, who had previously supported the refurbishment of the First World War veterans’ memorial headstones and grave markers at St James’s. From 26 to 29 March, Veterans on the Edge, Veterans in the Justice System, Friends of St James and the local community came together for four days of physical labour, puzzle solving and skilled craftmanship. This followed several months of careful preparation that included detailed military-style planning, securing permissions, and coordinating with organisations throughout Gloucestershire. The expertise was delivered by Andy Docherty of Walling2Recovery, a certified and insured dry-stone waller and Army veteran. He conducts dry stone walling courses throughout the UK and internationally, with a particular focus on programmes that promote veterans’ mental health, wellbeing, and confidence, while imparting valuable crafting skills.  

Under Andy’s guidance, veterans and community volunteers worked side by side to learn the technique of dry-stone walling, from selecting and shaping stones to understanding balance, weight and the collaboration that the technique demands, who knew you could put stones upside down! The environment fostered teamwork, a shared sense of purpose and pride. The focus required by the activity allowed minds to relax, while light-hearted conversation (with the usual military banter!), often shaped by shared lived experiences, the excellent homemade cake and the plentiful brews/wets helped create an enjoyable, stress-free and rewarding few days. 

With increased interest expected around the centenary of the Charfield Railway Disaster the restoration ensures that the memorial’s surroundings have been returned to a condition of dignity, safety and stability. The project team is deeply grateful to everyone who supported the restoration, from sponsors and councils to church bodies and residents. Their collective backing has allowed the site to be strengthened both physically and symbolically. What now stands at St James’ is more than a repaired wall. It is a testament to collaboration, heritage stewardship and the healing power of shared work where Veterans gained a space to reconnect, learn and contribute. 

The community has helped safeguard a historic site that now benefits from a restored wall which will stand strong for decades to come. This project has demonstrated how heritage conservation can also be a pathway to wellbeing, belonging and remembrance, an outcome as enduring as the stones themselves. 

On a personal note, building the wall and being part of the project with other veterans has provided a sense of achievement, an emotional connection, (something I would never have thought I’d say about a wall), physical and mental health benefits, and allegedly improved flexibility (my tight hamstrings disagree!). This project, by engaging with other veterans and residents, has brought about a sense of community, strengthening those connections and reinforced our core military and social values.

For more information on Andy and his work or should you wish to do something similar, please look at his website www.w2r.co.uk