VC Gallery in Haverfordwest reopens after flooding
On Friday, May 30, Barry John MBE was joined by First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan who cut the ribbon.
Despite the 'unexpected flooding' forcing the VC Gallery's headquarters to close in June 2024, Mr John revealed the facility has been upgraded.
First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan cut the ribbon. (Image: VC Photo Group) Founder of VC Gallery, Mr Barry John said: 'The reopening went really well. The First Minister of Wales attended alongside the veteran minister. We usually have our breakfast club on a Friday morning, and this was our first one in the new facility.
'There was extensive damage from the unexpected flooding, and we faced lots of difficulties. We had to fight to get it back open. But we had help from Haverfordwest Town Council and lots of support in Pembrokeshire with different programs coming together.
The VC Gallery received a lot of support. (Image: VC Photo Group) 'We now have more classrooms and more space overall. You would think the builders would measure everything due to the cost-of-living crisis. But they went above and beyond, working until 4am.
'Tomos Palmer and his team from TGP Glass invested extra crash and hours into the project, putting things in that they bought themselves. We have new tables, ceilings and the installation of fire alarms. The facility is even better than it was before.'
Founder of VC Gallery Barry John MBE and Baroness Morgan. (Image: VC Photo Group) Despite the flooding forcing the VC Gallery to temporarily close, Mr John expressed how the charity still did not stop offering help to the community.
He continued: 'The First Minister has always been a massive supporter. She was over the moon to reopen the VC Gallery in Haverfordwest.
'She came to visit us during one of her breaks in her busy schedule along with members of the county council who gave their time to speak to veterans with physical and mental disabilities. They genuinely asked brilliant questions.
'After the flooding, some people assumed that things weren't continuing at the charity. But actually, everyone here has been able to provide an engagement passage for those who need it.
'We have been offering our walking groups, our Dig for Victory project and providing alcohol and drug counselling.'
After the flooding, the charity never stopped providing support to the local community. (Image: VC Photo Group) Mr John also thanked Phil Kirby from County Electrical Services for installing the electrics in the building.
He added: 'It was a bad situation but because of the community and our ethos and culture, we were able to recover.
Barry John MBE expressed how happy he was with the new facility (Image: VC Photo Group) 'Similar to when COVID hit, we had to become dynamic and keep supporting locals. We had insurance but that can only cover so much.'
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