Memorial garden for tower fire unveiled
A MEMORIAL garden dedicated to healing, peace and justice for the community devastated by the Grenfell Tower fire has been unveiled.
The garden at St Clement’s Church, Notting Dale, stands in the shadow of the charred remains of the West London tower block.
It was a chance for London mayor Sadiq Khan and Bishop of London the Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, who performed the dedication, to join members of the North Kensington community ahead of the first anniversary of the blaze, which killed 72 people when the fire broke out on June 14 last year.
The garden, which includes a bench in memory of a Grenfell victim known only as Sheila, contains shrubs and a large mosaic plaque shaped like an anchor with different religious symbols to reflect the neighbourhood’s diverse community, according to a spokesman for the diocese.
Mr Khan said: “Our love and prayers are with those who were affected by the fire at Grenfell last year. This garden is to honour them. It is a garden of peace, healing and justice.
“The fire last year shone a light on the inequalities in our city and our country – one of the richest in the world.”
Survivors along with those who responded to the fire and helped in its aftermath – including residents, community groups and representatives from the emergency services – were among the congregation at a church service held ahead of the dedication.
They heard that many people had shown both bravery and extraordinary community spirit after the tragedy.
Housing Minister James Brokenshire and Kensington MP Emma Dent Coad were also among the invited guests.
Graham Tomlinson, the Bishop of Kensington, warned them all that “the next few days will not be easy and that is why we need to fix ourselves on hope”.