New Grenfell memorial garden ‘symbolises healing and hope’
Dedication service four days before first anniversary of blaze hears tributes to bravery and community spirit of those affected
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Your support makes all the difference.A memorial garden for the community devastated by the Grenfell Tower fire has been unveiled, symbolising “healing, peace and justice”.
The garden at St Clement's Church, Notting Dale, sits in the shadow of the charred remains of the west London tower block.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan and the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, who performed the dedication, joined members of the north Kensington community four days before the first anniversary of the blaze that killed 72 people.
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.
"It also shone a light on the resilience and solidarity of this wonderful community. It is in their honour we must find out the truth of what happened.
"We must make sure those responsible are held to account but also we must make sure that never again should a person lose their life, never again should a family grieve like these families are grieving and never again will a community be affected like this one has been."
The 24-storey tower burned overnight and into the morning of June 15. Eventually, 72 people were confirmed to have died.
Survivors and those who responded to the fire and helped in its aftermath, including residents and representatives of the emergency services, as well as housing secretary James Brokenshire and Kensington MP Emma Dent Coad, were among the congregation at a church service held for the dedication.
They heard that many people had shown both bravery and extraordinary community spirit.
Graham Tomlin, the Bishop of Kensington, warned them that "the next few days will not be easy and that is why we need to fix ourselves on hope".
He said: "This service is full of symbols. This building offers us comfort, shelter, sympathy and a home which is especially important for those who are still waiting for theirs."
He urged everyone to see the garden as a sign of hope every time they walk past it.
PA
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