Tree planting honours former St Helier Deputy

Tree planting honours former St Helier Deputy

About 30 of Deputy Rondel’s friends and family, as well as States Members and parishioners, attended the tree-planting ceremony, which took place at the children’s playground in the People’s Park.

The three fruit trees were planted by each of his sons – James, Jack and Joshua – to commemorate the role he played in instigating both the St Helier Bloom Group and the West of Town Community Association.

According to his sons, the trees planted were some of his favourites: an almond, a Victoria plum tree and a Stella cherry.

The popular Deputy died on 14 November 2018 after a long battle with cancer. He was 54. Speaking about her predecessor’s legacy, Deputy Inna Gardiner described Deputy Rondel as an ‘enthusiastic supporter of the parish’ who was ‘tireless in his efforts to find solutions for problems affecting the lives of his constituents, until the final days of his illness’.

‘The ceremony was very touching and it was amazing to see States Members and parishioners attend along with his friends and family,’ said Deputy Gardiner.

‘There was a really warm atmosphere in the air. Sadly, I only met him once during the hustings in 2018 and I can see why he was loved by everyone.’

One of the Deputy’s final official acts was to open a studio for local artists that had been provided by Dandara in their development at Westmount. It was named the Richard Rondel Arts Studio. A memorial plaque will be placed at a later date.

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