A memorial garden dedicated to healing, peace and justice for the community devastated by the Grenfell Tower fire has been unveiled.
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 as they mark the first anniversary of the blaze which killed 72 people.
“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.”
Survivors and those who responded to the fire and helped in its aftermath – including residents, community groups and representives 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.
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”.
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.
