Tower Blocks and Town Hall Go Green for Grenfell
As mark of remembrance and solidarity on anniversary of fire
Hammersmith Town Hall and our estates in Shepherd's Bush closest to Grenfell Tower have 'gone green' as a mark of remembrance, compassion and solidarity on the one year anniversary of the devastating fire.
This photo, taken by Ravenscourt Park councillor Bora Kwon shows the towers of the Edward Woods Estate lit up in the early hours of 14 June.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council and local community arts organisation BrownBaby have worked together to remember those who lost their lives in north Kensington by illuminating the town hall on 14 June.
Three tower blocks on the Edward Woods Estate and four tower blocks on the Charecroft Estate were illuminated with green lighting for three nights from 00.54am in the morning.
Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader of H&F Council, said: "The
Grenfell Tower fire was a devastating tragedy. And the remains of the tower remind us every day that compassion and respect for all human life is fundamental.
"In going Green For Grenfell we show that we stand shoulder to shoulder with everyone who has suffered as a result of this tragedy."
The green lights are intended to mark the moment the fire started at Grenfell Tower, and the three days it continued.
H&F Council will also be holding a minute’s silence to remember the victims. The Grenfell flag is flying Hammersmith Town Hall during the period of remembrance.
Kim Dero, Chief Executive of H&F Council, said: "Our staff and residents came together in Hammersmith & Fulham to support those affected by the Grenfell tragedy and supporting Green for Grenfell is a heartfelt way to show we care."
Brownbaby was founded by Shepherds Bush-born artist Toby Laurent Belson. Toby, who went to St Peters Primary School in Hammersmith, worked with the local community and performers at last summer’s Notting Hill Carnival to encourage revellers to wear green in support of the victims of the Grenfell fire.
Trellick Tower in Ladbroke Grove was also lit up green during the carnival and Toby has campaigned to win support to light up more estates on the anniversary of the tragedy.
"Across London, it’s important that everyone living in social housing feels a sense of togetherness and solidarity," he said.
"After all the talking and politics around the tragedy, I hope this simple gesture of support will be like getting a hug that helps you get through a hard day."
The colour green began to be associated with Grenfell after some local schools began to use the hashtag Green For Grenfell on social media. From there Toby and his fellow artists felt the colour green was associated with renewal and healing – and decided it was the right colour to light up the estates in.
Toby added: "The council’s decision to light up the town hall green is very symbolic. It shows a great level of support for the community. We hope to bring everyone together after a defining moment in British history."
It forms part of the community artwork which Toby has been involved in for the past 16 years. He recently held an exhibition of collages – called Women of Colour – at Shepherds Bush Library, which included tennis star Serena Williams and singer Erykah Badu.
Following the fire, H&F Council supported more than 50 families in temporary accommodation in the borough.
Teams from the housing and social care departments visited the families each week, making sure they had vouchers for hot meals, travel cards and that they were receiving the support they needed – and in some cases family members, friends and neighbours.
The council says it continues to provide support for the families who have not been permanently re-housed.
There is more information about how to access support services if you have been affected by the Grenfell fire here.
The three tower blocks on the Edward Woods Estate which have turned green are: Stebbing House, Norland House, and Poynter House. The four tower blocks on the Charecroft Estate are: Shepherds Court, Roseford Court, Woodford Court, and Bush Court.
Community group Grenfell Support has produced a booklet to provide advice to adults on how to support children at this time. This booklet is now available in Arabic, Farsi, Amharic, Tagalog and Tigrinya. Download a copy here.
June 11, 2018