Kath Kelly remembered at Swinbrook Garden Opening

Many memories of the late Kath Kelly were shared as friends, relatives, local residents and TMO staff past and present, attended the opening of the Swinbrook Community Garden  on 16 April 2008.

Mrs Kelly; Swinbrook estate resident, local campaigner and one of the founders of the Tenant Management Organisation (TMO) had herself encouraged the idea of a garden to replace an area of grass and over-sized shrubs that collected litter.

Now after many years of dedicated work and with the drive and encouragement of Mr Albert Mabbs, the Chair of Swinbrook Residents’ Association (RA), Councillor Mason, the TMO who managed the project, and Kensington and Chelsea Environmental Limited (KCEL) who provided the funding, the garden is ready to provide a colourful and peaceful area for local residents to enjoy.

Chair of the TMO, Juliet Rawlings, welcomed guests and invited the Mayor to formally open the garden and, as a tribute to her memory, members of Mrs Kelly’s family released two doves.
 
Juliet Rawlings said

“The idea of this garden was first put forward by Swinbrook residents some years ago.

“This is an excellent example of what can be achieved by residents determined to improve their estate and a fitting tribute to Kath Kelly. The Swinbrook RA have been one of the most active and effective in improving their estate gardens and landscape, including two well equipped and used play areas for the young.”

The Mayor of the Royal Borough said

“Kath Kelly was greatly loved by her family and held in much affection by many in the Borough.  She worked tirelessly for the community and did much to improve the quality of life for those living in her part of North Kensington.  Her work was recognised by a Mayor’s Award in 2001.  I am very pleased that this Garden will stand as a lasting memorial for all that she did for the area she loved.” 

Cllr Mason, a close friend of Mrs Kelly and a driving force behind the garden project said:

“I promised Kath Kelly I would help Swinbrook Residents Association to finish building the garden she started before she died in 2001, and I kept my word to her.  The garden will stand as a memorial to the 25 years of service Mrs Kelly gave to Swinbrook Estate and Golborne residents”