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'We will not forget': Grenfell Tower survivors hold silent march 'We will not forget': Grenfell Tower survivors hold silent march
(about 1 hour later)
Survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire have gathered for a silent march to remember those who died.Survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire have gathered for a silent march to remember those who died.
About 30 survivors, grieving relatives, neighbours and supporters met on Friday at a church near the site of the fire.About 30 survivors, grieving relatives, neighbours and supporters met on Friday at a church near the site of the fire.
They met at Notting Hill Methodist church, which was overflowing with donations in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. Police believe about 80 people died in the 14 June fire.They met at Notting Hill Methodist church, which was overflowing with donations in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. Police believe about 80 people died in the 14 June fire.
They walked down St Marks Road and Cambridge Gardens, past bus stops and railings where posters calling for information about missing loved ones still flutter in the wind.They walked down St Marks Road and Cambridge Gardens, past bus stops and railings where posters calling for information about missing loved ones still flutter in the wind.
At the front, a man held a cross above his head. The marchers passed under the multicoloured railway bridge and past Latimer Road station as cars kept a respectful distance behind.At the front, a man held a cross above his head. The marchers passed under the multicoloured railway bridge and past Latimer Road station as cars kept a respectful distance behind.
As they approached St Clement’s church, a community hub that has provided vital support, a man explained to his two little girls why people were marching. “They want to remember everyone who was living with us,” he said. As they approached St Clement’s church, a community hub that has provided vital support, a man explained to his two little daughters why people were marching. “They want to remember everyone who was living with us,” he said.
In the courtyard of the church community centre, where the mourners stopped for a few minutes in silence, one man, who did not want to be named, told those gathered they were “a dignified and strong group of people”. They were here “to show we remember, we have not forgotten them, we think about them every day – but to show we are unified, to show we remember”. The group would continue to meet and perform the same act of remembrance on the 14th day of every month, he said. In the courtyard of the church community centre, where the mourners stopped for a few minutes in silence, one man, who did not want to be named, told those gathered they were “a dignified and strong group of people”.
Marianne Alapini, who lives close to the Lancaster West estate, and was among those who walked along the route, said she had been moved by the peaceful march. “To have the promise and commitment to meet on the 14th of every month means a lot,” she said. “We will not forget the families, they are in our heart every day. This is our love, this is our community. They were here “to show we remember, we have not forgotten them, we think about them every day – but to show we are unified”. The group would continue to meet and perform the same act of remembrance on the 14th day of every month, he said.
Marianne Alapini, who lives close to the Lancaster West estate, and was among those who walked along the route, said she had been moved by the peaceful march.
“To have the promise and commitment to meet on the 14th of every month means a lot,” she said. “We will not forget the families, they are in our heart every day. This is our love, this is our community.
“Our grieving families have been put into disparate hotels but coming here today is such a symbol of the unity of our community.”“Our grieving families have been put into disparate hotels but coming here today is such a symbol of the unity of our community.”
Nat King, who lives on the Lancaster West estate, said it was a welcome moment to reflect. “It’s just nice to have this moment together,” he said. “We have meetings, vigils and we need them to keep us going and keep us together and turn this solidarity into community action for justice and support.” Nat King, who lives on the Lancaster West estate, said it was a welcome moment to reflect. “It’s just nice to have this moment together,” he said.
“We have meetings, vigils and we need them to keep us going and keep us together and turn this solidarity into community action for justice and support.”
Later, at a meeting of community leaders, volunteers and residents at nearby Acklam Village, there were questions about what would be done with an estimated £18m-£20m raised in donations to charities in the four weeks since the tragedy.Later, at a meeting of community leaders, volunteers and residents at nearby Acklam Village, there were questions about what would be done with an estimated £18m-£20m raised in donations to charities in the four weeks since the tragedy.
Grenfell resident Yvonne Harris said: “Where is this money? Who gives them the authority on how to share it out? They haven’t consulted us. We should have the say in how it’s distributed, that money should be split between 129 flats ... Who has it and what are they doing with it?” Grenfell resident Yvonne Harris said: “Where is this money? Who gives them the authority on how to share it out? They haven’t consulted us.
Volunteers also criticised the council for its lack of support. Micah Frizzle, of Harrow youth club, said: “We’re still wondering where the council are, we’re four weeks down the line and there’s nothing. It’s us looking after our own again.” “We should have the say in how it’s distributed, that money should be split between 129 flats … who has it and what are they doing with it?”
Volunteers also criticised the local council – the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea – for its lack of support.
Micah Frizzle, of the Harrow Club – a youth club – said: “We’re still wondering where the council are – we’re four weeks down the line and there’s nothing. It’s us looking after our own again.”