Windrush Sundial unveiled

A new Windrush garden and commemorative sundial have been unveiled in Kensal Green

The community green space and sundial, chosen to commemorate the Windrush generation, have been available for residents and visitors to enjoy throughout lockdown as a source of comfort and peace during this troubling period. The open space in the grounds of the Church has been transformed from a lacklustre patch of tarmac into a beautiful green space to be used by the community, and has been funded by the Council.

At St John The Evangelist Church in Kensal Green a socially distanced ceremony was carried out on Sunday evening (16th August) to officially unveil the garden and sundial, with honoured guests including Mrs Curline Hibbert MBE and Honorary Alderman Jan Prendergast, on behalf of the Lord Mayor of Westminster.

Mrs Hibbert, who had the honour of cutting the ribbon to officially open the garden came to the UK from the Caribbean in the ‘60s and was eventually awarded an MBE for her 20-year caring career, working at the Council.

Reverend David Ackerman, the vicar at St John’s, explained that the garden and sundial have been chosen to commemorate the Windrush generation as since the 1960s, St John’s has relied upon the local Caribbean community to survive and thrive.

Coincidentally, Revd Ackerman previously presided over a parish in the village of Windrush, after which the original migrant ship was named.

Carver Martin Cook created the exquisite sundial by hand using traditional tools, from a single piece of slate and it features the words “Work Together, Pray Together, Struggle Together, Stand Up for Freedom Together” from Martin Luther King Jr’s famous ‘I have a dream’ speech.

Following the ribbon-cutting, this speech was read aloud by Revd Ackerman and the themes of peace, prosperity, and community were reflected on through prayer and sermon.

The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Jonathan Glanz said:

“I am so pleased that we were able to offer this wonderful garden for such a poignant purpose. This project which commemorates the great Windrush generation whose efforts supported Britain in our post-war recovery and added to our rich and diverse multicultural history.  I hope this outdoor space will become a beacon of peace and unity for the local community in troubled times.”