FREE
Your Essential Weekly Read
Tel: 966 701 060 E-mail: office@costablancapeople.com Web: costablancapeople.com
CostaBlancaPeople 6th - 12th February 2018
Memorial Garden restored after vandalism Eight years ago Debbie lost her dad Wilf Smith, however, it wasn´t until the Manchester bombing evoked such heartache that Debbie thought about establishing a Memorial Garden in La Marina.
D
EBBIE discussed her plans with friends and family and it was suggested that she use a corner of the local park in Calle Lisboa. Thanks to the support of Paulino from the Residents Office at the local Town Hall, Debbie was given the go ahead and began making her dream a reality. The corner of the park was transformed into a tranquil garden of reflection. There were benches to sit and remember lost friends and family, a memorial wall where people attached plaques in the name of their loved ones. The plaques proved popular
and soon there were more than 30 on the wall. People came and lit memorial candles and the whole community got behind the project. People helped plant and bought flora and fauna, JCN Construction built the wall for free and the project was a point of pride for all. Those who helped develop the space or who visited regularly came to know each other. They told each other the stories of their loved ones and supported
each other in their loss. The garden became a focal point for the community and in the late summer months provided a haven for those seeking peace and reflection. Unfortunately, the garden soon fell victim to vandals. These thoughtless youngsters sprayed graffiti all over the memorial wall and smeared candle wax over the memorial plaques. All the hard work had been for nothing, overnight
everything had been ruined. The garden was a mess and no longer a place where locals would want to go and spend time. Luckily the expat community in La Marina has true grit and spirit and rallied to restore the garden back to its former glory. Local business New Start funded the restoration project and JCN Construction returned to repair the wall. Locals pitched in to help with the restoration and on Sunday their hard work was recognised and rewarded as the Garden was officially opened to the public once again and the area was blessed by the local priest.
722