Sunday 24th Sept saw the official inauguration of the Enfield Living memorial. With around two hundred people attending the informal open event. From one o’clock visitors came to view the work and mingle. Over fifty of them choosing to leave a small personal message of remembrance, which written on cards and tied to the trees. Ones such note said “Love you mum, and miss you, love…” and it reflected the expressions of loss that were being expressed throughout conversations on the day.
At two o’clock a local children’s choir performed, with three beautiful songs, and then a brief speech was given from the president of the local Soroptimists group, welcoming everyone, and thanking all those involved in enabling the memorial to happen.
The feedback from those attending was tremendous, heaping praise on both the memorial and the sculptural design. A little enigma embedded in the words on the sculpture also proved to be a popular conversation piece during the afternoon.
Organisers have received more positive feedback since the opening, an example here is indicative of what has been said by many.
“I lost my 59-year-old father to covid in 2021. I can’t tell you how much it means to me to have a memorial such as this in my own town. My mother who is wheelchair dependant has never been able to access a memorial for my father but now she finally can as it’s nearby and accessible. Thank you all for your efforts and the beautiful thought and design.”