Young people in Sydenham set up community garden in memory of murdered teenager James Ross Hunter

A group of young people have set up a community garden with the support of a charity created in memory of a murdered teenager.

The garden was open for the launch of Fun Palace 2019 on Saturday October 5th at TNG Youth and Community Centre on Wells Park Road, Sydenham.

Teenagers planted a variety of flowers, herbs, vegetables and fruits to transform a quarter acre of unused land in Sydenham into a place children and young people yearning for an green refuge can use – and perhaps get a taste of homegrown fruit and veg.

The community garden will allow children, young people and their families to enjoy and support a shared interest of gardening and hopefully promote a new interest of fresh produce and create a grow your own revolution.

The work was supported by James Ross Hunter Youth (JRHYS) Support: Healing 1-2-1, founded by the family and friends of James Ross Hunter, who was stabbed to death protecting a friend in 2015.

Eventually, JRHYS: Healing 1-2-1 intends to expand to host events such as fashion shows, food tasting, and family group workshops.

Sati, a member of JRHYS: Healing 1-2-1, said: “The atmosphere and buzz created on the day was great to see.

“As one of the co-ordinators, I was proud to stand in my community to make a
positive change and influence future generations.”

The group were grateful for the support from businesses and individuals in
the community – including B&Q (Lower Sydenham), B&M, Tesco’s, and
Wilkinson’s stores.