72 People lost their lives in 2017 when this building went up in flames
The tragedy of Grenfell is going to in our minds for many more years. However it has been decided to dismantle the remains, as it is considered to be in a dangerous condition. In a meeting with some of the grieving relatives and Angela Rayner (Deputy PM) erupted into a shambles, when she announced that it was to be dismantled. She was hurriedly escorted out of the meeting through a back door.. The grieving relatives said they hadn't been consulted.
A difficult situation, I didn't lose anyone in that dreadful fire but I am now old enough not to place emotions on 'things' anymore.
I don't think grieving ever goes away, I grieve for my mother who died, when I was only two and somedays it seems very real and my eyes leak, but a while ago I gave away somethings that were hers, a pair of jugs. They were very pretty with blue birds on them, once they were like a link to her, the person I never knew, but one day it came to me, they were just 'stuff.'
I thought hard about this building, it doesn't hold the bodies, so not a last resting place, so why do those people want to keep it?
We think this bungalow was built 1930, the Victorian house we sold in Suffolk was built 1887, so there is a good chance people have died in them. But I don't think any one objected to them changing owners, or that they were special in any way, or a monument to those who died there.
But perhaps like me and the jugs, these people need to come to the decision to let the building go in their own time.
What do you think, should they demolish?
the damaged Grenfell building
Chrisxx
11 comments:
As you are asking. I think it is a dangerous structure which will only deteriorate over time. How would people feel if a large piece of it suddenly crashed to the ground in high winds, killing someone. Time to be practical after eight years. They could always commission an artist to build a meaningful monument. A garden of remembrance would be nice.
There should be a monument. But also it would be a good idea to rebuild and provide SAFE affordable high-quality housing for some of the vast numbers of people in need.
I think Mean Queens garden of remembrance is a lovely idea, somewhere the grieving relatives can not just sit but also perhaps take part in its planting and continued care. Tish x
The two comments above make really good points. We need a memorial, and we need more good quality affordable housing for those living in poverty. Whilst I appreciate the raw grief and pain of the bereaved, maintaining that seriously damaged property in a safe condition will cost millions over the years. At different times in history, there have been tragedies where many have lost their lives in a particular spot. Think of London buildings bombed during the Blitz. I do not believe I is disrespectful to remove the remains and replace with a beautiful memorial , as with the 9/11 Twin Towers [admittedly they were already completely ruined which made the decision easier for New York]
I really cannot understand anyone wanting to keep it standing. I really feel for anyone living nearby who has to look at it and relive that horrible night every time they open their curtains. A tasteful memorial and some new housing on the site would be a much better tribute to the people who died there.
Teh building was never beautiful and if it is dangerous, it should be demolished. A monument in its place would be fitting, though I do wonder how far we should go in memorialising events. How many people should be remembered publicly - 5, 25, 50, 75? Families and friends will never forget, but what would a memorial mean to strangers, passers-by?
This is a tough decision. Allowing time for the survivors and their families to grieve may pose a safety threat to others? I am happy not to have to decide this one!
I would think it should be demolished, before it becomes more damaged and more people get hurt. I think a monument would be a good idea.
I understand how the relatives feel, but agree with the others who have commented, that it needs to be demolished. Love MeanQueen's idea of a garden of remembrance! I mean, no one keeps the smashed up car a loved one died in.
I am with you about keeping things. The longer I have had my booths, the more I realize that it is all just stuff, inanimate and not a part of the one leaving it behind. Now letters and photos, yes, those I cherish. I had a few things of my mother's that I held on to because they reminded me of her, but then I realized that I don't need to be reminded, she is always in my mind. I have nothing of many son's things as his wife did not offer any, but I have so many pictures, and so many dear memories. Those are enough.
If the building is dangerous, it should be demolished.
Perhaps put a monument in its place.
All the best Jan
A very difficult decision to make but a rememberance garden would be a special place for the community.
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