Todays Observer newspaper features a story about plans by a businessman and misguided local government decision makers to take advantage of a community resource which neither party seems to understand the value of. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/oct/08/christmas-parties-war-memorial-park)  This story concerns a garden dedicated as a memorial to sailors from the two World Wars and the Falklands conflict which Tower Hamlets Council is required to “maintain the peace, quiet and spiritual values of the gardens for the enjoyment of present and future visitors”

The events company involved has concocted the idea of holding a series of festive parties from 22nd November to 17 December in the gardens to enable local businesses and organisations to entertain their employees and clients. They plan to erect a marquee in Trinity Square Gardens and decorate the trees with lights. One imagines that during this period those who enjoy visiting the gardens will be unable to do so in the way that the designers intended. 

Although there were no riots reported in Tower Hamlets during the Summer, the Hackney riots were only a short distance away. It is clear that local politicians in the Borough worked hard to ensure that the residents were not impacted during that very distressing time. The link between unplanned and uncontrolled riots on the Streets of London and this planned abuse of a memorial garden which is intended to be a place of  tranquility for all who visit may seem convoluted. However if we place too little attention on the needs and concerns of families who have already given up so much, and appear to be willing to accept a few cheap shillings for this sacred space, we may find it harder to explain our values to those whose decision-making leads them to loot shops and steal TV’s and bottles of water.

Should you wish to do so, you could write a brief e-mail to the Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman at mayor@towerhamlets.gov.uk or call his office on 020 7364 4993. It may not make a difference, but it might.