A commemorative York stone was installed at Twickenham’s Warren Gardens last week to mark the green space as the borough’s first Garden of Sanctuary.
A Garden of Sanctuary is a welcoming place which recognises stories of refuge and offers a safe haven for all those seeking sanctuary, including refugees and asylum seekers.
The engraved stone reads “Garden of Sanctuary – Here You Will Find Welcome”, and was unveiled during a special event on Friday by members of Richmond’s sanctuary-seeking community alongside deputy mayor Clare Vollum, sanctuary champion Councillor Fiona Sacks, and other community leaders.
Cllr Vollum said: “We are proud to be a Borough of Sanctuary.
“It is wonderful to have a green space dedicated to acknowledging sanctuary seekers and reflecting the values that define our borough – kindness, fairness, and welcome.”
The unveiling coincided with World Refugee Day, during Refugee Week, and marked one year since Richmond upon Thames became a nationally accredited Borough of Sanctuary in recognition of its commitment to supporting those seeking sanctuary.
Richmond has a long and proud history of providing refuge, from welcoming Huguenot settlers in the 17th Century, Belgian refugees during the First World War, to more recent arrivals from Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Hong Kong and Ukraine.
Warren Gardens is already home to a memorial commemorating Belgian refugees.
As part of its designation as a Garden of Sanctuary, the pathway in the area has been improved and is scheduled for new planting.
An information board is also planned, highlighting the borough’s sanctuary history and status.
Cllr Sacks said: “This garden is a place for reflection and celebration, where people can learn about Richmond’s history of welcome and the lives of those who have sought sanctuary here.
“It’s a peaceful space for everyone to enjoy.”
The unveiling was attended by councillors, members of the Richmond Sanctuary Board, representatives from East Twickenham Village Group and refugee and community organisations.
It was one of more than nine events held across Richmond for Refugee Week celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
Activities included dance performances, storytelling events, workshops, and cultural celebrations.
Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
All pictures: Richmond Council
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