Garden installed as former Horsham Y Centre resident is remembered

JPCT 050914 S14380013x Y Centre, Horsham. A new garden area in memory of a former resident. Katie Bennett and Duncan Purvis -photo by Steve Cobb SUS-140509-103005001

A new garden space has been installed at Horsham’s Y Centre in memory of a former resident who died last year.

Alex Gibson stayed at the Albion Way building for more than two years, but passed away in December 2013.

On Thursday September 4, family, friends and current residents gathered at the launch of the garden to remember ‘Al’.

Katie Bennett, project team leader, said: “It was really intimate. Rev Natalie Loveless came in to do a blessing on the garden, to say it was going to be an area of peace and happiness.

“It is something Al would like, when he was here we didn’t really use that space, so he would be pleased. It has been received really well.”

Funds for the garden were raised from his funeral, with Alex’s family providing much of the donations.

The garden was designed by the centre’s maintenance co-ordinator Paul O’Donnell.

Katie added: “Al was really into his Japanese culture, so we tried to choose the right plants.

“It is nice to have a space in here that was dedicated to him, where people can go and remember him.”

Duncan Purvis, projects manager, said: “The way the building was designed, there isn’t anything in the way of community space.

“There is a really strong community here and we are hoping this is one of the things that will build it.”

A plaque has been fitted to a nearby wall, dedicating the garden to Alex.

Alex’s mother Gill paid tribute to her son, calling him a ‘lovely friend, brother and son’.

She said: “Alex was our dearly loved and much missed eldest son of four.

“He was a caring and protective brother to John, Catherine and George and always made up the best games when they were growing up.

“His passion for Drum and Bass music made him a well-known name as ‘MC Allergy’.

“He was a lovely friend, brother and son and will always be in our hearts.

“We are so very touched that the Y Centre Horsham have made a garden in memory of Alex for residents, friends and family to visit and enjoy to remember him.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to Katie and all of her team for their hard work in creating such a beautiful and tranquil place.”