TCF News Spring 2022

Spring 2022 - TCF Newsletter | www.tcf.org.uk 6 “I carry you in my heart” These are the beautiful words written on the new memorial bench put in place by the TCF Kingston group for all our children. Here, Alison Roberts, one of the co- facilitators of the support group shares the story… Jayne, Hazel and I facilitate the TCF Kingston support group for bereaved parents. We always meet new members at Pembroke Lodge before they come to the group and also host a monthly coffee and stroll around the grounds of Pembroke Lodge in the London Borough of Richmond, as we recognise how important being outside is to our wellbeing. During one of these coffee and stroll sessions two of our newer members told us that they had just had a bench installed for their son at Pembroke Lodge and invited us to walk with them to see it - from that day onwards the group would always walk to visit it. We realised how special that was, our members always physically touched the bench and there was a strong sense of connection. We therefore decided that we would like a bench that was for bereaved parents, siblings and all those who had lost a child - to create a place that would give them somewhere to visit. In order to have a bench in one of the Royal Parks you need to make an application, which we did and we were delighted to be given the go-ahead. We met with the kindest lady, Maggie, from The Royal Parks; we explained that we would need to fundraise to pay for the bench and a fundraising target of £5000 was set. Maggie agreed that it would be very special to have a bench for all and we discussed where the best place to site it would be, as we wanted somewhere tranquil away from the busiest part of the park. We explained that as the bench is for all, there would sadly always be people at different stages of grief including those who were newly bereaved, those who may choose it as a place to visit on a day such as an anniversary or birthday and that some people may not have a grave that they are able to visit. We chose a peaceful spot in Poet’s Corner - it overlooks a wild flower garden and has a protected view of the river Thames. Next we set up a Just Giving page to privately fundraise for the bench. The fundraising started in August 2021 and by the autumn we had raised enough to commission the bench. Lastly we agreed the words, which we did as a group over coffee together at Pembroke Lodge - we wanted the words to be accessible to all and for it to be clear why the bench was there and so we chose the following; “I carry you in my heart” This is a place of reflection for all bereaved parents, siblings and those who have lost a beloved child The bench is for ALL. It is located in Poet’s Corner, Pembroke Lodge, Richmond Park, London. It is accessible on foot, via paths that are also wheelchair friendly. The what three words location for the bench is “frozen.loudly.neck” if you use the app.