The memorial to Jeremy Birch across the steps to the promenade in Warrior Square (photo: Tracy Hobden/HBC).

Sea-front memorial to Jeremy Birch completed

A community arts project has been completed in Warrior Square in St Leonards in memory of Jeremy Birch, council leader in 2001-08 and 2010-15 until his untimely death in May 2015. HBC media office reports.

The local community, together with Hastings Youth Council under the guidance of Graffiti Plus, have completed the artwork in Jeremy’s memory on the promenade steps below the bus stop in Warrior Square.

The inscription on the top step reads: “People let your voice be heard, every culture, every language, every word, fore this land this life this earth belongs to you.” Another inscription in larger multi-coloured letters across the lower steps says: “One Hastings Many Voices.”

“Jeremy played a huge role in Hastings over the 20 years he was involved in local politics,” said council leader Peter Chowney. “He was not only active in Hastings but across East Sussex, and, in fact, across much of the south-east, where he was involved in many different groups and partnerships over this time.

“The cultural diversity of St Leonards was very important to him and he coined the phrase, ‘One Hastings Many Voices’. This new community art project in his memory is wholly fitting; he would have loved it. Our thanks must go to everyone involved in its creation.”

“Jeremy was a very strong figure within the council who always supported our projects and campaigns,” said Huda Caglayan, chair of Hastings Youth Council. “He constantly inspired us to do our best and believe that everyone deserves to have their voice heard.”

Marking the completion of the Jeremy Birch memorial: council leader Peter Chowney (far left, upper row), members of Hastings Youth Council and friends (photo: Tracy Hobden/HBC).

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