Walk of Honour Launched on Thorpe Close ahead of Windrush Day

A new artist commission was granted to New Wave Arts CIC, who proposed the creation of a Walk of Honour along Thorpe Close.

On Thursday 31 May, New Wave Arts CIC welcomed Mayor of RBKC Cllr Preety Hudd along with members of the local community to launch the new Walk of Honor which will honour individuals and organisations in the North Kensington area that have contributed to the welfare and benefit of our community over the past 80 to 100 years. Temporary markers have been placed along Thorpe Close as the project is still in its design stage which is being guided by a steering committee, and we anticipate installation to begin soon after the unveiling of the Windrush Star on Portobello Green on Windrush Day. 

The final installation will consist of lit plaques/stars situated along Thorpe Close (initially) creating a Walk of Honour between Portobello Road and Ladbroke Grove. Initiated and created by members of the NK community, both in the design process and once installed this project will be a triumph for all parties concerned and a major educational opportunity to tell the history of this amazing neighbourhood, to visitors and to locals, especially recent arrivals to the area.

Cllr Preety Hudd, l Mayor of RBKC said, "I feel very privileged to be a part of this community. despite having lived here so long, I often remind myself that i should never take it for granted, because to be part of a multi cultural community is rare, and it can only be like that when every individual within the community are so dedicated to it, the contribution is paramount, and that is what we have within north Kensington, we celebrate all culture.

Loftus Barton, Director of New Wave Arts CIC said, "The walk of honor is just that, it is to mark the people over the last 80-100 years who have contributed selflessly, tirelessly, like Tina and Dave [Inn On The Green] these are people who worked selflessly for our community, not wanting any more, just working for the community. The walk of honor will be five big stars, community, arts, music, sports and market we will be setting up a nomination committee, nobody will be honored who has not given a minimum of 25 years of service to the community. This is for everybody, whatever religion, skin colour or sex, to nominate whoever they feel is worthy of having served this community."

Venu Dhupa, CEO of Westway Trust: "Loftus has been working with disenfranchised people and communities for many years and I know he has done great work across London and nationally, we can be really proud that he's doing something within our community and I hope that we can continue to enable more works like this in the future."