Camilla G Hellman MBE
I am Camilla Hellman, President & CEO of the British Memorial Garden Trust. The Trust is in the final stages of completing a campaign to gift the City and people of New York with a park that will honour the 67 British victims of the World Trade Centre attacks of September 11th 2001, whilst celebrating the friendship uniting the United Kingdom and United States.
It is a tremendous honour to be leading this very unique initiative that is giving New York a piece of Britain forever in New York – a transatlantic celebration of our past and future.
Situated in one of New York’s most historic areas, the three quarter acre park has been designed by leading landscape architects Isabel and Julian Bannerman who have designed what is becoming a truly British topiary garden for the heart of Manhattan.
HRH The Prince of Wales became the Trust’s Royal Patron in October 2003. He has been actively involved with the project visiting the Park in November 2005, mid its early stages of construction, to lay a dedication stone. HRH's visit meant so much to all of us involved and his ongoing support is invaluable to helping us reach our goals.
I lead a team of volunteers in the fundraising, marketing and development of the project, both in the USA and Britain. It has been important to the project to try to connect the people in Britain to the international initiative. We have tried to do this in various ways including displaying the progress of the project at the Chelsea Flower Show for the past four years in the hope of connecting people directly to what is being undertaken.
The Trust's motto is Reflect, Remember, Rebuild. Each year on September 11th we hold concerts in New York in the Park as simultaneously one is held in London in Grosvenor Square as a sign of Unity as we strive to grow the message of looking forward and growing from adversity.
When the idea for the Park first began to develop in my mind in those dark days following the World Trade Centre attacks, I could not never have imagined how this project would develop as it has.
Hanover Square has always been a jewel and now the park, when completed, can truly sparkle and represent something special to the families who suffered such tragedy and to all those that visit and enjoy a very special park.
Please visit our website www.britishmemorialgarden.org to learn more of the project.
