Pierre losing his life 20 years ago on a commando course is still the saddest thing to happen to any of our players post war. Life opportunities taken away when he was still a teenager.
A heart breaking story, especially when told by one of the youngsters involved in the tragedy.
During the current chaos at and around our club, we can only pray that future owner/s will ensure that the Memorial Garden is replanted and dedicated once again to the memory of the young man who lost his life in pursuance of a successful career at his and our beloved club.
It is such a tragic event. A young lad with his dreams ahead of him. Maybe when our troubles are sorted, something could be done in a way of memorial at the Valley.
We are extremely fortunate to still have some staff at our club that we can trust to do everything they can under very challenging circumstances to ensure its real heartbeat continues undiminished.
I have a bit more time on my hands now I have semi retired so when we rid ourselves of these scummy people that think they own the club I would be more than willing to help out and get the garden back into the shape it deserves, that is of course if you are looking for helpers.
It was always clear that we had the backing and approval of fans who knew we worked on re-establishing then maintaining the Garden.
We lived in Dartford, were retired and had time on our hands .Plus we thoroughly enjoyed the work.
However we now live an hour or so's drive away from SL and are in our 70's so it is debatable whether we would undertake the job again, much as we'd like to.
IF we have new owners by the time plans are confirmed for the Training Ground , then it could be that they will budget for the Garden to be part of the remit of the staff there, led currently by the lovely Paul Geary.
But if our assistance in choosing suitable plants, for instance based on our previous experience of what worked before is requested, of course we'd be only too pleased to help.
It's always a pleasure to be able to contribute something towards making our club special .
And in this instance, helping to keep Pierre's memory alive , was a privilege.
Seeing this over two sports pages in the i just brought back the shocking circumstances and disbelief that young footballers in combat gear could be put in that terrible situation. I hope the idiot that caused Pierre's death see's his face every time he shuts his eyes.
The sheer negligence is off the scale. A young life wasted.
How low our club has sunk, when this is allowed to happen.
George has since trained as a counsellor and now works with Premier League clubs, footballers and trains club staff. In August, he arranged a 20th anniversary tribute event at Charlton to remember Bolangi, bringing together family, friends and former team-mates via social media, WhatsApp, letters, calls and word-of-mouth. Powell was there. George is disappointed that were it not for him Charlton apparently would have let the occasion pass.
CACT are to update the Pierre memorial during July, which I presume is also triggered by our new ownership. They have asked for the Walking Football group to help for which we have several willing volunteers.
CACT are to update the Pierre memorial during July, which I presume is also triggered by our new ownership. They have asked for the Walking Football group to help for which we have several willing volunteers.
May I ask where you have seen this, please, @redman.
CACT are to update the Pierre memorial during July, which I presume is also triggered by our new ownership. They have asked for the Walking Football group to help for which we have several willing volunteers.
May I ask where you have seen this, please, @redman.
CACT are to update the Pierre memorial during July, which I presume is also triggered by our new ownership. They have asked for the Walking Football group to help for which we have several willing volunteers.
May I ask where you have seen this, please, @redman.
Thanks.
I was told at my walking football session this morning by the CACT guy who runs our sessions. He was asking for volunteers. I am sure if you or anyone else was involved in the original memorial wanted to be involved it could be arranged.
CACT are to update the Pierre memorial during July, which I presume is also triggered by our new ownership. They have asked for the Walking Football group to help for which we have several willing volunteers.
May I ask where you have seen this, please, @redman.
Thanks.
I was told at my walking football session this morning by the CACT guy who runs our sessions. He was asking for volunteers. I am sure if you or anyone else was involved in the original memorial wanted to be involved it could be arranged.
OK, thanks for that.
I am interested in what is to be updated . As far as I'm aware, the Garden area is no longer in situ and we have never been informed as to the viability of the plants & shrubs that were dug up & apparently transported to Hadlow for safe keeping.
I was informed by one of its members that the newly formed Commemorative Group had this item in hand but that's as much as I know.
I have asked our dear friend at CACT if she is able to throw any light on this.
CACT are to update the Pierre memorial during July, which I presume is also triggered by our new ownership. They have asked for the Walking Football group to help for which we have several willing volunteers.
It was triggered by Kevin George last year, before Thomas had bought us.
I made contact with him shortly after that article, then Wayne Mumford and then via Matt Baker we've pushed to get something reinstated all be it likely in a temporary siting to start with until it's hopefully final position is ready at some point. (I think the club asked Matt to oversee due to the delicate nature with the family and Pierres peers).
It's great that this is happening, long overdue, but we all know the reasons for that (previous owners). But like Fanny unsure what the reference to updating is.
I'm surprised CACT are suddenly involved, Matt hadn't mentioned.
I just hope that they are keeping the family and as important Kevin and Pierre's peers involved who even today still suffer from the terrible events back on that dreadful day in August 2000.
They will be meeting up again soon to further commemorate Pierre's life and it would be fitting if the Garden is there for them to see.
I will update when I hear more. I suspect it is all been dealt with properly but I agree it is a delicate matter and wouldn't want anybody going off half cock.
Comments
Don't "do" Twitter so missed it.
Life opportunities taken away when he was still a teenager.
Continue to RIP.
During the current chaos at and around our club, we can only pray that future owner/s will ensure that the Memorial Garden is replanted and dedicated once again to the memory of the young man who lost his life in pursuance of a successful career at his and our beloved club.
One of our own.
Lest we forget.
Sleep tight, Pierre.
We lived in Dartford, were retired and had time on our hands .Plus we thoroughly enjoyed the work.
However we now live an hour or so's drive away from SL and are in our 70's so it is debatable whether we would undertake the job again, much as we'd like to.
IF we have new owners by the time plans are confirmed for the Training Ground , then it could be that they will budget for the Garden to be part of the remit of the staff there, led currently by the lovely Paul Geary.
But if our assistance in choosing suitable plants, for instance based on our previous experience of what worked before is requested, of course we'd be only too pleased to help.
It's always a pleasure to be able to contribute something towards making our club special .
And in this instance, helping to keep Pierre's memory alive , was a privilege.
https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/pierre-bolangi-charlton-athletic-academy-death-drowning-657497
Apologies if its been posted before
I hope the idiot that caused Pierre's death see's his face every time he shuts his eyes.
The sheer negligence is off the scale.
A young life wasted.
George has since trained as a counsellor and now works with Premier League clubs, footballers and trains club staff. In August, he arranged a 20th anniversary tribute event at Charlton to remember Bolangi, bringing together family, friends and former team-mates via social media, WhatsApp, letters, calls and word-of-mouth. Powell was there. George is disappointed that were it not for him Charlton apparently would have let the occasion pass.
Thanks.
I am interested in what is to be updated . As far as I'm aware, the Garden area is no longer in situ and we have never been informed as to the viability of the plants & shrubs that were dug up & apparently transported to Hadlow for safe keeping.
I was informed by one of its members that the newly formed Commemorative Group had this item in hand but that's as much as I know.
I have asked our dear friend at CACT if she is able to throw any light on this.
https://www.kevingeorge.online/emotional-literacy-mental-health-blog/pierre-bolangi-charlton-athletic-fc
I made contact with him shortly after that article, then Wayne Mumford and then via Matt Baker we've pushed to get something reinstated all be it likely in a temporary siting to start with until it's hopefully final position is ready at some point. (I think the club asked Matt to oversee due to the delicate nature with the family and Pierres peers).
It's great that this is happening, long overdue, but we all know the reasons for that (previous owners). But like Fanny unsure what the reference to updating is.
I'm surprised CACT are suddenly involved, Matt hadn't mentioned.
I just hope that they are keeping the family and as important Kevin and Pierre's peers involved who even today still suffer from the terrible events back on that dreadful day in August 2000.
They will be meeting up again soon to further commemorate Pierre's life and it would be fitting if the Garden is there for them to see.
I have asked the questions, but have not received the answers.