Attention: Please take a moment to consider our terms and conditions before posting.

Pierre Bolangi - Article in the Athletic (p5)

124

Comments

  • KBslittlesis
    KBslittlesis Posts: 8,619
    Is anyone from here going today?
    It seems something is happening according to Twitter.

    Never forgotten Pierre ❤️
  • aliwibble
    aliwibble Posts: 26,440
    Lifted from Andrew Buckland's twitter (who I think is someone on here, but I can't for the life of me remember who):
    Bolangi memorial bustBolangi memorial garden

  • KBslittlesis
    KBslittlesis Posts: 8,619
    Thank you 🙏🏻 ❤️
  • Rob7Lee
    Rob7Lee Posts: 9,599

  • Davo55
    Davo55 Posts: 7,838
    Thanks for the report back @Rob7Lee.

    It's very good to know that the memorial garden has been restored, at least on a temporary basis, and is now clearly on the club's agenda for full reinstatement in due course. I was so pleased to read that dear @Fanny Fanackapan and her husband were present too, as they have done so much to establish and maintain the original garden.
  • T_C_E
    T_C_E Posts: 16,421
    Thank you to all concerned.
    Rest easy Pierre.
    Never forget x
  • Davo55
    Davo55 Posts: 7,838
    Beautiful sentiments Jean @Fanny Fanackapan x
  • orpingtonRED
    orpingtonRED Posts: 3,474
    It was a privilege to be with Pierre's family and friends at SL this afternoon & we thank them for the invitation. 

    As you will see from Andy's photos, the temporary Garden is in place now but we took along a small album of a dozen we had taken 6 years ago when its predecessor was begun and then in its pomp. This was given to Pierre's sister who said she wished the family had known it existed as they would have loved to visit it. 

    My aim is to put a few of those photos on this thread when I can get someone's assistance ! 

    I also gave Pierre's sister a card saying "" Remembering Pierre. We shall not forget him " from Charlton Supporters, as a reminder that he remains in the hearts & minds of many of us. 

    When the Training Ground is eventually redeveloped, it is planned to have the  permanent Garden sited centrally, with the Academy area on one side and the 1st team area on the other. Not only will it be visible & accessible to both groups but will also encapsulate where young Pierre's path was taking him at our club before it's direction was so tragically halted. 

    So, once again, Pierre's bust has been restored to its rightful place where this young man spent so many happy hours in pursuit of his dream. The engraved words are there to remind us :

    " Always smiling.  Always happy.  Never forgotten "

    We MUST ensure that, whoever owns our club & its Training Ground in the future and for as long as Charlton Athletic FC exists, those holding the reins will never be allowed to forget his name .

    Sleep tight, dear Pierre.
    Let us know when digging/graft is needed. Plenty of us will help.

  • Sponsored links:



  • KBslittlesis
    KBslittlesis Posts: 8,619
    Thank you Jean.
    If I can help in anyway from over here I will.
    RIP Pierre ❤️
  • se9addick
    se9addick Posts: 32,059
    RIP Pierre
  • Thanks for the responses, guys & gals.

    The temporary Memorial Garden was dealt with entirely by the club. We've had no contact since the revamped version was dug up & consigned to Hadlow back in 2015. 

    My attention was first drawn to the issue when @redman posted about volunteers to "update" it a few weeks ago. I learnt that the Commemoration Committee was involved and that Matt Baker was the lead but someone from the club was responsible for the Garden's re-establishment. 

    Andy & I were concerned that, with the day of the event fast approaching, there was no news of it being completed as the family was due to lay some flowers there yesterday.

    However, the Garden is in place - small but perfectly formed....

    Regarding assistance in establishing a permanent Memorial to Pierre, your offers of help are much appreciated but as far as I'm aware, this will be dealt with by the club & will only be on the agenda once our owner purchases the SL site and plans are confirmed for the rebuild. 

    I believe that yesterday drew a line under the Fanackapans' involvement in this project close to our hearts which saddens me but living now an hour or so from the area, is for the best. We're also now far from being spring chickens ( apologies to @Arsenetatters) & the services of the club physio would be needed following every stint in the Garden ! Hmmm, that doesn't sound too bad....

    We all need to ensure that, when the rebuild begins, a fitting Memorial is given as much importance as any other element and that some form of consultation with supporters is involved. 

    This is the very least our club  owes to Pierre's family & friends and we are their voice. 

    Owners, senior staff, CEOs may come & go before the Training Ground's metamorphosis but the faithful will remain with this young man entrenched deep in our hearts. 

    Lest we forget.
  • Rob7Lee
    Rob7Lee Posts: 9,599
    edited August 2021
    For reference today is the 21st Anniversary - 9th August 2000.

    @Fanny Fanackapan your days of kneeling on the hallowed training ground turf tending the garden may be over, but there are 50+ years of the Pierre Bolangi annual award at the POTY do to sort out, chop chop  ;)

    PS, Kevin has updated his article from last year with a little more information about what the future holds (and a little thank you to Fanny).

    https://www.kevingeorge.online/emotional-literacy-mental-health-blog/pierre-bolangi-charlton-athletic-fc
  • aliwibble
    aliwibble Posts: 26,440
    Posting this on behalf of @Fanny Fanackapan to show how the Pierre Bolangi Memorial Garden was developing prior to being dug up under Duchatelet.
    -----------------
    These first two photos show how days of torrential rain affected our earliest efforts. The 2 beds had been dug out, initial evergreen shrubs planted and a huge bag of spring flowering bulbs planted....which of course rotted away in the wet ground.
    Early PB memorial wide
    Early PB memorial closer
    We were obliged to await the drying out process as did Paul & his merry men at SL who look after the pitches so superbly. This one shows the recovery stage when we were able to recover the first shrubs etc
    These ones show the Garden in early-mid summer 2014, with the Red Robin photinia hedge beginning to establish around the perimeter.
    PBMG early summer 2014 1
    PBMG early summer 2014 2
    PBMG early summer 2014 3
    These final ones show the Garden at its very best in late summer of 2014. The wooden seats either side of the path were already in place in the Garden when we began our stint there, and we rubbed down & revarnished them.
    PBMG late summer 2014 1
    PBMG late summer 2014 2
    PBMG late summer 2014 3
    So, that will give those Lifers who have followed this saga a better idea of how it developed before its demise.
  • MrOneLung
    MrOneLung Posts: 26,876
    Thanks Andrew / Jean 

    RIP young Pierre 
  • Many thanks, @aliwibble for putting up those photos which are the ones we gave to Pierre's sister yesterday. 

    And to Andy for posting up Kevin's heartbreaking piece. 

    This should be brought to the attention of our owner & his SMT, IMO. 

    A tragic story which all connected with our club should be aware of.  
  • oohaahmortimer
    oohaahmortimer Posts: 34,173
    Why was this original memorial gotten rid of , who decided on that and was there a plan at that time to move it somewhere else because it’s a real odd carry on. 

    Well done to all involved  and if finances are required I’d be more than happy to chip in to help with the new stuff .

    RIP Pierre 
  • MuttleyCAFC
    MuttleyCAFC Posts: 47,743
    Pierre can never be forgotten.

  • Sponsored links:



  • External Image
    Pierre Bolangi's tragic death still raw for former Charlton team-mates who want to create a legacy at the club
    The impact of the tragic death of Charlton teenager Pierre Bolangi is still being felt but now his former team-mate Kevin George wants to create a legacy at the club...
    www.skysports.com
  • Thanks for the heads up, MOG. It's much appreciated.

    I have been told by a member of the FF that the club is looking to be more involved in this issue which is very welcome news indeed.

    I've asked to be kept informed of what this might actually mean when the time arises.

    We, the fans, have never forgotten Pierre.
  • Rob7Lee
    Rob7Lee Posts: 9,599
    I'm really pleased this got off the mark and the first award has been presented and it will now forever be a part of the awards ceremony leaving a legacy for Pierre. I've been fortunate to get to know Kevin and have met Angelique a few times now. Sadly missed the POTY do due to my wedding anniversary, but was there in spirit  :D

    Thanks to Fanny for sorting everything and making sure Kevin and the family were there.
  • SidewaysInOz
    SidewaysInOz Posts: 1,340
    Very important that Pierre is remembered. Well done to all involved. 'Always smiling, never forgotten'. 
  • Rob7Lee
    Rob7Lee Posts: 9,599
    Glad to see the legacy continues. I still have a shirt for the museum from the match in prior year. Will make contact with trustees.