Garden in memory of community hero

Members of Harry Holland's family at the official dedication of a garden at Claremont Community Centre to his memory

The Harry Holland Community Garden at Claremont Park commemorates Mr Holland who died just over 12 months ago, aged 90.

He was a key figure in the development of the Claremont Park Community Centre and received an MBE in the 2009 New Year’s Honours List.

Mr Holland chaired the committee which successfully secured the funding to develop the derelict land adjacent to the building into a community garden and was a volunteer in the garden from day one.

Members of his family including his widow Dot attended the ceremony which was carried out by Claremont ward councillor Ivan Taylor.

Coun Taylor said; “He worked tirelessly and selflessly on behalf of the residents of his community, and Claremont Park Community Centre and garden were two of the great loves of his life.

“Harry was a genuinely kind, considerate and caring man and was a great inspiration to those who knew him.

“He is greatly missed and it is only fitting that his name will be forever linked to the community centre and garden in the form of the Harry Holland Community Garden.”

Mr Holland was chairman of the management committee at the centre for 12 years, and was also a member of the board for the Claremont First Step Community Centre, chairman of the area forum and an active member of several other community groups.