News

Sir Trevor McDonald & the girls' mothers

Peace garden for Charlene and Letisha

Seventeen-year-old Letisha Shakespeare and 18-year-old Charlene Ellis were caught in the crossfire between rival gangs as they were enjoying a New Year's Party on Thursday, 2nd January 2003, in the Aston area of the city.

The Peace Garden

The centre mosaic at the Peace Garden

What family and friends hope to be the last chapter of this painful memory, a peace garden was opened in their memory at the St George's Centre in Birmingham on Wednesday 6 September 2006.

Both the families of Letisha and Charlene, along with members of the community and singer Beverley Knight gathered for the formal opening in Birmingham by Sir Trevor McDonald.

Both the girls names have been laid out in mosaic tributes in the peace garden surrounded by large floral displays.

Hear Chaz's report from the Peace Garden tribute > Audio and Video links on this page require Realplayer

Both families of Letisha and Charlene along with members of the community and staff of the St. George's Centre all contributed to the design of the tiles and floral displays.

Hear Beverley's tribute of Jesus Hold My Hand > Audio and Video links on this page require Realplayer

Hear Beverley Knight's tribute of Fallen Soldier > Audio and Video links on this page require Realplayer