A lasting tribute has been opened in memory of Elsie Dot Stancombe, one of three children who lost their life in the Southport attack in July 2024. The seven-year-old, along with Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, tragically died following a knife attack on July 29 of that year at a Taylor Swift-themed workshop in the town.
Since then, work has been done to open Elsie's Place at St John's, adjacent to St John's Church on Liverpool Road in Ainsdale, a place where Elsie attended the nursery which used the church hall. The garden was opened and blessed today, Saturday, by Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool, after it was regenerated as a lasting tribute to the little girl.
A peaceful space for reflection
The space is designed to be used as a peaceful and private space where Elsie's friends and family can reflect and remember her. It will also be open to the wider community for special occasions, as well as being used by the church, school, nursery, guiding groups and local community to pay their respects.
It has been created with the help of the community, with the church garden having been a barren, unusable space for more than 30 years, often used for anti-social behaviour. The work began in March last year and has seen donations from local businesses, organisations and residents.
Community garden and memorial bench
The space will also include a community vegetable patch, with fresh produce to be sold through the church and within the village, with all proceeds going towards local charity Compassion Acts to support the local food bank. A memorial bench has also been donated by Natterjack's Nursery.
Reverend Jackie Vasquez, Vicar at Ainsdale St John's Church, said: "'Elsie's place at St John's' is a place of love, hope and remembrance. It has been created not only to honour Elsie's life, but also a reflection of the extraordinary kindness and generosity shown by our community.
"We pray that it will be a peaceful sanctuary where Elsie's family and friends can remember her and where, on special occasions, others can come together to reflect and celebrate her life."
A message of love and hope
The Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool, said: "'Elsie's place at St John's' is a beautiful expression of love overcoming loss. It stands as a lasting tribute to Elsie's life and reflects the compassion and resilience of the Southport community.
"I pray that this garden will be a place of peace and comfort for Elsie's family and loved ones, and a reminder that even in the darkest times, love can prosper."
