Albion to create Memorial Garden as lasting Shoreham legacy

2025-08-21T08:00+01:00

Brighton & Hove Albion has announced plans to create and maintain a Memorial Garden to honour those who lost their lives in Shoreham air crash.

Albion’s chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber said, “The club has always privately honoured the memory of those affected, not least our colleague Matt Grimstone, and his close friend, Jacob Schilt, whom we had also got to know well.

“However, as we approach the tenth anniversary of the tragedy, it feels like the right time to create a lasting and meaningful tribute that is more public.

“We know this is a deeply important project for the families of those directly and indirectly affected, and indeed the wider community, as Shoreham air crash had such a profound impact on so many lives.

“We hope this Memorial Garden will offer a peaceful space for reflection and remembrance for everyone, and we are grateful for the support of the families as we move forward.”

The Memorial Garden will be located on land at New Monks Park, adjacent to the airport link road, footpath and cycle path — ensuring it is accessible to all - and which is also close to the site of crash.

The design concept will reflect the natural beauty of the South Downs. It will be designed to honour not only the eleven people who lost their lives but also the many others affected by the tragedy.

The garden will evolve with the seasons, with trees and vegetation carefully selected to suit the local environment; trees will be planted to provide a natural shield from nearby traffic and noise.

The families who lost loved ones will be involved in the process and are supportive of the concept. The club is also working closely with Adur District Council, who have expressed their support for the initiative.