In over 30 years of community organising, Neil Jameson organised and oversaw many assemblies. He enjoyed the drama, the razzmatazz, the stories, the leadership development and everything else assemblies can offer. He wasn’t often in the spotlight, rather working behind the curtains.
On Friday 30th June 2023 family, friends and colleagues
gathered for Neil Jameson Memorial Assembly, which was fitting, beautiful and well
organised. Assembly in the way Citizens UK has done it over decades. Co-chairs
along with a timekeeper (grand child of Neil) with a bell, running the assembly
in the normal Citizens way. Testimonies by inter-generational community
leaders, music by different choirs among which are primary school students from
St. Anthony’s Catholic Prime School. Moving and deeply relatable music entitled
‘ Something Inside So Strong’, ‘Bread and Roses’, ‘Forever Young’, and ‘Can You
Feel The Love Tonight?’
Whether it was a solo music moment or mass choir involving
everyone, it was deeply moving and connecting. It is undoubtedly clear that a
lot has been put into organising the event to make it flawless.
In between everything else during the memorial assembly,
we had reflections by veteran community leaders about the many achievements of
Neil, from Living Wage to Refugees Welcome, Importance of local institutions to
housing, and all the humour and mischief of Neil to get business done. Getting
what you want in an organised and convincing way.
The following video is great if you missed the event,
For Neil, assemblies had great place deep in his heart.
That is what I for sure know as I have been with him in many assemblies and
major actions both in the UK and abroad. Hence having an assembly for Neil’s
memorial is the best gift someone can give. Thanking all involved in organising
such a great assembly. You made it in an organised way.
Taken for memorial book
Something Inside So Strong
The higher you build your barriers
The taller I become.
The further you take my rights away
The faster I will run.
You can deny me,
You can decide to turn your face away.
No matter cause there’s
More on the memorial with additional link to photos by Chris Jepson
below.
A moving and positive event on Friday. Such a privilege to meet some of the wonderful people who worked with @NeilJamesonUK and continue his legacy. Thank you to everyone who came and contributed to such a powerful memorial https://t.co/3XprZ1Daqq https://t.co/9ckiAS8yid
— Ben Jameson (@InclusionGP) July 2, 2023
Lots of great reactions from colleagues, friends, family
and all who knew Neil and his remarkable achievements. Here are a few of them.
A wonderful & fitting tribute to @NeilJamesonUK today. A day of mixed emotions - proud to be part of his legacy, sad at the loss of someone who shaped my life, joy at sharing this moment with colleagues & friends. I learned so much just being there today. Forever grateful https://t.co/bTnvnvJPhI
— Emmanuel Gotora (@EmmanuelGotora_) June 30, 2023
Such a privilege to speak at the Memorial Assembly for Neil Jameson this afternoon. A great turn out for a great man. Well done @CitizensUK for honouring him in such a powerful way. https://t.co/Queyv2ReTt
— Nick Coke (@nicholascoke) June 30, 2023
