Islington Tribune - News: Joy and pain as parents commemorate ded son

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Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 14 December 2007

Dolores Altaraz, EC1’s Cyril Felix and Fiona Porter Meeks with youngsters from the project

Joy and pain as parents commemorate dead son

THE parents of a murdered youth worker made an emotional return to the music studio where he died this week to see it relaunched in his honour.
Friends, family and young people whose lives were touched by 22-year-old Tom Easton gathered at the Islington Council-run EC1 music project in Old Street on Monday following a major refurbishment.
Mr Easton, a music producer who lived in Bolton Walk, Holloway, was working with a group of people in the studio when he was stabbed to death in September last year.
His parents, Dolores Altaraz and Peter Easton, and girlfriend Daisy Kirkwood attended the evening of music, celebration and remembrance for the talented and much-loved member of the community, who was instrumental in setting the new studio up.
Ms Altaraz said: “It was very emotional and joyful at the same time. The youngsters performed and that was dedicated to Tom as well as the recording suite. It’s very difficult to express one’s feelings in front of so many happy children – they were sad about what’s happened – and I feel very touched by the performances. I’m very happy that this is a place where children will come back to. Only happy things should be said about the place.”
Ms Altaraz, who runs the Tom Easton Flavasum Trust, which aims to encourage creativity and prevent gun and knife crime, said the family is still waiting for a trial date, adding: “A lot of people say once it comes to an end you feel closure but when it comes to your son you do not have closure. What’s more important is what we are doing now.”
Anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Islington can become a member of EC1 for an annual fee of between £4 and £5. To those not eligible for Islington membership, fees are £8 for under 16s and £10 for 17-21 year olds. Classes are £35 for 10 weeks (Islington members only). Call 0207 527 2960 for details.

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