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Third Anniversary Event

November 6, 2007

The events below will be a timely way of coming together to remember and take stock after the completion of the Inquest.

Future Anniversaries

Please note that this will be the last year the site event will be organised by myself (Liz) though I will always help if I am available and will advise anyone who wishes to take it over. I feel able to lessen my commitment now that the Inquest is over and I am assured that something will always happen in some form on future anniversaries. The Englefield Estate allows us access to the field and Roger and Carol Taylor at Lock cottage have said they will continue to provide their drive and St Mary’s church will offer refreshments for anyone who needs to be there.

Perhaps if nothing ‘formal’ is organised then anyone present making their own commemorations might join together for 6.12 pm to read out the names of those who died and remember all those who survive and those from the community and emergency services who gave help. Candles & lanterns & a shared experience are all you need to create a great atmosphere.

Keep an eye on the website each year to see what is happening.

REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE WHO DIED: Sunday 4nd November, All Soul’s Service, 6.00 pm St Mary’s church, Sulhamstead Abbots

As usual Rev Peter Dewey has invited any members of the Network and others affected by the crash to the annual All Soul’s Service in which the names of those who died in the crash will be read out and the people remembered and prayed for. This is part of the normal Sunday evening service.

The church serves Ufton Nervet, whose own church is no longer in use. It can be found north of Burghfield village at the junction of Shortheath lane and Folly Lane. The postcode is RG7 4DH. It is a beautiful church and the clergy and congregation are extremely welcoming. They have been very supportive of our Network and provide the tea tent at our Vigils.

If you attend, do, if you wish, make yourself know to them.

UNTC NETWORK VIGIL, Tuesday, 6th November –– by the site of the crash at the hour of the crash –RG7 4HG.

This is private event and we prefer to know in advance if you are thinking of coming to the group Vigil so we can be prepared. Members of the media (see guidelines below) or anyone needing further details are also asked to contact Liz: email ccme.org@which.net 01635 30644

The Vigil provides a focal point for those wishing to make their own individual commemoration at the site of the crash who wish to come together in a joint act of remembrance at the exact time of the crash. It grew out of the ideas of Network members at the first anniversary when we felt we needed a presence, however small, at the time and place of the crash. We were amazed by how many gathered in the first year so it was held again in 2006. Those who have felt its benefit in previous years have asked for it again and will be joined by others able to come for the first time.

Who can attend?

Anyone who was involved in or affected by the impact of this crash but all we ask is that you respect the nature of the Vigil as an inclusive event where we are present as human beings, whatever our role or positions. Everyone is welcome as equal human beings and there is no hierarchy of suffering or of who ‘deserves’ to be present or not.

We welcome not just the bereaved and survivors but also their relatives, members of the local community and anyone whatever their role or status who feels they have a connection to the crash and wishes to remember. We have found that people there n the night in variety of professional roles have valued this opportunity to remember and also talk with the people they may have rescued.  

At the request of members, the Vigil has been designed to allow anyone who attends to feel comfortable, whatever belief system they adhere to. It just requires the belief that commemoration and remembrance is an important act and there is a value in doing something together as well as alone.

Where is it held?

Some people like to visit the site of the crash and have their own vigil near the Level Crossing or in the field to the south of the track.

Just before 6 p.m. people gather together on the drive of Lock Cottage, the first cottage after the crossing going from the A4 in Ufton Lane between the level crossing and the canal. Please respect that this is private property and we are there by invitation of Roger and Carol Taylor. Turn off the A4 opposite the Winning Hand pub southwards towards Ufton Nervet village.

Parking? Either in the drive of Lock cottage or, carefully, in the lane.

What time, how long?

I start the ‘formal’ Vigil around 6pm and it lasts about 15 minutes followed by tea and coffee provided by St Mary’s church. Of course you can come to the site beforehand and stay as long as you wish.

There are usually members of the police by the crossing to ensure safety. Access is also possible to the field where many survivors gathered when they left the train. You must however be responsible for your own safety and we advise warm, waterproof clothing and boots as the field is muddy and rough. On no account cross over the fence onto the track or linger on the level crossing. Trains were stopped for the first anniversary but not since then.

What to wear and bring?

Warm, waterproof clothing, boots and gloves are advisable. It is essential to bring some form of lighting such as a torch to find your way. During the vigil, the more lanterns and candles safely in jam jars the better – with a means of holding them so you don’t get burnt hands. You can either hold them or place them on the central table.

In the past people have brought cards or objects to represent what they wish to celebrate or let go of. These can be placed on the central table. Anything left is being kept for placing beneath whatever memorial is eventually erected (this will be discussed after the Vigil).

Can I contribute anything to the Vigil?

If there is anything particular you wish to do or have read out, please let Liz know in advance and we do our best to include it.

How to keep you and others safe?

This is a private event designed as a small, informal gathering by the Network, which is a loose network of people without access to funds. We invite others and though we don’t turn anyone away we prefer to know in advance if you wish to attend. We rely on everyone who attends to be responsible for themselves and to take care of others, especially if you bring young children.

We let the police know that it will be happening and they are usually present by the level crossing and in the lane.

Please take extra care:

Will it be distressing?

The purpose of such events is to provide a safe place for emotions and thoughts that perhaps have little outlet in the rest of you life and for the rest of the year. It is a lace where people can be upset without fear of judgment. The darkness and being outside allow people to be anonymous and be by themselves if they wish. Often people who allow their feelings to emerge find they feel great relief afterwards. The last 2 vigils have been a turning point for some people in their journey to recovery.

Others have found it helpful to visit the site in daylight first with a friend or relative to get your bearings and test out your reactions. It is also a good idea to have someone you trust to drive you to the Vigil and be there for support if needed.

There are also plenty of people around who really understand because they have ‘been there’ themselves. Anthony Peabody, the Police Chaplain and church warden at St Mary’s, who was present on the night of the crash, will be available to anyone who needs his support. He will be wearing a high visibility jacket with Police Chaplain written on the back.  I shall be available for support after the ‘formal’ Vigil is over.

Media – will they be present?

Their presence is inevitable and people have welcomed the publicity they give to the Vigil and crash. We welcome them as long as they bide by certain guidelines below as they have generally done in the past.

Guidelines for the Media

Do come and join in as yourselves if you were present on the night of the crash. Those who weren’t are welcome to join in as you will appreciate the Vigil better than if you stay on the sidelines.  We try to be as helpful as possible if you will remember why we are there.

Please remember we are on private property at the invitation of the Taylors.

What annoys people is if you pressure and interrupt while the Vigil is happening and while they are remembering in their own way. Please be sensitive to their needs and remember this was a catastrophic crash and experience for them and their families. Many are still suffering or the Vigil may bring back difficult memories. It’s best to arrange interviews beforehand or via Liz - or wait until everyone has done what they need to do. Approach sensitively and do not pester anyone who says no to your request.

Photos and filming – photos of the general scene can only be taken at a distance from behind the main gathering of people during the actual Vigil (6.00-6.15). You may come to the central table and take photos of the candles once people move away for refreshments. Last year someone was filming from behind the gazebo and it was very distracting. Please check with me if you have any specific requests.

EXETER EVENT AT THE MAYNARD SCHOOL, Saturday, 10th November

Once again Dr Daphne West has kindly arranged for an informal gathering in the Garden of Reflection on Saturday 10 November at the Maynard School, Exeter. Be there for a 10.30 start. Emily Webster, who was killed in the crash was a pupil at the school and other pupils and staff were injured.  People are welcome to contact Daphne on daphnewest@maynard.co.uk if they want to make any suggestions for the “gathering” and for directions to the school. I think we’ll just have a quiet time together, and if anyone wants to read anything, or light a candle, that’s fine. It would be really helpful to have a rough idea of how many people will come. Anyone is welcome, not just those from the South West.

 

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