Third Anniversary Remembrance
A Report from a Survivor
On 6.11.04 having escaped I found myself wounded, cut, bruised, bleeding and traumatized in the dark, in a farmer's field that seemed in the middle of nowhere. This vigil was the third anniversary of that event, my daughter Greta took me by car arriving early enough to walk along beside the railway for me to see for the first time the actual site where it all happened . It was indeed in the middle of nowhere and there was nothing out of the ordinary to see except the flowers and teddy bears on the fence.
Across the field is a cottage. On the actual night the couple who lived there found themselves suddenly inundated with wounded survivors. They were themselves so affected by the event, that they have offered their garden as a venue for the vigil each year since, as part of their own healing. Soon after we arrived and met the couple a great well of emotion welled up inside me and tears began to flood - the good lady offered me tissues. I got over that OK and did not crack up again I am glad to report.
The 50-60 people who attended were a mix of people connected with the event; bereaved relatives and survivors, their relatives, friends and supporters. Also police, emergency services and railway personnel; we must remember the latter are also affected deeply by their experiences at such an event. I was pleased the journalists present there were discrete.
I send you a photo of the table (see below) under a gazebo with candles, lanterns etc. - (the pink lantern with the joss sticks is one of ours). There was a second gazebo and table with welcome refreshments provided by the local church, who have done that each year.
The informal programme was inclusive; Network members had been invited to take part. The names of those killed were read and there was a moving selection of readings, poems etc. and we invited to light each other’s candles and choose a pebble to take away as a symbol. To me fell the lot of giving thanks to all who had helped make the event such a beautiful and worthwhile experience. Liz Capewell had indicated that this would be the last time she personally would organize the vigil so I took the opportunity to give special thanks to her on behalf of us all, for everything she has done to help and support us throughout three years.
We circulated a bit afterwards and I met a number of other survivors. It amazed me how one immediately bonds with complete strangers because of having shared that horrendous experience. I had not previously felt ready either to make the train journey or visit the site, but I am satisfied to have done it now. It was indeed a beautiful and worthwhile experience.
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Jill Hopkins, Devon