Overwhelming response to the National Monument against Violence and Aggression.
Newtown and Llanwchaiarn Town Council along with the rest of the town have watched in awe as Cllr Joy Jones and Dyfed Powys Police and Crime commissioner’s project has successfully brought the Knife Angel to Newtown and Mid Wales. Making it the first welsh location to host the Knife Angel as it continues its National UK Tour.
The National Monument against Violence and Aggression arrived in Newtown and was unveiled on Saturday 4th January after weeks of work and partnership with The Ironworks, Newtown and Llanwchaiarn Town Council, Powys County Council, Dyfed Powys Police and local businesses and volunteers.
Newtown and Llanwchaiarn Town Council have contributed financially to the opening and closing events with the opening ceremony being a successful, poignant yet respectful ceremony and the closing ceremony to take place on Saturday 25th January.
The sculpture has attracted people from all over the nation and not just Mid Wales, becoming for some people almost a pilgrimage and a way to remember and pay respects to the many victims of knife crime and other violent crimes that may have affected their lives.
The community has rallied around in its support for Joy and the Knife Angel. The volunteers have been giving up their time to ensure there is always someone on-site and their commitment has been truly commendable.
School children have visited; local youth groups have been involved as the message of anti-violence has been spread through our community.
Inside the marquee messages of hope written by children on the wings in which they can have as a background for their photo can be read such as,
“Hurt people, hurt people, heal with love.”
Whilst no official figures have been recorded organisers and volunteers estimate that thousands have visited throughout the night and day with the stream of people being constant with no sign of letting up despite the horrendous weather.
Cllr Joy Jones on the response and message of the Knife Angel said,
“The response has been overwhelming, from the very young children that have visited to buy accutane online Canada the elderly. We have had people from all over the UK we thought it would probably attract a few people from the area but actually we have had people from London, Bristol, Cambridge, Scotland and many other places included.
But our message that we have brought it here to Powys to Newtown for is to stand up against violence. And that is a message we need to get out not just in Powys but across the country, because we need to make sure that people are standing up and standing together against violence.”
The last day to see the Knife Angel will be the Tuesday 28th of January as it will be leaving Newtown on the 29th. On Saturday 25th members of the public are invited to meet at Wesley Street by the Monty Club from 4:30 pm where there will be a walk through the town where people may carry battery tea light candles or bring a torch to light the way, this will start outside The Monty Club at 5 pm and end in front of the Knife Angel.
An area will be made available in front of the Knife Angel monument for people to lay wreaths and to pay their respects and take the time to reflect.
