COMMUNITY VIGIL FOR
RHYS JONES
DESPITE teeming rain, on Sunday 2
September 2007, many hundreds of Liverpool’s citizens
attended a Community Vigil to celebrate the life of
murdered schoolboy, Rhys Jones, and to remember also all
victims of gun crime, especially children. The vigil
took place in Croxteth Hall Park, not far from his home.
Preceded by 15 minutes of inspirational music sung by
Rachel Harland, it began with a welcome and introduction
by the Bishop of Liverpool, the Right Reverent James
Jones. It was led by faith, civic, community and police
leaders. Described as “a reflection in four parts”,
each part was divided by music and quiet reflection.
Its objectives were firstly to express solidarity with
Rhys’ parents, Melanie and Stephen, brother Owen, family
and friends and community.
His parents and brother lit a candle in remembrance and
prayers were said. Various leaders spoke of the grief
and sadness at his tragic death and offered sympathy and
support to those affected.
Secondly, to:- “remember all victims of violence
in our country and in our world”. Leaders
reminded us that although we struggle to understand such
tragedies, we must remember that good still resides
within the community and in the world and of our need to
resolve to show care, love and compassion and not to
repay evil for evil.
Lewis Ainscough, aged 9, a lifelong friend of Rhys,
gallantly spoke of sadness and shock experienced because
don’t often think of young people dying. He expressed
his belief that Rhys was with his Heavenly Father and
prayed to “remember all the good and happy things
about him” and “please comfort all who are
unhappy.”
Thirdly, “to express our commitment
towards creating a safe environment for the members of
our community.” During this section the Lord
Mayor, Cllr Paul Clark, in his address, paid tribute to
Rhys as “a very special boy, a tremendously
likeable, talented and friendly young man whose death
has devastated everyone who knew him”. The
senseless murder of Rhys Jones had shocked the whole of
Liverpool and united us in sorrow. He also paid tribute
to the Jones family and offered condolences, but also
said that this event gave us “the opportunity to
express our outrage as a city and to pledge that we will
all work together to make our communities safer”.
He stated that:- “99% of Liverpool’s residents are
decent, caring, compassionate people who value family
and community who make it their responsibility to look
out for their neighbour and to protect the vulnerable”.
Although no consolation to Rhys’ family, crime rates in
Liverpool are falling; it’s the second safest city in
Britain. Unfortunately, there are a small minority who
do not share the same values. “Their actions cause
terrible damage and are a blight on our City. But we
will not let them win”. With the support of our
communities they would be left with no place to hide. He
described Rhys as a “boy who was full of love”.
“The love that was
in Rhys’ heart should be an inspiration to us all, I believe
that love is at the heart of Liverpool and we must use it to
strengthen our communities, to reinforce our bonds with our
neighbours and to make the safety of others our
responsibility”. Finally there was an appeal
for anyone with information to come forward and assist
the police with their enquires made by PC Robbie
Pritchard, a local Police
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