Manchester attack: Minute's silence held across Shropshire and Mid Wales to remember victims
Silence, prayers and poetry were among the poignant moments shared as communities across Shropshire and Mid Wales paused to remember the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena attack.
As Manchester fell silent, thousands across the county followed suit as an act of solidarity.
In Oswestry a bell was peeled at Marches School, while at North Shropshire College the silence was held at midday due to a GCSE exam and to allow all students to participate in the event.
Many councils including Shropshire Council, Telford & Wrekin and Bridgnorth, and public bodies including Powys Teaching Health Board observed the national one minute's silence at 11am. Some were held outdoors including at Welshpool Town Hall.
Staff at West Midlands Ambulance Service, West Mercia Police and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service also took part. Many had been involved in the massive emergency operation, with several paramedic crews being sent to Manchester in the immediate aftermath of the bomb.
In Ludlow there was a gathering at the peace memorial in Castle Square that was organised by election candidate Philip Dunne.
In Telford the Reverend Molly Chitokwindo led a community service at Wellington Methodist Church that was attended by up to 50 people.
The 40-minute service held at 9.30am featured residents writing down messages of hope that will be posted to Manchester City Council in the coming days. At Bridgnorth Endowed School staff and pupils used the poem This is the Place by Manchester poet Tony Walsh to help them reflect on the bombing.
Ambulance chief executive, Anthony Marsh told staff: “It is always difficult to comprehend such a senseless and barbaric attack on innocent people, particularly as so many children were killed or injured. We also remember the work of all of the emergency services and our own staff who provided support to our colleagues in North West Ambulance Service. The fact that so many of our staff gathered together today shows how much we are thinking of all those affected as they come to terms with what happened that night.”
Clive Wright, Shropshire Council’s chief executive, said: “I cannot begin to imagine the pain the families involved must feel. I echo the words and sentiment expressed over the last few days and join the many voices who stand defiant of these acts.”
Flags will remain at half-mast on government buildings until the evening of May 25.
It is understood that the silence will be followed by the resumption of local campaigning by most political parties, with the General Election contest restarting in full on Friday.
Officials said there was no national event planned for the silence but that individuals and organisations across the country were expected to decide for themselves how to mark the moment.
Staff in all government buildings were expected to observe the silence.
