'Knife Angel' arrives in Colchester
It's standing watch in Balkerne Gardens throughout October
Colchester is hosting the renowned 'Knife Angel' throughout the month of October,
Colchester City Council have chosen to positioning the striking sculpture in Balkerne Gardens, adjacent to the Mercury Theatre. The sculpture is prominently framed by one of the arches of 'Jumbo,' the landmark Victorian Water Tower.
A collaborative effort by Colchester City Council and its partners has led to the planning of a comprehensive program of activities and events.
The primary aim is to raise awareness about the prevalent issue of knife crime and its profound impact on local communities.
Crafted from over 100,000 seized blades, the Knife Angel serves as a poignant reminder of the negative consequences associated with violent behavior. Beyond highlighting the detrimental effects, the sculpture underscores the urgent need for social change. Not merely a symbolic installation, the Knife Angel also serves as a memorial, honoring the lives lost to knife crime.
Clive Knowles, founder of British Ironworks, expressed pride in the collective efforts across the UK, particularly emphasizing the significant role played by the 100,000-plus Youth Ambassadors who have pledged to influence their communities in rejecting violence.
"The 100,000 plus Youth Ambassadors pledging to influence their communities in rejecting violence are what make us most proud about what has been achieved across the UK," stated Clive Knowles.
The Knife Angel, representing the nation's stance against violence, has garnered widespread acceptance in communities across the UK. This October, Colchester has the honor of hosting this iconic statue, accompanied by a rich program of workshops and activities aimed at shedding light on the critical issue of knife violence.
Throughout October, visitors to the Knife Angel will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of individuals. These interactions will provide insights into how one can become an ambassador, contributing to the collective effort of spreading the message that carrying a bladed article is wrong.
The presence of the Knife Angel in Colchester serves not only as a visual reminder of the consequences of violence but also as a catalyst for fostering positive change within communities. The month-long initiative is poised to spark conversations, encourage reflection, and promote a collective commitment to combatting knife crime.
Remembering those lost
During the speeches at last night's launch in Colchester, many spoke out about their own experiences, including one mother who lost her son to soon to a knife attack.
Anne Oakes Odger MBE has been campaigning for 18 years ever since her son was murdered in a knife attack in Greenstead at just 27 years old.
She told us it never gets easier. She recalled the moment she found out.
She had called the hospital after learning there was an accident and overheard people in the background saying her son Westley Odger didn't make it.
She explained that as a mother she always wanted to "make everything better" and despite knowing the worst had happened she "still wanted to get there, I felt if I could get there, he would be okay."
The shock of losing her son took a toll on her physically and mentally, to the point she started "losing her hair and my toenails dropped off."
Anne and her family received some justice for Westly, seeing the attackers go to jail. However, it was during this process they realised there was the Law did not recognise a specific tariff for knife murder only for gun murder of 30 years.
Anne then began a petition calling for knife Crimes to be treated the same as crimes involving guns within the Law.
She worked with the MP for Colchester at the time Sir Bob Russell, and in 2009 they were successful in changing the law,
A specific tariff with a starting point of 25 years for murder using a knife or bladed weapon was created under the Criminal Justice Act 2003
Anne has also started a charity in memory of her son - the ‘Westley Odger Foundation’. Also known as www.knifeCrimes.org.
She also gives talks in schools and youth groups, alongside Essex Police.
The Knife Angel will be in Colchester throughout October.