For the residents of Machynlleth, these past two weeks, which at times have seemed like months, have probably been the most difficult that the community has had to face.
The abduction of five year old school girl, April Jones, from a small, rural town, has left people shocked and stunned into disbelief but it has also stirred a deep anguish in many people that has caused them to ask - how could something so terrible happen somewhere that is naturally, so beautiful, tranquil and peaceful?
The unfolding of this heartrending and yet, horrific set of events, has left many people, including myself, experiencing a range of many different emotions from hope, to despair, to anger, trying to understand how this could have happened. The angst I first felt when the news broke of April’s disappearance, was quickly tempered by optimism within a matter of hours when I saw the people of Machynlleth and surrounding communities, unite to try to find one of its own.
The fact that the people of Machynlleth came together as it did, was no surprise to me. This is what happens in rural Mid Wales when a tragic situation such as this occurs. However, what did surprise me was the scale of the response that emerged from outside the immediate community, from individuals, towns and cities in other parts of Wales and from over Offa’s Dyke. It was a spontaneous show of humanity that I have never personally witnessed. I have heard anecdotally about the spirit and resolve that was shown in Aberfan some 56 years ago, when thousands of volunteers descended on the town to do anything they could to help. I believe that same spirit has been displayed in Machynlleth. People rallied in a common solidarity, offering themselves as active volunteers in the search operation, or providing refreshments and supplies; there was one group of people that drove hours to bring a car-load of pizzas to the volunteer teams.
I would like to pay special tribute to the commitment, courage and determination shown by all those who have volunteered. You are an inspiration to the people of Wales and the whole of UK and you can never be thanked enough.
I think the leadership shown by the civic leaders of Machynlleth has been tremendous. The Mayor, Gareth Jones, County Councillor Mike Williams and the Town Council have all shown unstinted support for the emergency service-led operation and they deserve recognition. Thanks should also go to other public service providers in Mid Wales, particularly the Welsh Government and Powys County Council. Staff in these organisations have made an important contribution to the operation and they should be thanked.
Of course, I think the whole county has recognised the incredible effort that all the emergency services, both professional and volunteer organisations, have put into the on-going search operation for April. The way the emergency services, especially Dyfed Powys Police, have worked so seamlessly with leaders of volunteer groups has been just superb. I can only commend their dedication and professionalism in everything that they have done.
What I think was the most emotional about the Sunday Service at St. Peter’s Church, was seeing children of April’s age taking part in the service. I’m sure most of us have an April in our lives; a girl of April’s age that we can relate to and that we love. That common bond just heightens our shared feelings of grief and loss.
The two questions that remain on everybody’s lips is…where is April and why did this happen?
Even though the police charged a man with April’s abduction and murder, we are still no closer to seeking those truths.
Yet this community will remain strong and united. While there is a real sense of sorrow in Machynlleth, there is also a defiant sense of hope that April will be found.
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Coral and Paul Jones and the wider family and friends of April at this very difficult time.