Haverhill says farewell to The Knife Angel, a ‘lasting legacy’ to murdered teenager Harley Barfield

The importance of learning lessons from the historic stay in Haverhill of the anti-violence Knife Angel statue was iterated during a candlelit ceremony to mark its departure.

The 27-feet high statue, made by the British Ironworks Centre in Oswestry, Shropshire from 100,000-plus confiscated blades, has stood in Market Square for the month of September.

The visit of The National Monument Against Violence and Aggression - the first to anywhere in Suffolk - was made possible thanks to the efforts of the family of 16-year-old Harley Barfield, who was fatally stabbed by another boy, also 16, in Haverhill in January 2023.

During its time in Haverhill, numerous events were held in the community, all geared at raising awareness of knife crime and violence and the associated impacts.

Speaking at the ceremony in Market Square last Friday evening, the mayor of Haverhill, Cllr David Smith, said of the Knife Angel visit: “First and foremost, we have gained awareness.

“The Knife Angel stands as a powerful symbol of the dangers of knife crime and violence. It’s very presence in Haverhill has sparked important conversations.

“Conversations about safety, about the devastating impact of violent crime and about the importance of a sense of community in our lives.

“We have also gained hope. The Knife Angel has not only raised awareness of the impact of a terrible event but has inspired positive steps towards a safer future.

“It has encouraged dialogue around prevention and many of us are now more committed than ever to educating the next generation about the value of life, the importance of conflict resolution and the consequences of violent behaviour.

“While the Knife Angel may be leaving us physically the impact of its presence remains with us. We must carry forward the message of peace and the shared responsibility we have to foster a community free from violence.

“Today it is important that we remember to learn from the past but also to focus on what lies ahead.

“The Knife Angel has helped young people to understand the importance of valuing themselves, respecting each other and embracing differences as part of what makes us a stronger community rather than as a cause of rifts.

“These values are crucial in building a future free from violence and filled with empathy.

Harley’s dad Darryl Barfield was unable to attend but his words were read for him by The Reverend Max Drinkwater, vicar of St Mary’s Church in Haverhill: “I started this project a long time ago in the hope that I could create a lasting legacy for my son Harley and I believe that with each and every one of your help I think that we have achieved this together, so thank you from my heart.

“I had the opportunity to talk with lots of people, both young and old, during this last month in Haverhill, from all sorts of different backgrounds and the positivity that came out of those conversations gave me some hope, so than you, to each and every one of that have worked tirelessly on this project, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

“Without you all it wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you to all the children and the adults that have taken part in all the activities to everyone that has donated whether that be money, cake prizes, crafts and your time, thank you.

“You are all all incredible and you have done my son proud.

“Haverhill has a low crime rate but we cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that the amnesty bin was full of weapons, each of those weapons have the potential to wipe out yet another life.

“We have seen a new ban come in this September for machetes and zombie knives and any style of knife that resembles them, but that ban does not go far enough and we need to do more.

“I think we all know that we are not going to stop knife crime but if we work together we can reduce knife crime by working alongside children and parents and the wider we can all make a difference to the communities that we live in.

“Our children need youth centres and good role models and they need hope for the future. All of our children deserve that and I will continue to do all I can to help in this battle against knife crime.

“It’s too late for my son Harley but if we all keep working together we may just save a life or change a life, if we keep working together, speaking up and doing the right thing, its a challenge.

“There is no one reason why people carry knives and there’s not just one solution to reduce knife crime and the many lives lost and the many families devastated by violent crime but we can try and e must try.

“My promise to the community of Haverhill is that I will continue to raise awareness and to work hard to all I can to help reduce knife crime and raise awareness, together we have achieved a great deal, from me and from my beautiful blue-eyed boy, Harley Reggie Barfield, thank you.”

Harley’s mum, Bernice Jaggard, said: “It has been amazing to see how much interest and interaction the Knife Angel has had in the past month.

“Thank you to everyone that has been part of organising all the activities and volunteering their time to make this happen.

“I hope that the Knife Angel has been a catalyst for thought about how we are all responsible for being aware of knife crime and how prevalent it is in the UK right now.

“Thanks to everyone who has remembered my son Harley Barfield who I know would be looking down right now feeling so honoured, as I am and the rest of my family. I hope that as a community we can continue to stand against knife violence and educate the next generations so that they can grow up in a safer world.

“I also hope that the Knife Angel continues to bring communities together and spread the shocking truths about knife crime.”

Students from Castle Manor and Samuel Ward Academies read poetry and Suffolk County Councillor Heike Sowa (Haverhill Cangle) presented councillor awards to Sil Clay for her voluntary coaching work at Haverhill Running Club, Michael Simpkin, for his fund-raising for charity and voluntary work, although he was unable to receive it in person due to illness.

Reverend Kiran Lotay, who works in the Triangle estate in Ipswich, also performed two of his own rap songs inspired by the impact of violence and knife crime.

Cllr Smith thanked all the community groups, schools, St Mary’s Church, the town council and the Barfield family for their involvement in bringing the Knife Angel to Haverhill and making the projects possible.

After a performance on trumpet by Archie Pannell (with dad Tim on keyboards) of You Raise Me Up, candles of remembrance were lit.