The Knife Angel, created by artist Alfie Bradley and the British Ironworks Centre, is made from over 100,000 seized blades. The sculpture was created to highlight the negative effects of violent behaviour of all types including knife crime, domestic assault, sexual abuse and county lines. Not only does the statue act as a catalyst for turning the tide on violent and aggressive behaviour, it also acts as a memorial designed to commemorate the lives lost through violent and thoughtless actions.
The installation will be the first time that the Knife Angel statute has appeared in either Suffolk, Cambridgeshire or Norfolk.
The tragic event that precipitated the Knife Angel’s visit to Haverhill was the fatal stabbing of Harley Barfield in 2023.
The project of bringing the Knife Angel was supported by Haverhill Town Council who assisted with related projects and financial management.
Surrounding the Knife Angel’s appearance in the town, a series of events and ceremonies were held to raise awareness of knife crime and to reiterate the message of anti-violence of all kinds.
Find out more about the Knife Angel’s visit to Haverhill by clicking the link HERE.
Who are we? – Castle Manor
I am him, I am he, I am her, I am she.
I felt lost, I felt lonely yet my loneliness ended.
I am that holiday in Cornwall every single year,
In the place I wished I was and with the people I wished I saw.
A year has gone by, a light above.
From the dark, luminous night as we prepare for flight.
My emotions spin like a rotisserie chicken.
Despite my fears or even my tears.
Maybe when I’m 18 I can express who I am.
That is all I can do, it is all I can stand.
I am an overthinker, determined, attentive, beautiful and a mess.
I am intelligent, problematic, fabulous and ambitious, vibrant, creative and unique.
I am my own little safe place,
On a dull Saturday morning. The kettle is boiling- For a cuppa I don’t doubt.
Now I am trapped in thoughts.
One filled with happiness, yet sadness.
Sculpting my future like I am a work of art.
I go home, to see my family.
I make more friends along the way.
I’ll choose to reach for the stars, to burn my hands.
Chasing dreams forever made.
Love over loss.
Life over hate.
A Child – Stour Valley
A child
balancing life at home and at school.
Travel is far
but we still make the effort.
Born in Cambridge
born in Colchester
born in Brixton
Essex, Bury, Eastborne,
the maternity ward
memories were made.
The class team playing in white and in blue
ignoring my homework and chores
for one more series
for one more episode
one more minute of characters that live on screen.
The sound of the TV in the background the smell of cakes baking,
waiting for them to rise
and the Chinese takeaway so hot it burns my mouth
a house full of upbeat music from spinning CDs.
A mirror looking back at me.
I dream of moving far away
I pour emotions upon my notes:
“You will not be alone in this.’
Dreaming of deep chats and staying up until dark
The drive to be better achieving things I didn’t know were possible until: that letter.
The place of dreams
mine might never come true.
But lights linger
and never go down.
Inside the Eyes of a Kid – Samuel Ward Academy
I know that it might seem like it’s all over
feels like there’s never enough time.
Wishing I was liked
wishing I didn’t worry so much
that I had more confidence and didn’t care what people think
wishing I was a famous actor
or taller
or never ill
or that I could sleep.
But most of all
I wish I could just tell myself:
Don’t change yourself for others and breathe – it doesn’t matter.
Your friends are amazing
and if they argue it’s ok
the world is messy and painful
but there ARE people who CARE.
You are different.
Busy.
Messed up.
Interesting.
And unique.
So don’t give up.
Keep smiling.
It does get better
There’s still time to make amends.