Tim Alban Jones: Time passes slowly for those who grieve

From an address by the vicar of Soham on the anniversary of the murder of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman

It seems hard to believe that a year has passed since the events of last August that brought Soham into the spotlight of the national media. In some ways the time has gone quickly, yet in many ways each week and month seems to have been unnaturally long.

Throughout the intervening months we have all been constantly aware of the needs of two grieving families. As anyone who has been bereaved will tell you, for those who grieve, time can pass very slowly indeed. It was perhaps naive to think the attentions of the press would lessen with the passage of time. The intensity of media coverage that last summer's tragedy generated has guaranteed that people have not forgotten Holly and Jessica, and they have not forgotten the town of Soham.

Not a week goes by without someone writing or contacting me to tell me they are still thinking about the families and about what happened last year. People from all over the country and abroad are clearly still very deeply moved and touched by all that went on in Soham.

Some people have asked me what strikes me most when looking back over the past 12 months. There are a few moments that perhaps stand out in my memory, but throughout the whole year we have witnessed countless deeds of kindness. There have been innumerable people who have responded with outstanding compassion, love and generous good-will. All these many deeds of kindness and thoughtfulness show that love is stronger than hatred.

Ultimately, goodness is stronger than evil.