Last updated at 22:06, Thursday, 10 June 2010

Tears fell with the rain this week as West Cumbria grieved for the 12 people killed by Derrick Bird.

SORROW: Residents of the Egremont area gather at the Egremont War Memorial for a memorial service and one minute's silence in remembrance of the 12 people who were killed when Derrick Bird went on a killing spree in Cumbria a week ago. Susan Hughes, 57, a mother of two, and former soldier Kenneth Fishburn, 71, both from Egremont, were two of the victims who were shot and killed in the village.

The silence was dignified, the mourning proper, as communities found space amid the furore to come together.

After days of endless speculation it was certainly time to reflect on what really mattered; the loss of innocent lives.

People not just in public ceremonies but in workplaces and homes were thinking about the likes of “gentleman” rugby player Garry Purdham, solicitor Kevin Commons – spoken of as one of the family by Workington colleagues – and young letting agent Jamie Clark who’d won friends in Cockermouth.

But West Cumbria now needs to breathe again, free of the world’s media glare.

Our hospitality has certainly been tested these last few days as questions have been asked about the police operation, and unfounded criticisms made.

However, it is noticeable that local people – including victims and their families – have shown understanding not only of the emergency services’ situation but even of the plight of the killer.

That’s not because we’re fools, or stereotypical “stoics” as some would have it, but because we’re a compassionate lot.

This was a human tragedy, with human faults all around if you want to find them.

But by understanding that not all is perfect in the world, and that some questions may never be answered, we can move on.

First published at 19:24, Thursday, 10 June 2010
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk