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FLOWERS have been left outside St Mary’s Church in Haverhill and candles lit inside in memory of those who have died in the U.S. terrorist attacks.

The Rev Edmund Betts said around 40 people observed Friday’s three minutes silence inside the church and a special period of reflection had been added to the Sunday morning service.

He believed other churches in the town had also held special prayers for the Americans.

“I think most people have been trying to express it silently, there has not been such a public outpouring of grief as when Princess Diana died. I think people have been very worried about it.

People are most welcome to come into the church, to light a candle and be quiet. I think we should keep the U.S. in mind, but keep our heads and keep our faith.’ Mr Betts said.

Haverhill Library today started a book of condolence for anyone to send their wishes to people in America.

One of the victims of the terrorist attacks who was on the plane which hit the first of the twin towers in New York was 49-year-old Jane Orth from Haverhill, Massacusetts.

Many contacts exist between Haverhill and its American namesake, although there are no formal links between the two towns.

A series of measures have been undertaken by St Edmundsbury Borough Council to show solidarity and compassion for those affected by last Tuesday’s terrorist attacks.

The mayor of St Edmundsbury, Coun Brian Bagnall has written a message of condolence to the commander of the United States Third Air Force at Mildenhall air base.

The force was grantee the freedom of the borough in August 2000 as a recognition of its special connection with the area and its involvement with the community.

Councillors also held a minute’s silence at the beginning of last Wednesday’s Leisure Services committee meeting.

Prior to the meeting, Coun Sarah Mildmay White had issued words of sympathy for those involved and their families,

As a further mark of respect the borough flag was flown at half-mast from all buildings.

Wednesday was Battle of Britain Day, and as such the flags would normally be flown at full mast.

Coun Bagnall said: “These are shocking days for everyone and I hope that knowing our thoughts are with them is some small comfort to these people, near and far, who are anxious about friends, family and colleagues.”
A nurse working at the site of the New York terrorist disaster has spoken of the horrifying scenes confronting rescue workers.

Former Sawston Village College pupil Rosemary Bonner, right, has been working at ground zero where she has been nicknamed “The English Rose”.

The 33-year-old, whose family lives in Whittlesford, said: “It’s a thousand times worse when you see the devastation with your own eyes.

“I don’t think any television camera has really captured what it’s like. If you went there, you’d be shocked.”

Rosemary spent three days tending rescue workers from inside the empty shell of the
American Express building in the centre of the area devastated by the terrorist attacks.

She said: “There were piles of rubble and twisted metal which looked like pipe cleaners.

“The air was thick with dust and the site of the former south tower was just a crater.

“It was like a tortilla shell that had been pecked out by birds.

“I could see big mounds of rubble. The workers standing on it looked ants as they were so high up.

Rosemary has lived in New York for 10 years. She worked at Peterborough District Hospital before moving to Manhattan to do a paediatric training
course.

She was on duty at Mount Sinai Hospital, several blocks away from the former World Trade Centre, when the twin towers collapsed.

After working a double shift treating survivors at the hospital, Rosemary was sent home but decided to volunteer to tend rescue workers at ground zero.