Moving Lockerbie service helps provide closure for family and friends

The family and friends of Lockerbie victims travelled to the small town from far and wide for the memorial service.

Travis Goodyear revealed he almost cancelled his trip from Texas but changed his mind, and he felt he got “some closure” from the 30th anniversary service.

The 67-year-old was a flight attendant for Pan Am and knew all of the crew on board flight 103 from Heathrow to New York.

Speaking at Dryfesdale Cemetery in Lockerbie after the service, he said: “It’s given me some closure, to be very honest.

“It’s been 30 years, I was never able to muster up the energy or the motivation to come back.

“I left the States on Monday to come over and on Sunday I went in and cancelled my trip, and then I rebooked. I knew that I needed to do this.”

Dr Jim Swire, who lost his daughter Flora in the explosion, attended a memorial service in Lockerbie for the first time after years spearheading campaigns by bereaved relatives for a full inquiry into the atrocity.

The 82-year-old said: “I found it very moving. Partly because I felt so out of touch with the people of the town and I know that my campaigning inevitably results in the town’s name being talked about again and again and again.

“I felt that they might be resenting that, but I haven’t found that at all.

“The people I’ve met here have all been extremely warm and welcoming and they seem to respect the fact that this must never be forgotten and this is part of making sure it isn’t forgotten.”

Frances Togneri, from nearby Lochmaben, attended the service with her husband Robert who helped in the recovery after the bombing.

She said: “The whole service was so touching, it was quite emotional actually being here again.

“Listening and laying the wreaths at the end, it was just – I can’t really describe it, it was just so emotional.”

The Queen was represented at the service by Lord Lieutenant for Dumfriesshire Fiona Armstrong, who was an ITN journalist at the time of the atrocity and reported from the scene.

She said: “It was a very moving ceremony, very dignified. I think it just sums up what the people of Lockerbie and those who’ve lost loved ones wanted to see here today.

“We’re remembering and we’re also paying tribute on the night and in the following days of the disaster.”