Salisbury pays tribute to Aneta and Nikoleta Zdun after murder

These were just some of the words used to describe mother and daughter Aneta and Nikoleta Zdun today, June 1, during the special memorial service that marked one year since they were murdered.

Residents gathered at the pair’s memorial bench in Queen Elizabeth Gardens today for the ceremony, to pay tribute to the former Wessex Care worker and the Wiltshire College student.

Read more: Residents gather to remember Aneta and Nikoleta on murder anniversary

Canon Kelvin Inglis, Rector of St Thomas's, led today’s ceremony, which was attended by mayor of Salisbury Caroline Corbin, representing the city, and the Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam.

Friends, neighbours and members of the emergency services were also in attendance, including police officers who were involved with the investigation and crime scene last year.

Speaking to the Journal before the service, Canon Inglis said: "This is the first anniversary of a really horrendous act in our city, and the reason we have gathered is because we want to in a sense give thanks to the lives they lived.

"We also want to pray for the people caught up in the act who found it very hard, from the neighbours, the police, to builders on the road at the time, we're praying for their healing."

Councillor Corbin added: "Obviously the commemoration is a very sad event, but time heals and gives time to reflect.

"The knock on effect this has had on everyone, they need to be able to grieve over the losses, which can be done today in this lovely weather and at this lovely setting for a memorial.

"I hope the family, friends and residents of Salisbury can enjoy coming here and use it for reflection."

One year on: Memorial service for Aneta and Nikoleta Zdun

During the service residents who knew Aneta and Nikoleta were invited to come forward and share memories and kind words about the pair.

Speaking on behalf of Wessex Care, Jodie Scott described Aneta as "hard working, kind, caring, intelligent [and] thoughtful".

She later added: "Aneta was lovely and gentle, she was so loved by all of the clients and staff, the clients still talk about her now.

"They miss her dreadfully.

"She was always happy and positive, even in the dark times, we all miss her warmth. She had a special kind of warmth that wrapped around her."

And friends from college and work described Nikoleta as "caring and funny", adding "there was never a dull moment".

One of her friends said: "It is horrible the circumstances today, but I'm so blessed meeting all of you and how this has brought so many people together, which is what Nikoleta would have wanted."

Superintendent Dave Minty of Wiltshire Police was one of the officers at today's ceremony, who hopes it could be "closure" for both those affected and members of the force who were called to Wessex Road last year.

He said: "I know that friendships have been made between family, friends and police and from my perspective it shows the human side of police which is sometimes forgotten.

"Of course this is mostly for the family and friends here, we’re here to support them and the city through this hard time."

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