ONE YEAR after the terrorist attack in Forbury Gardens, a memorial service will be held to remember the victims.
On Sunday, June 20, at 4pm, James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails will be honoured in a ceremony.
Family and friends of the trio will be invited, along with those injured, witnesses, members of the emergency services who responded on the day, along with resentatives of Reading’s diverse communities and voluntary sector partners.
The service will be led by Cllr David Stevens, mayor of Reading and will include tributes to the victims and readings, followed by the laying of floral tributes at the Forbury Bandstand.
Residents in the borough have been invited to join the memorial service online via a live stream on the Reading Borough Council’s Facebook page.
Some physical places are open to the public, and the borough council is asking anyone wishing to attend to reserve a place online, due to covid regulations.
As a mark of respect, Reading Borough Council’s flag will fly at half-mast on the day, and the Maiwand Lion will be lit from dusk throughout the night.
Three white beams of light will shine up into the sky, a commemorative symbol visible for miles around.
The pathway leading to the Maiwand Lion will feature 365 lights – one to mark every day since the tragic evening one year ago.
Anyone wishing to lay a floral tribute at the bandstand can visit from 6am until noon that day.
The gardens will close at noon to allow for preparations for the memorial service and open to the public again on Monday, June 21.
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Cllr Jason Brock, leader of Reading Borough Council said: “One year on, Reading will come together as a community and, in solidarity with their families and friends, remember James, Joe and David.
“In the days which followed the horrific events of last year, Reading saw an outpouring of grief and sadness which united the local community, with support from people around the country and across the world.
“I remain extremely proud of the united and determined way in which Reading responded at the time. I am also certain it will respond in the same way one year on, whether people are attending the memorial service or choosing to quietly pay their respects at home.
“Our thoughts will always be with those who lost loved ones and with those injured.”
Matt Rodda, MP for Reading East said it is right to pay tribute to the three men.
“The attack in Forbury Gardens was such an awful, shocking tragedy. I would like to thank all those that have organised the event, and hope to attend,” he said.
Reading Borough Council is encouraging people to contribute to the #ReadingTogether fund, which will pay for a permanent memorial for James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails.
- To watch the live stream service, visit: www.facebook.com/Readingcouncil
- To book a place, visit: whatsonreading.com/reading-together
- To contribute to the memorial fundraiser, visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/reading-together-memorial
- For support, call Victims First on 0300 1234 148 or visit: www.victims-first.org.uk
