Services held to remember those who lost their lives on roads in Thames Valley
Memorial services are taking place today in Thame and Winchester
Special services are being held today (21 November) to commemorate those who have lost their lives on roads in the Thames Valley and Hampshire.
The Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit will be holding two memorial services to support the family and friends of those who have died as a result of collisions.
The dedicated services will be held in Thame and Winchester this afternoon, which coincides with the United Nations World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
The Thames Valley service will take place at 2.30pm in St Mary the Virgin Church in Thame.
It will be led by Revd Helen Arnold, Lead Chaplain for Thames Valley Police, and also attended by Chief Constable John Campbell.
Meanwhile the Hampshire service will be held at 2.30pm in Christ Church in Winchester, and will be led by Revd Dom Jones and attended by Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs.
Local dignitaries, roads policing officers as well as fire and ambulance personnel will also be attending the services.
Families and friends who have been bereaved as a result of road traffic collisions are invited to attend the services in remembrance of their loved ones.
Guests will be invited to take part in an Act of Commemoration to honour the memory of family and friends.
The Thames Valley Police Vocals and the Hampshire Constabulary Male Voice Choir will perform in support of the two services.
Superintendent Colin Hudson, Head of the Roads Policing Unit for Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary, said:
“In 2020, 72 people sadly lost their lives on the roads of the Thames Valley and 49 people died on the roads of Hampshire.
“Last year we had to hold these services virtually due to the pandemic and I am pleased that this year we are able to welcome people in person.
“These services are special and important in supporting those who have been affected by road death and also acknowledging the professionalism and courage demonstrated by all the emergency services that attend such incidents.”
Anybody wishing to attend the Thames Valley service is asked to email RDMS@hampshire.police.uk .