Memorial service to mark one year since Reading terror attack
James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails were killed in Forbury Gardens last June.
Last updated 7th Jun 2021
The three men killed in the Reading terror attack are to be remembered in a memorial service exactly one year on.
James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails were stabbed while socialising in Forbury Gardens on 20th June last year, and later died of their injuries.
25-year-old Khairi Saadallah pleaded guilty to their murders, and was sentenced to life imprisonment in January.
Three other people were injured in the attack.
One year on, the memorial service in Forbury Gardens will be led by Mayor of Reading Cllr David Stevens, and will feature tributes to the victims, readings, and floral tributes laid at the Bandstand.
Other plans to mark the anniversary include three white commemorative beams of light shining up into the sky, which should be visible for miles around.
Reading Borough Council’s flag will also fly at half-mast, while the pathway to Maiwand Lion sculpture in the park, which will remain lit throughout the night, will feature 365 lights – one for every day since the attack.
Those invited to the service will be the family and friends of the victims and those injured, witnesses, first responders who attended the scene, and representatives of the Reading community.
Cllr Jason Brock, Leader of Reading Borough Council, said: “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.”
Members of the public can watch the memorial service through a live stream on Reading Borough Council’s Facebook page from 4pm on 20th June. http://www.facebook.com/Readingcouncil
The service is also open to the public, but with limited spaces available due to Covid-19 restrictions, organisers are urging anyone wishing to attend to book a place online. https://whatsonreading.com/reading-together
Reading Borough Council is encouraging people to contribute to the #ReadingTogether fund https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/reading-together-memorial
Contributions will go towards a permanent memorial to James, Joe and David, and Reading Borough Council is working closely with their families and friends and stakeholders from across the community on appropriate plans.
The impacts of the tragedy remain significant and especially at anniversary moments it is normal to feel sad, afraid or overwhelmed. There is support available through Victims First on 0300 1234 148 or at www.victims-first.org.uk