READING is set to mark the fourth anniversary of the Forbury Gardens attacks and remember the victims David Wails, Joe Ritchie-Bennett, and James Furlong.
It will be the first memorial for the three men since the conclusion of the inquest into the attacks back in April.
On Thursday, June 20, a private memorial service will be taking place for family and friends of James, Joe, and David, in St Laurence’s Church, before a public service in Forbury Gardens.
There will be a civic service from 7pm in front of the bandstand, where the memorial stone has been laid.
Mayor Glenn Dennis and the Revd Sonya Wratten will lead the service, followed by a flower laying ceremony in the gardens.
Forbury Gardens will close at 3pm that day and reopen at 6.30pm so that members of the public may attend.
It is set to close again at 8pm, followed by the lighting up of the Maiwand Lion with three beams, each in memory of one of the victims, at 9pm.
Jackie Yates, Reading Borough Council Chief Executive, said: “Next week’s Civic Memorial service at Forbury Gardens offers another opportunity for the town to stand in solidarity with the families and close friends who lost loved ones on that horrific day four years ago.
“Having worked closely with the families of James, Joe and David, and members of the community, to create a fitting memorial stone, this year’s ceremony will take place at the bandstand where it is located and, as in previous years, residents are invited to come and pay their respects and show their support for the victims and their loved ones.
“The thoughts of everybody in Reading remain with the families and friends who so needlessly loved lost ones that day, as well as all those injured or affected.”
