Forbury Gardens: Terror attack memorial service two years on

Yesterday (Monday, June 20) marked two years since James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails were fatally stabbed by terrorist Khairi Saadallah in the park.

Victims Joe Ritchie-Bennett, James Furlong and David Wails

Family and friends of the three victims - as well as dozens of community figures and members of the public - gathered at the Gardens on Monday evening to remember the trio.

READ MORE: What has happened in the two years since the Forbury Gardens terror attack

The public service started with a moving introduction from Mayor of Reading Rachel Eden.

Mayor of Reading, Rachel Eden. Image via Paul King

She said: "To the families of David, James and Joe, we can only imagine what you have gone through in the past two years.

"We cannot lessen your pain, but we can share it, and we stand with you.

"We also know the impact is still felt by those injured and those who witnessed the events of that summer's evening two years ago.

"Over the last two years, I know the whole community has been united, not just in horror but also in determination to honour the memories of David, James and Joe."

Family members bowing their heads. Image via Paul King.

This was followed by a minutes silence before the crowd heard Hate to See Your Heart Break sung by local musician Nichole Grace.

Abi Herron, from the Holt School where James Furlong taught, then took to the stage to read a poem entitled 'in our hearts.'

Abi Herron from the Holt School reading a poem. Image via Paul King.

The service resumed with a speech from Rev Sonya Wratten, of the Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin, who read an excerpt from Corinthians.

It concluded with a flower laying ceremony. Family members of the victims were first to lay yellow flowers before community figures and members of the public paid their respects.

READ MORE: How Reading remembered Forbury Gardens victims in 2021

Speaking to the Chronicle after the service, council leader Jason Brock said: "The service was our opportunity as a town to remember James, Joe and David.

Family members of the victims come together. Image via Paul King

"It's our opportunity as a town to show how we still stand beside their families, their friends, everybody who was injured in the attacks, everybody who was affected and had to bare witness to such horror, because those attacks had a very traumatic impact on the town.

"It continues to have such an impact on the town and its important to show unified the town is in the face of an act of terror that was designed to divide us and designed to spread fear.

Jason Brock, leader of Reading Council. Image via Paul King

"Two years ago I said the way Reading responded was dignified and magnificent and it still is today. It's wonderful how this huge town with such a strong sense of community is able to express that unity in the face of those who seek to divide us."

READ MORE: Crowdfunder launched for memorial for Forbury Gardens victims

Speaking about ongoing plans for a permanent memorial for James, Joe and David, Cllr Brock added: "We are entirely guided by the families and it has to be at the pace they're comfortable with, and in the shape and style they are comfortable with. It's something we are continuing to work with the families around."

Respects paid to James, Joe and David. Image via Paul King

Later on Monday evening, the Maiwand Lion was lit up in tribute to the memory of the victims of the Forbury Gardens terror attack.