Services held to remember road death victims in Hampshire and Thames Valley

Special services to commemorate those who have lost their lives on the roads of Hampshire and Thames Valley will be held this weekend.

The Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit of Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police will be holding two memorial services to support the family and friends of those who have died as a result of collisions on our roads.

The dedicated services will be held in Winchester and Thame on Sunday 21 November, which coincides with the United Nations World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, that is recognised by countries around the world.

The Hampshire service will be held at 2.30pm in Christ Church, Christchurch Road, Winchester, and will be led by Revd Dom Jones, force chaplain for Hampshire Constabulary, and attended by Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs.

The Thames Valley service will take place at 2.30pm in St Mary the Virgin Church, Church Road, Thame, Oxfordshire and will be led by Revd Helen Arnold, lead chaplain to Thames Valley Police, and also attended by Chief Constable John Campbell.

Also attending these services will be local dignitaries, roads policing officers as well as fire and ambulance personnel to remember those who have lost their lives on the roads.

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 and the Hampshire Constabulary Male Voice Choir and Thames Valley Police Vocals will perform in support of the two services.

Superintendent Colin Hudson, Head of the Roads Policing Unit for Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police, said: “In 2020, 49 people sadly lost their lives on the roads of Hampshire and 72 people died on the roads of Thames Valley.

“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.”

All are welcome to attend however due to reduced church capacity we would therefore request that those wishing to attend the Hampshire service contact us by emailing [email protected]