RTUC Walks for the Forbury Knife Attack Victims

RTUC's James Denny (right) bears the banner, assisted by Alistair Fulbrook

The Reading Trades Union Council was proud to join others in a walk in memoriam for the victims of the Forbury Gardens knife attack which left three men, James Furlong, David Wails and Joe Ritchie-Bennett, dead, others wounded and still more people traumatised. Organised by Charlie Richardson, the walk also raised funds for the charity, MIND.

Walkers make their way along the A33 Reading Relief Road

The walk occurred on 18 July 2020, commencing at 11:10. Gathering outside Reading Railway Station, the walkers proceeded to the Forbury Gardens to lay flowers of condolence at the bandstand and hold a minute's silence before continuing on to the Madejski Stadium.

The walkers reach their destination - the Madejski Stadium

The RTUC was represented by James Denny (RMT), equalities officer, who carried the trades council banner with the assistance of Alistair Fulbrook. Given the concerns around the COVID19 pandemic, with many delegates quarantining or social distancing and remaining indoors, the RTUC appreciates James's support of the event.

RTUC thanks Charlie Richardson for organising the event and for the use of the last photograph, which is his copyright.

RTUC at 'Reading Remembers'

The Forbury Square Vigil

The Deceased: David Wails, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and James Furlong

On a sunny Saturday evening, 20 June 2020, when socially distancing families and friends were enjoying temperatures in the high 20s Celsius in Reading's central 'lung', the Forbury Gardens, an attacker - a terrorist by police designation - ran through the park and knifed several people, leaving three requiring hospital treatment and three fatally wounded. The three deceased are Joe Ritchie-Bennett, James Furlong and David Wails.

Bernadette Martin introduces the minute's silence

Bernadette Martin was so moved by the attack that she arranged for a vigil of Reading citizens and others who wished to pay their respects to be held on 4 July at Forbury Square, the Gardens themselves still being closed to the public following the attack. In a show of sympathy with those who were killed, wounded or witnessed the attack and their families and friends, Reading Trades Union Council was determined to be present.

Sue Taylor, James Parker, James Denny and John Partington of RTUC

Sue Taylor (PCS), James Denny (RMT), James Parker (Unite Community) and John Partington (TSSA) - flying the banner of Reading Trades Union Council - attended on behalf of RTUC. The attack was both against the individual victims but also against the diverse and welcoming town of Reading and RTUC was determined to stand defiant against an attack on the town in which it focuses its organising.

Floral tributes at Reading Bandstand, Reading
War Memorial and The Blagrave Arms