 |
| 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 |
