Dr Stefan Fafinski DL represented the Lord-Lieutenant at a poignant civic memorial service marking the fifth anniversary of the tragic terror attack in Forbury Gardens, Reading, which claimed the lives of James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett, and David Wails, and left three others injured.

The commemorations began with a private service for family, friends, and invited guests at St Laurence’s Church, before moving to Forbury Gardens for a public memorial at the permanent stone dedicated to the three men who lost their lives.

The civic service was led by the Mayor of Reading, Councillor Alice Mpofu-Coles, and the Rev’d Sonya Wratten of Reading Minster, and included a performance by local gospel singer Nichole Grace. A minute’s silence was observed and flowers were laid in remembrance. The ceremony reflected Reading’s continued solidarity with all those affected by the events of 20 June 2020.

The Maiwand Lion was illuminated later that evening with three beams of light, shining into the night sky as a symbol of remembrance and unity.