Victims of road deaths to be commemorated in special service

THE lives of those lost on the roads of the Thames Valley and Hampshire will be commemorated at special ceremonies later this month, one of which will be in Thame.

The Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit 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 ceremonies will be held to mark the United Nations Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims and it is believed that TVP is unique in honouring the day in such a way. The services will take place on November 19, one in Winchester and one in Thame, giving families from across the Joint Operations Unit region the chance to remember their loved ones.

‘A beautiful service’

During the services local dignitaries, police officers and colleagues from the ambulance and fire services will join members of the public in an Act of Commemoration. Families who have attended previous services have found the event extremely comforting and described it as a “beautiful service”. One family wrote: “‘Thank you for an absolutely beautiful and respectful service for road traffic victims. All of the family found the service very humbling and uplifting.”

While another added: “The opportunity to join with all who are affected by death on the roads is most helpful in the slow process of re-balancing after violent bereavement.”

Assistant Chief Constable for the Joint Operations Unit Dave Hardcastle

Last year 144 people were killed on the roads of Hampshire and Thames Valley. Dave Hardcastle, Assistant Chief Constable for the Joint Operations Unit, said: “We believe it is very important for us to come together with our emergency service colleagues and bereaved families to remember those tragically lost on our roads.

“In organising these annual services we hope to offer support to families and friends of those no longer with us, giving them an opportunity to come together and take comfort from each other. It is also very poignant for our officers and other emergency service personnel, who stand beside these families throughout the most difficult of times.

“We welcome anyone who has been affected by the loss of someone on our roads to join us for these very moving ceremonies.”

Contact details

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to contact the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit via the email addresses below, in advance of the ceremonies.

The service in Thame will take place from 3pm, at St Mary the Virgin Church, Church Road, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3AJ. To attend this service, email RDMS@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk.

The service in Winchester will take place from 2.30pm, at Christ Church, Christchurch Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9SR. To attend this service, email RDMS@hampshire.pnn.police.uk.