Virtual remembrance service held in memory of road crash victims

An online remembrance service has been held in Winchester in honour of those lost and affected by road traffic collisions.

The service took place on the 15^th November with the Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit.

The event is usually held in person but had been changed to an online service in order to follow social distancing guidelines from the government amid the pandemic.

It was led by Force Chaplain Reverend Dominic Jones at Andover Baptist Church and has been uploaded as a video to YouTube for people to watch until the 29^th November.

The service coincided with the global United Nations World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims.

It began with a speech from Chief Inspector of the Roads Policing Unit, Chris Spellerberg, who said that despite being online he remains “absolutely committed to supporting those affected by road death”.

He went on to say how “this poignant act of commemoration” is dedicated “to remembering road traffic victims” as well as “pay tribute” to “fire, police, ambulance teams, nurses, doctors and councillors”.

Ch Insp Spellerberg also said that the service was used “to reflect, remember and acknowledge the suffering of all affected victims, families and our communities”.

Reverend Dominic Jones led in prayer during the service, saying: “I do hope that this online version of our service will still be able to bring you some comfort.”

Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney also read psalm 139 and John chapter 14 from the Bible.

The service also consisted of a rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’.

Reverend Jones finished the service with some final prayers of remembrance and blessing.