A Service of Remembrance for those who have been killed or injured on Dorset roads and those who serve them

The service, led by the Bishop of Sherborne, the Rt Revd Karen Gorham and Chaplains who serve the Dorset police, will be held in Wimborne Minister on Saturday 21st September at 11am.

It will be an opportunity for all those who care to gather and for those who have been injured or lost their lives to be remembered. The service will also be attended by the Chair of Dorset Council, the High Sheriff and Chief Constable of Dorset Police as well as other representatives of local chaplaincies and the emergency services, including the fire and ambulance services.

Bishop Karen writes:

“Since living in Dorset I have been aware of the dangers of our road system and the number of accidents and fatalities there are year on year. Whilst this year we are relieved to hear that this number has decreased, I know many people are affected by road traffic accidents be they relatively minor or severe, including the families and friends of those involved. It is with this in mind that in partnership with Dorset Police, their part-time Chaplains and Wimborne Minister I have decided to hold this service in September and invite all those who have been affected.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill, who will be attending the service, said:

“People who die or who sustain life changing injuries in road traffic accidents are not statistics – we need to remember that there are friends, family and perhaps children who will also be affected.

“This will be a truly special service and I would encourage anyone who has been affected by a road accident to attend, regardless of what their religious beliefs are – or even whether or not they have any.

“It will also enable us to give thanks to police officers and members of other blue light services such as firefighters and paramedics who attend road traffic accidents. These people often have to deal with incredibly traumatic incidents and it is right that we recognise the difficult but essential work that they do.”

The Service will also be the culmination of a week raising awareness of road safety led by Dorset Police in the Dorset press. We shall also give thanks at the service for those who attend road traffic accidents, oversee road safety, and all of our emergency services.

All are welcome.

including the fire and ambulance services’