Memorial Service to commemorate Britons killed in terrorist attacks abroad
7 Sep 2006 11:15 AM
The 13 British victims of Sharm el-Sheikh, Kusadasi and Doha bombings
are to be commemorated later this month at a national memorial
service.
The service will be held on Wednesday 20 September at 2.00 pm in
Southwark Cathedral in London. It will remember those who died in,
and those who survived last year's terrorist attacks in Sharm
el-Sheikh (Egypt), Kusadasi (Turkey) and Doha (Qatar). The service
has been organised by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on
behalf of and in consultation with the bereaved families. The
families will be joined at the service by representatives of faith
communities, the affected countries and relief agencies which have
provided assistance.
The Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell, is responsible for supporting
the UK victims of terror attacks. Ms Jowell said:
"Terrorist attacks last year, both at home and overseas, devastated
the lives of those who were caught up in them and those who were left
behind. On 20 September we will remember and pay our respects to the
thirteen people whose lives were so tragically cut short in Egypt,
Turkey and in Qatar. And we will also remember those who were
survived the attacks and those who were bereaved. Last year bombers
turned family holidays into terror and death. It is important that we
all take time to reflect and remember the victims of these terrorist
atrocities."
The service will be led by the Dean of Southwark, the Very Reverend
Colin Slee. The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend Dr John Saxbee,
will preach a sermon, reflecting the large number of bereaved
families from Lincolnshire. During the service the names of the 13
victims will be read aloud, and 13 candles will be lit. A bereaved
relative will give a reading, as will Ms Jowell.
Notes to editors:
Background to the attacks:
* One Briton, Jonathan Adams, was killed by a bomb in Doha, Qatar on
19 March 2005, when a car bomb exploded outside the Doha Players'
Theatre.
* One Briton, Helyn Louise Bennett, was killed and six British
nationals from one extended family group were injured when a tourist
minibus was destroyed by a bomb in the resort of Kusadasi, Turkey on
16 July 2005.
* On 23 July 2005 11 Britons were killed by three blasts in the
Egyptian resort town of Sharm-el-Sheikh. Additional background on the
attacks attached. They were: Leslie Ayers, Alan Bentley, Noleen
Bentley, Valerie Bracci, Keri Davies, Matthew Fulham, Charith
Jayawardena, Jeremy Lakin, Annalie Vickers, Hannah Lloyd and David
Sayer
The 7 July Assistance Centre - which provides support for those
affected by the 7 July London bombings - also offers support to the
bereaved families and survivors of these attacks. The centre provides
face-to-face contact with trained counselors and support
organisations, and is funded by DCMS.
Further details on the service:
The service starts at 2pm and is expected to finish at 3pm. Further
details of the contents of the service will be issued shortly before
the event.
Public Enquiries: 020 7211 6200
Internet: http://www.culture.gov.uk
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
2-4 Cockspur Street
London SW1Y 5DH
www.culture.gov.uk