On Sunday 17th November 2024, we held our Service of Remembrance and Hope to remember all those who have lost their lives on the roads globally. This day marked the World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims.

The event was full of heartfelt speeches, words of hope and brave personal stories. One of these personal stories was conveyed through the courageous words of Steve Gatfield who was willing to share some of his own experience and give a true insight into what this can be like for many of the families we support. There can be no argument that this part of the service moved everyone who attended very deeply.

There was a wonderful sense of community and support as those who attended shared their remembrance, hope, prayers, songs (and a mince pie or two!) – reminding everyone that at times like these it is important to come together.

We cannot thank each and every one of you who attended enough for choosing to be a part of such a special event. However, we would like to extend a huge thank you to St Paul’s Church for hosting us and helping us to organise the service and The Collaboration Choir for lifting our spirits with their beautiful voices!

Thank you to His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Susan Lousada, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Bav Shah, Cllr Caroline White, Cllr Mohammed Nawaz and many honoured Mayors from surrounding communities for taking the time to attend and pay your respects.

It was encouraging to see so many young cadets from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and His Majesty’s
Lord-Lieutenant’s cadets helping and being involved in the day, from lighting candles in memory of loved ones, handing out order of service booklets, taking collections and looking outstanding and proud in their uniforms.

Thank you to Assistant Chief Constable Karena Thomas and our Chief Executive Paul Cook for their poignant speeches and prayer readers Jan Maze, (Counselling Volunteer), Paul Jones (Trustee), Tanya Fosdick (Patron) and Sharn Basra (CEO of Beds OPCC).

Last but by no means least, our sincere thanks to HCC Solicitors and CFG for their joint sponsorship of the event.

Please view our video montage below to see some snapshots of the event, as well as our Order of Service booklet.