A service is taking place this morning (Saturday 20 August) to remember the victims of the Shoreham air crash a year ago.
The service starts at 11am at St Mary de Haura, in Shoreham, where many sought consolation after the disaster last year in which 11 people died.
And on Monday (22 August) flowers will be laid on the old Shoreham Tollbridge and a minute’s silence held at 1.22pm, marking the exact time of the crash a year ago.
The Diocese of Chichester said: “The families of the victims have been given details of the events.”
The Bishop of Chichester Martin Warner said that all those involved in the events surrounding the crash would be remembered in special prayers at church services across the county.
He said: “One year on and there will be prayers of remembrance, for the healing of memories, for the injured, for the courage and help offered by emergency services and strangers and also for those who lost their lives.
The service at St Mary de Haura has been organised by Shoreham Churches Together.
The diocese said: “The wooden Tollbridge at Shoreham became a focal point for the community in the wake of the tragedy with hundreds of bouquets of flowers laid in memory of those who lost their lives.”
Louise Goldsmith, leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “Throughout the last year our thoughts have been with the families who lost loved ones. This tragedy has had a massive impact on the community and touched so many lives.
“It is right that one year on we are coming together again, laying flowers and holding a minute’s silence so that we can have a time of reflection.
“I know that across Shoreham, around West Sussex and further afield, people will also be remembering those who died.”
Flowers and other items left on the Tollbridge to mark the one year anniversary will be cared for and then moved after a week to a temporary memorial area.
Brighton and Hove City Council is also observing a silence at 1.22pm in Monday. The council said: “Residents are being invited to join council staff in a one-minute silence on Monday to commemorate the first anniversary of the Shoreham air crash.
“At 1.22pm staff and visitors to council buildings will be asked to observe the silence as a mark of respect for the people and communities affected by the tragedy.
“The council will also be flying flags at half-mast at all council buildings.
“1.22pm is the official time for the silence which is being observed by many communities and organisations throughout the south east and the country.”
