Plans for the Southend-on-Sea memorial funeral service for Sir David Amess MP have been unveiled, including the opportunity for residents to listen as BBC Essex broadcast live.
Read the Sir David Amess, MP - order of service
The memorial funeral which will take place at St Mary’s Church, Prittlewell, on Monday 22 November and be led by Reverend Paul Mackay and Rev Monsignor Kevin William Hale, is a family affair and strictly invitation only.
Following the service, which will start at 1pm, the casket will be carried in a horse-drawn hearse through Southend’s streets, pausing outside the Civic Centre in Victoria Avenue and Iveagh Hall, Sir David’s Southend West Conversative Constituency office, in Leigh Road.
Cllr Ian Gilbert, leader of council, said: "We understand residents want to pay their respects to our much-loved Sir David and although for security reasons, we are unable to invite the public into the church for the service, there are other ways for people to pay their respects.
“It will be an incredibly emotional day and although Sir David’s family are keen for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time, they understand there are many others in the City who knew and loved him. With that in mind, anyone who would like to listen to the service can do so on BBC Essex.
“Residents can also pay their respects by lining the streets of Southend as the hearse passes and writing in the Book of Condolence at the Civic Centre before it closes at 7pm.
Residents who do wish to pay their respects are asked to please spread out along the procession route, wear a face covering if you are able to and respect social distancing measures.
The estimated timings are as follow:
- 12.15pm church bells will toll
- 1pm memorial service begins
- 2.10pm memorial service ends
- 2.15pm procession will begin from East Street
- 2.20pm approximately the horse-drawn hearse will pause at the Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue and pause for a minute or so to allow people to pay their respects
- 2.35pm approximately the hearse will pause at Iveagh Hall, Leigh Road and will pause again for a minute or two before returning to the chapel of rest for the evening
The service will mark the final day the Book of Condolence will be open for people to leave a written tribute to Sir David. The Book is in the Jubilee Room at the Civic Centre in Victoria Avenue and will be open for the last time, until 7pm on Monday 22 November.
There will be another funeral service for Sir David, the following day Tuesday 23 November in Westminster Cathedral.
From 12 noon, BBC Essex will broadcast a special programme presented by Dave Monk remembering Sir David. The show will include the memorial service broadcast live from 1pm.
BBC Essex can be accessed via Essex - Listen Live - BBC Sounds or on FM radio frequency 103.5 FM and 95.3 FM.
Sir David’s family has kindly requested that in lieu of flowers or other tributes, donations are made to the charities Sir David passionately and wholeheartedly supported. These include; The Dog’s Trust, The Music Man Project, Prost8, Endometriosis UK, and the Dame Vera Lynn Memorial Statue. A JustGiving page has been set up if you would like to donate: Sir David Amess Tribute fundraising on JustGiving.