Tributes pour in for Forbury trio
Readers’ tributes
THE COMMUNITY has been shocked at the tragic events in Reading on Saturday. Many have wanted to pay tribute.
In a statement, Wokingham Borough Council said it is “devastated by news of the violent attacks in our neighbouring town of Reading.
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims affected by this traumatic event on Saturday, June 20.
“We are shocked and saddened that one of the victims was Mr Furlong, Head of History and Government and Politics at the Holt School Wokingham. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the school community.”
Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for children’s services, Cllr UllaKarin Clark said: “I have been left utterly shocked and devastated by this tragedy.
“My thoughts are with Mr Furlong’s family and friends and with the whole school community. The Holt is a strong school that promotes good citizenship and a supportive culture, but this will be a time when it needs the support of the wider community.
“I will provide whatever help I can personally and ensure that the whole of the borough council does the same.”
Council leader John Halsall said: “I am absolutely mortified that three young men were struck down for completely senseless reasons.
“My thoughts are with the families and friends of the three murdered in a series of senseless stabbings in Reading, Forbury Gardens.
“It is difficult to find words to console in such a dreadful circumstance. It is impossible to understand the motive for such actions. My thanks go to our vital emergency services.
“On Sunday, I was so upset that it made me wonder why I bother to do what I do with the council, but a realisation crept in that it’s a copout. If you do that, thewrongdoers in society have won.
“I am proud of my fantastic team who helped The Holt on Monday. They didn’t have to be told, they came in. They are all very good.
“I’ve tried to say to our staff that you have to have a can-do attitude: council staff, directors and officers have really taken that messages on board and been fantastic. “
Labour group leader Cllr Andy Croy said: “It's devastating. Everybody in the community is in so
much pain. Everybody has some connection to The Holt: a mother, a grandmother, a wife, a daughter. We’ve all got connections. It's devastating.”
In a statement, the Wokingham Liberal Democrats said: “We’re shocked and saddened by the events in Forbury Gardens last Saturday evening.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to all those who lost loved ones, or were impacted by this event that has affected the very heart of our community.
“We express our thanks to the emergency services for their quick and effective response and commend the bravery of the police officer who apprehended the suspect.
“With three lives lost in such a terrible manner, there will be a lot of speculation as to the reason for the attack, butwe have to let the Police do their detailed work and we will find out more in due course.”
Cllr Imogen Shepherd- Dubey, Wokingham Town Council leader, said: “As a local councillor I can see how this has affected the students at The Holt School and the wider community.
“Our teachers are relied upon by our children to make them feel safe and when one of them gets killed in such a horrific manner, the impact can be wide- sweeping and devastating.
“I am in contact with many members of the local LGBT community, who are also devastated by this event.
“All of the victims were well known and we currently believe that this group of friends in Forbury Gardens were just attacked for being in thewrong place at thewrong time. Wemust await the details of the police investigation, before commenting any further on any of these points.”
Lorna McArdle, CEO of Support U — a Readingbased LGBTQ+ support charity — said: “As a support service, we are feeling the pain of our community, and we recognise that many are feeling numb.
“If you need to talk now, in two weeks, in a month or a year’s time, we’re always here.
“This is a very tough time, and I understand that myself, having lost friends through acts of violence. But as an organisation, we are here to help.”
It is a very sad day for Wokingham.
My 17- year- old twin daughters were both taught by him, Abigail said, he was the teacher other teachers would aspire to be, and made us feel every one of our voices mattered.
He inspired in my girls their passionate love of a history and an interest in politics. Rachel Slocombe
James trained me to be a History Teacher in 2015. He was the most incredible mentor and educator anyone could wish for. His knowledge and passion for his subject knew no bounds. The time spent planning, marking and supporting his students was second to none. He always told me that he worked six days a week, always Sundays off, but not always...
James was an inspiration for students and teachers.
He was your biggest critic, but your biggest supporter. He only wanted you to be the very best version of yourself.
James truly shaped who I am as a teacher and how I teach young people about our history. He was so passionate about equality, freedom and change.
James impacted so many people.
This is such a huge loss for his family, friends, The Holt, his incredible department and students - past and present. You will be so missed. EmmaWickens
I was a student at The Holt from 2012- 2017. Mr Furlong was a funny and kind teacher.
As Head of History, and as my History teacher in Year 8, he always made History fun and entertaining. History was always one of my
favourite subjects and Mr Furlong always encouraged it. Jade Sirmon
I went to the A level options evening and both my daughter and I came out from James session inspired, such an amazing teacher, clearly so passionate about what he did. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this Simon difficult Hayward time.
and This friends, is so sad, sounds my like thoughts an amazing are with teacher his family his parents should be very proud x RIP. Tara Stocker
everyone He taught he taught my daughter, will take so with very them sad. through I hope life his inspiration he showed in teaching. Sharon Hooper Squire
So sad Mr Furlong taught both my daughters at Holt, such a lovely man. Trish Risley
So sad. My thoughts are with James Family and Friends. Condolences to you all x Suzan Baldwin
I'm so sad for all his family and friends xxx Laura Bissex
Heartbreaking for the families I can’t imagine what they’re going through at the moment. Amanda Hobbs
My heart goes out to all who knew and loved him. Patricia Preedy
My thoughts go out to his family, friends, students and coworkers as well as the whole of reading, what a devastating situation. Frankie Ellen
Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family, friends, colleagues and students. Debbi Frost
Such tragic news. Thoughts are with his family, colleagues and pupils x Edwina Nash
Such a waste of life. RIP fellas. Wayne Duffy