SOUTHEND will get to say goodbye to much-loved MP Sir David Amess tomorrow (Monday, November 22).

A memorial funeral is being held in the town along with a procession which will allow constituents to pay their respects to the Southend West MP.

Sir David was tragically stabbed to death during an incident at Belfairs Methodist Church in October.

He had been holding a constituency surgery at the time.

Ali Harbi Ali, 25, has been charged with murder and preparation of terrorist acts in connection with the incident and is due to stand trial next year.

Another funeral service will be held in Westminster on Tuesday before Sir David is laid to rest.

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming services and procession taking place this week:

Memorial funeral

The service will be taking place at St Mary’s Church, Prittlewell, and starts at 1pm tomorrow.

It will be led by Rev’d Paul Mackay and Rev Monsignor Kevin William Hale.

It is a family affair and strictly invitation only.

Residents can listen to the service via the radio on BBC Essex.

They are urged not to attempt to attend the service due to security reasons.

Church bells will ring around 45 minutes before the service begins.

Echo:

Procession

The service is predicted to end around 2.10pm and the procession will get underway around five minutes later.

A casket carrying Sir David will be taken around parts of Southend via horse-drawn hearse.

It will begin from East Street and head towards the Civic Centre in Victoria Avenue where it will pause for a minute to allow councillors and council officers to pay their respects.

The procession will then go onto the Sir David’s constituency office at Iveagh Hall, Leigh Road, where it will again pause for a minute.

It will then move onto the Chapel of Rest where the casket will remain for the evening.

The timings for the procession are as follows:

  • 2.10pm memorial service ends
  • 2.15pm procession will begin from East Street
  • 2.20pm pause at the Civic Centre
  • 2.35pm pause at Iveagh Hall

Southend Council’s message

Leader Ian Gilbert 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.

“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.”

People who do wish to pay their respects are asked to spread out along the procession route, wear a face covering if you are able to and respect social distancing measures.

Echo:

Book of Condolence to close

Tomorrow’s 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.

Sir David’s family has asked 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.