Southend to pay tribute to Sir David Amess one year on

Sir David Amess was MP for Southend West for 24 years and a south Essex MP for nearly 40 years before he was tragically murdered on October 15 2021.

To mark the first anniversary of his death, a tree will be planted in his memory at Chalkwell Park from 11am on Saturday October 15.

The tree will be planted using compost from the many flowers that were left across the area in the days and weeks following his murder.

Councillors and MPs will be joined by faith leaders and Southend mayor Kevin Robinson will make a short speech on behalf of the community.

An ensemble from The Southend Band will also perform during the event. Floral tributes are welcomed.

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Sir David Amess. Photo: Southend Council (Image: Southend Council)

Mr Robinson says: “Whilst we reflect on the awful and tragic events of October 15 2021, we must also be thankful for the life that Sir David lived and the many lives that he touched and changed both locally and beyond.

“Southend would not be a city with the continued commitment of Sir David to make it happen, and as the first Freeman of the City of Southend, he will always be the most important part of our history as a city.”

The day before, on Friday October 14, Holy Mass will be offered at 7pm at Saint Peter’s RC Church, Eastwood Road North.

All are welcome to attend.

Stephen George, leader of the council, says: “A kind family man, Sir David was devoted to his local constituency of Southend West and was the greatest champion of Southend and local area.

“He is greatly missed and we hope that we can remember him in an appropriate way by planting a memorial tree at one of his favourite local parks.”

Flags will be lowered to half-mast at the Civic Centre and Porters Civic House from Friday October 14 until the morning of Friday October 21, the day after councillors make tributes at full council.

Tony Cox, leader of the Conservative Group on Southend City Council, says: “It is hard to believe that it has been one year since that truly terrible day.

“Sir David was a great man, a great MP, a respected Parliamentarian and respected by his residents. It is only right that his legacy will live on forever thanks to the bestowing of city status in his honour.

“Our thoughts are still with his family and friends who are still grieving and trying to make sense of what happened. I only hope that the anniversary of his death will remind them of how loved he was, and that will provide some small comfort.”