Norwich Strong march from Chapelfield Gardens to the war memorial, where they observed a minutes silence. Photo: Bill Smith.A small group of people took part in a march in memory of a soldier murdered in south-east London in Norwich today.
Norwich Strong march from Chapelfield Gardens to the war memorial, where they observed a minutes silence. Photo: Bill SmithAround 40 people joined the Norwich group supporting the Stand Strong March, which was hoping to have around 30 marches around the country on the same day.
Drummer Lee Rigby, the father of a two-year-old boy, was hacked to death near Woolwich barracks in front of dozens of people last month.
The murder of the 25-year-old soldier, who served with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, shocked a nation and has resulted in the marches.
Organised by a group called Norwich Strong, the supporters gathered in Chapelfield Gardens at 11am before marching at midday and observing a minute’s silence outside City Hall shortly before 1pm.
The march included collections on behalf of a number of military charities, including Help For Heroes, SSAFA, Scotty’s Little Soldiers, Combat Stress and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Aid Society.
Norwich City Council and Norfolk police ensured the event was marshalled properly, as far-right groups have been involved with some similar marches around the country.
Charlotte Rees, from Lakenham, organised the Norwich Strong event and said: “I got in touch with the local EDL (English Defence League) and We Are Norwich (anti-extremist group) leaders and told them what we were doing and that we didn’t want any politics brought into it.
“They said they wouldn’t get involved but some of their members might come along, to share in the march as British citizens.”