New Cross Fire – 45th Anniversary Memorial Service

On 18 January 1981, the New Cross Fire tragically led to the deaths of 14 young Black people.

2026 marks the 45th anniversary of the New Cross Fire.

A memorial service will take place on Sunday 18 January 2026 at St Andrew’s Church, Brockley Road, London SE4 2SA. Please arrive by 2.15pm to be seated.

The service, led by Rev John Grundy and Rev Steve Lawrence, is an important opportunity to gather to commemorate and honour those who lost their lives in the fire in 1981, and to remember their families and survivors.

Following the service, guests are invited to a reception with a buffet kindly provided by Cummin’ Up, serving authentic Caribbean food.

You can join the service on the day via live stream.

Remembering all those who lost their lives:

• Patrick Cummings, 21 September 1964 - 18 January 1981
• Andrew Gooding,18 February 1966 - 18 January 1981
• Peter Campbell, 23 February 1962 - 18 January 1981
• Gerry Paul Francis, 21 August 1963 - 18 January 1981
• Steve Collins, 2 May 1963 - 18 January 1981
• Patricia Johnson, 16 May 1965 - 18 January 1981
• Rosaline Henry, 23 September 1964 - 18 January 1981
• Lloyd Hall, 28 November 1960 - 18 January 1981
• Humphrey Geoffrey Brown, 4 July 1962 - 18 January 1981
• Owen Thompson, 11 September 1964 - 18 January 1981
• Yvonne Ruddock, 17 January 1965 - 24 January 1981
• Glenton Powell, 18 January 1966 - 25 January 1981
• Paul Ruddock, 19 November 1958 - 9 February 1981
• Anthony Berbeck, 17 August 1962 - 9 July 1983

Our commitment is to ensure their stories are never forgotten. By gathering each year, we honour their memory, support the families and survivors, and reaffirm the values of unity and resilience that emerged from this loss.

On the day of the memorial, Hither Green Crematorium and Cemetery will be open from 10.30am to 3pm for those who wish to spend time in quiet reflection.

For more information, or to register your interest, please contact civicevents@lewisham.gov.uk.