New Cross Fire Foundation
New Cross Fire 45th Anniversary Memorial Service
​The 45th anniversary of the 1981 New Cross Fire was marked on Sunday 18th January 2026 with the annual memorial service which took place at St Andrew’s United Reformed Church in Brockley.
The annual service remembers and pays tribute to the fourteen young people who lost their lives, to their families and friends, to those who survived the fire, and to the wider community that was impacted by the tragedy.
St Andrews was completely full for the service, which was led by the Rev. John Grundy and the Rev. Steve Lawrence. After opening prayers and hymns, the first of many tributes was given by Sir Steve Bullock, a former Mayor of Lewisham. This was followed by a moving performance of Steal Away, performed by Alexandra Middleditch, the Director of the Youth Choir of All Saints New Cross.
The Baroness Benjamin gave an impassioned tribute, followed by Professor Patrick Vernon, and then Jules Pipe, the Deputy Mayor of London who spoke on behalf of the Mayor of London. After two readings from the Bible, including one by Lewisham Cllr Kim Powell, Richard Gooding, the brother of Andrew Gooding who lost his life in the fire, gave his tribute before inviting their 91-year-old mother to the lectern. Mrs Gooding, who has attended every annual memorial service since 1981, was giving a lengthy standing ovation from the audience.
The current Mayor of Lewisham, Baroness Brenda Dacres, gave her tribute, which was followed by the Act of Remembrance for the fourteen victims. Sandra Ruddock and Jenny Berbeck read each name, a candle was lit, and the audience responded with ‘We Remember You’ for each victim.
The service included a number of poignant, powerful, and moving performances by the Lee New Testament Church of God Community Choir, led by the Rev. Andrew Simpson. A lantern of hope, which will be installed beneath the New Cross Fire Memorial Window in the church, was lit by Khali, a member of the Ruddock family, and Sandra Ruddock gave a final tribute before the service ended.
Following the service, refreshments generously catered by Cummin’ Up, were provided in the Carter Hall beneath the church. This was an opportunity for people to meet, talk, remember, and be comforted among a community that continues to shoulder the weight of this terrible tragedy.
(All images copyright Lewisham Council)
