Families and community members have united to honour the 14 young black people who lost their lives in the devastating New Cross fire, using a poignant memorial service on the tragedy's 45th anniversary to call for compassion and continued action against racism.
A Church Filled with Remembrance
On Sunday afternoon, more than 200 people filled every seat at St Andrew’s Church in Brockley, south-east London. They gathered to remember the youngsters, aged between 14 and 22, who died when flames engulfed a birthday party at a house on New Cross Road on 18 January 1981.
The victims were named as Patrick Cummings, Andrew Gooding, Peter Campbell, Gerry Paul Francis, Steve Collins, Patricia Johnson, Rosaline Henry, Lloyd Hall, Humphrey Geoffrey Brown, Owen Thompson, Yvonne Ruddock, Glenton Powell, Paul Ruddock and Anthony Berbeck – who took his own life in 1983.
A Legacy of Unanswered Questions
The fire, initially suspected to be a racist attack involving a petrol bomb, sparked a massive protest with 10,000 people marching through central London. Despite two inquests, the exact cause remains officially unresolved, with both returning open verdicts.
At the second inquest, the coroner stated that while evidence suggested it was "more likely than not" the fire was started deliberately by applying a flame to an armchair, he could not be certain. This prevented a verdict of unlawful killing.
Speakers at the service directly addressed this enduring lack of accountability. Former Playschool presenter Baroness Benjamin, calling the victims "14 stars", said the families "have never received the justice they so clearly and desperately deserve." She described the tragedy as "a shameful part of history" that has "left a stain on British society."
A Community's Call for Change
Cultural historian and Windrush campaigner Professor Patrick Vernon said the fire "exposed how black lives, black grief and black suffering were treated in this country." Sir Steve Bullock, former mayor of Lewisham, reflected that the community learned of the "deep-rooted racism in British society" from the event, urging continued struggle against hatred.
Survivors and family members shared personal tributes. Sandra Ruddock, who lost her husband and sister-in-law, urged the congregation to "hold one another with compassion and care." Richard Gooding honoured his 14-year-old brother Andrew and brought his 91-year-old mother on stage to a standing ovation.
The emotional service included a candle lit for each victim, with the assembly declaring "we remember you" after every name. A "lantern of hope" was then lit and carried towards a dedicated stained-glass window installed in the church in memory of those lost.
