Comment: Remembering the Admiral Duncan
Monday 30 April next week marks the thirteenth anniversary of the nail bomb attack on the Admiral Duncan, Soho.
It marks the last of three nail bomb attacks that took place in April 1999 when David Copeland set out to stir up fear and hatred across London by planting nail bombs in Brixton (17th April), Brick Lane (24th April) and Soho (30th April) – targeting the local black, Asian and gay communities.
Horrific attacks which he hoped would cause a race war leading to the election of the British National Party. Luckily his plan failed but not before he had killed three people and injured and maimed many more.
Every year some of the survivors, the family and friends of those affected by the bombings gather on the 30th April at 6pm at the Admiral Duncan before at 6.20pm walking round to St Anne’s churchyard for a short act of remembrance lead by the priest from St Anne’s Church, Fr Swan.
Members of all communities are invited to line the route between the Admiral Duncan and St Anne’s churchyard to show support to those walking round to attend the service. Everyone is welcome, especially those who may have felt unable to attend before.
A two minute silence at 6.37pm will mark the moment when the Soho nail bomb left in a sports bag in the crowded bar was detonated killing three people and injuring over 80 more.
A peaceful moment to remember what happened and those that died including Andrea Dykes, John Light, Nik Moore as well as David Moorley (Sinders as many people knew him) along with those that survived and live with the memories of this dreadful attack.
We remember the bravery of those that responded immediately to tend to the injured, and those who have supported the survivors in the years that have followed. It is also important to understand and forgive those who for whatever reason were unable to do so.
Moving on with our lives in different ways we acknowledge how good prevailed and will continue to prevail as long we continue to stand and work together to prevent this happening again. These anniversaries serve to remind us that we must always be vigilant.
This year singers from Diversity will break the silence whilst tributes are laid for the victims of the attack, followed by Readings by the family and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
After a final song by Diversity the gardens will remain open until 7.30pm so people can pay their respects.
Everyone is welcome to attend and a Facebook group 17-24-30 and event page has been set up for those who wish to participate but are unable to do so.
This years service has been organised by Mark Healey (17-24-30) in liaison with Craig Taylor (Manager Admiral Duncan and Duke of Wellington), Fr Swan from St Anne’s Church, PC Andy Rickets (Westminster’s LGBT Police liaison Officer) and members of the Moore family.
