HONOURING HEROES

On 7 November 2023, colleagues, community members and customers came together at the Hoxton memorial, outside Hoxton station, to remember and honour the sacrifice of men and women who dedicated their lives to the service of the nation during conflict.

The Remembrance service at the Hoxton memorial is a poignant and important tradition that not only honours heroic men and women who lost their lives during conflict, it also serves as a reminder of the profound impact of war on communities.

It provided time for solemn reflection and featured several readings led by railway chaplain Andrea Smyth and Hoxton station customer host Jo Haigh, who read Psalm 36:1 and Lamentations 3:21-23. Financial controller Barry Watson read the poem ‘I heard your voice’ by Tim Edds.

The Last Post, played by trumpeter Barbara Douglas, started a one-minute silence, allowing contemplation of the significance of the service.

Commenting on the importance of the service, Andrea Smyth, railway chaplain, said, “There are 20 railway chaplains, and this is one of the events we do for railway staff and there will be services from today into next week. We do this to remember those who have fallen in the past and sacrificed so much. However, it is also important to take a moment to reflect on what is going on in the world now and say a prayer for everyone affected. We are all God's children.”

Jo Haigh, customer host, volunteered to read at the service. “We all have someone in our past who fought for us, we must remember this. We have this service for those who worked for the railway and paid the ultimate sacrifice. I believe it is important to remember those who gave up so much for us to have our lives as they are right now. I was very happy to join the service.”

The Last Post was played by trumpeter Barbara Douglas, who has been part of this service three times before. Her son, currently at university, was the first to play the Last Post at the Hoxton services. Barbara said, "It is important to remember and give honour and respect to all those who have gone before. It allows us a chance to remember and grieve our losses. It is such a worthwhile thing to do."

Barry Watson, financial controller, finished off the readings by sharing the poem, ‘I heard your voice’. Barry said, “I felt privileged to be asked to read a poem as my grandad rode a motorbike for the Marine Corps delivering messages in London during the second world war and I felt like I was honouring his memory. Supporting the service allowed me to take a moment to remember not just my grandad but everyone who has lost their lives in conflict.”

Customer experience manager, Neal Bailey, organised the service and acknowledged its importance to the station team at Hoxton and the local community. “The service is something special and gives an opportunity for remembrance of those who served and died for our country. Life can be so busy you forget, but this gives us the time to take a moment and reflect. I also think it is important for younger generations, to help them understand the purpose of remembrance and the sacrifices made by railway people.”

The Hoxton Memorial serves as a symbol of gratitude and remembrance for the immense contribution of railway men and women during wartime. It features the names of those who died during World War I, World War II and other conflicts, alongside moving inscriptions that pay tribute to their service.