WE WILL REMEMBER THEM: HOXTON MEMORIAL SERVICE

November is a month of reflection and remembrance, as we honour those who have served in conflicts around the world.

ARL colleagues gathered at Hoxton station on Monday 18 November to pause and express gratitude for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for peace and freedom.

Outside the station stands the North London Railwaymen War Memorial, which was first unveiled in 1921 to commemorate those from the train operator who fell during the First World War. The memorial originally stood at Broad Street station, which was closed and demolished in 1986. Following the closure, the memorial was reinstalled in Richmond station car park in 1989. Transport for London’s reopening of the East London Line – now the Windrush line – prompted the decision to move the memorial to Hoxton station, with its rededication taking place in 2011.

Colleagues joined trumpeter Barbara Douglas by the memorial, as she performed the Last Post and led prayers for the fallen. This is Barbara’s fifth time joining ARL for this special annual service. There were also poetry readings from Joanna Haigh, customer host, and Neal Bailey, customer experience manager.

It is important for us to ensure that the stories of the fallen are not forgotten, even as time moves forward. Events like this not only preserve the memory of those who served but also serve as a reminder to protect the peace they fought to uphold.