The Event
Order of Service
Attendees to connect to the call from 1.45pm onwards, when a countdown will start, for a 2pm start.
Finished by 2.50pm.
The service will be livestreamed on the main page and after it has finished a live chat box will be enabled for those who wish to speak with other attendees. We will also upload a recording of the service to the bottom of this page the following day.
As soon as we are allowed to do so, we will get back in touch with the details of a small event to install the plaque on Westminster Bridge, and we look forward to welcoming all in-person for a suitable event on the Fifth Anniversary in 2022.
A Few Words
Revd. Tony Miles
Superintendent Minister of Methodist Central Hall, Westminster
Introduction
Travis Frain
Survivor and Co-Organiser
“I’m There Inside Your Heart” - Poem
Magda Toi, on behalf of the family of Andreea Cristea
Readings
Remarks
Silvia Ahmet Caldelas and Noah Via, on behalf of the family of Aysha Frade
Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP
Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom
Brief Introduction to the Manchester Survivors Choir by Cath Hill, Co-Founder.
Solo performance by Ellie Taylor, on behalf of the Manchester Survivors Choir
“Something In The Water” - Musical Performance
Reading
“Those That Stepped Up To The Plate” - Poem
Provided by Melissa Cochran, on behalf of the family of Kurt Cochran, and read by Tony Andrews, Emergency Planning Manager at Westminster Council and Co-Organiser (Lyrical credit: “Blackbird” by Alter Bridge)
Tony Davis
Civilian First Responder
Minute’s Silence
Finishing address by Rev. Tony Miles
Musical Outro
Organ Recital, provided by Methodist Central Hall
‘Nimrod’ (Edward Elger) - Gerard Brooks
At this point in the service we will end the formal commemorations and the recording for those who cannot attend, and activate a chat box until 4pm so that attendees can speak with one another informally. Additionally, should anyone wish to remain in touch further we still have use of the secure Yammer social network, and will be happy to add you to the group should you request.
Special Thanks
We would like to take this opportunity to pay a special thanks to a number of individuals and organisations who have helped to make this event a reality, by helping practically with the organization and logistics, or by putting pressure on the relevant authorities to provide response to our campaigning.
Mark Field, former Member of Parliament for Westminster
Neil Coyle, Member of Parliament for Bermondsey and Old Southwark
Dame Vera Baird QC, Victims Commissioner for England & Wales
Neil Basu QPM, Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations
Both the current and previous Speakers of the House of Commons and their staff, Sir Lindsay Hoyle and John Bercow PC.
The Mayor of London and Westminster City Council, for their financial and organisational support.
Survivors Against Terror, Strength to Strength, and One World Strong, terror victim organisations that helped us reach out to victims and to draft our campaigning efforts.
All of those victims and survivors who signed our initial letter and were involved in the two year campaign for these commemorations to take place. Particular mention to Owen Lambert and Janet O’Sullivan who attended our meeting with the Mayor of London to help impress upon him the importance that this event take place.
Everyone attending this event has displayed great courage in remembering the events of 22nd March 2017, in what may for many be their first proper opportunity to do so. We commend you and hope that today’s service has brought some small measure towards aiding in your continued recovery. We look forward to hopefully being able to finally meet you all in person on the Fifth Anniversary next year.
Kind Regards,
Travis D. Frain Tony Andrews
Co-Organisers of the Westminster Commemorations Working Group